Jay Starkman is a practicing CPA in Atlanta. He is the 2011 recipient of the Arthur J. Dixon Memorial Award, the accounting profession's highest award in the area of taxation. Tax Analysts named Jay a runner-up "2011 Tax Person of the Year." His writings reflect his insider view of the tax legislative process, having served on and chaired committees for the American Institute of CPAs. The Georgia Society of CPAs awarded him the Distinguished Member Award and the State of Georgia passed a resolution commending his work on state tax legislation. Visit www.starkman.com to read his articles, book excerpts, listen to tax songs, and see humorous accounting and tax videos.

Who says taxes and accounting are dull and boring? The Wall Street Journal called it, "the only readable book on taxation." Tax Analysts wrote, "meticulously researched...full of good cocktail-party conversation starters." This remarkable book presents the never-before-told story of how American and world history have been profoundly influenced by taxes. These amazing stories have involved some of our best-known leaders and celebrities. Martin Luther King survived a six-day jury trial, avoiding prison for underpaying his income tax by $318.81. Just 60 years ago, the IRS was so corrupt that if you didn't offer the agent a bribe, he might have shaken you down for one. The commissioner went to prison. President Franklin Roosevelt made two attempts at taxing income over $25,000 at a whopping 100 percent! And he saved Congressman Lyndon Johnson from prison for criminal tax fraud. Prior to 1933, U.S. presidents were exempt from income tax. California used racist taxes to exclude Chinese from the Gold Rush. Gandhi introduced nonviolent political struggle in a tax protest. There are tales about Al Capone, Wesley Snipes, Alan Jay Lerner, Sergeant York, Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Willie Nelson, Groucho Marx and Jack Benny. Fascinating stories fill this book including tales of gifts to Anna Nicole Smith, Liberace's garish "glamour and elegance," and Irving Berlin's songs. This book makes a unique and welcome gift for anyone who deals with taxes, including his own. Just read the outstanding customer reviews below, many of them from non-accountants.