Tax Law

Michael Cohen reportedly being investigated over more than $20M in loans to his taxi business

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan are considering filing criminal charges by the end of August against Michael Cohen, the former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump. Investigators are reportedly examining whether Cohen obtained more than $20 million in loans in December 2014 for his taxi business by misrepresenting the value of…

Aug 20, 2018 9:51 AM CDT

Jurors in Paul Manafort trial ask for new definition of reasonable doubt

Judge T.S. Ellis III told jurors that reasonable doubt is a doubt based on reason, and the government is not required to prove guilt beyond “all possible doubt.”

Aug 17, 2018 8:03 AM CDT

Former Trump lawyer Cohen reportedly being investigated for possible tax fraud

The investigation of Michael Cohen, a former lawyer for President Donald Trump, reportedly includes a probe of possible tax fraud. According to the Wall Street Journal, federal authorities are examining whether Cohen underreported income from taxi medallions, which permit drivers to operate cabs. They are also investigating whether Cohen inflated…

Aug 8, 2018 12:01 PM CDT

Manafort trial to begin; prosecutors have identified 500 potential exhibits and 35 witnesses

President Donald Trump’s former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, goes on trial Tuesday in Alexandria, Virginia, on charges of tax evasion, bank fraud and failure to report foreign bank accounts. The charges were brought by special counsel Robert Mueller.

Jul 31, 2018 8:05 AM CDT

Cuomo administration offers state attorney general a criminal referral in Trump Foundation probe

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's adminstration is willing to provide a referral to the state attorney general to pursue criminal charges against the Donald J. Trump Foundation.

Jul 19, 2018 8:45 AM CDT

Suit claims cap on deduction for state and local taxes violates equal state sovereignty

Four states filed a lawsuit Tuesday that contends the $10,000 cap on federal tax deductions for state and local taxes is unprecedented and unconstitutional.

Jul 19, 2018 7:00 AM CDT

Supreme Court clears way for states to collect sales tax from internet retailers

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that states may collect sales tax from internet retailers. Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote the majority opinion, joined by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the court's three most conservative justices. The case is South Dakota v. Wayfair.

Jun 21, 2018 9:50 AM CDT

Justice Department tells court it won’t defend parts of the health law on pre-existing conditions

The U.S. Justice Department has told a Texas federal court that it won’t defend provisions in the Affordable Care Act that ban insurers from refusing to cover people with pre-existing conditions and from charging them more money.

Jun 8, 2018 2:14 PM CDT

Business partner of Michael Cohen reportedly agrees to cooperate with prosecutors

A business partner of Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, has reportedly agreed to cooperate with the government.

May 22, 2018 5:44 PM CDT

Association for Honest Attorneys loses its tax-exempt status after founder can’t find a lawyer

The Association for Honest Attorneys hasn’t had any lawyer members since its founding in 2003. No lawyers are on its “nice list.” And no lawyer could be found to represent the group in a recent tax case, according to the group’s founder.

Apr 18, 2018 8:00 AM CDT

Special counsel is reportedly probing donation to Trump’s foundation by Ukrainian businessman

Special counsel Robert Mueller is reportedly investigating a $150,000 donation to President Trump’s foundation by a Ukrainian businessman in exchange for a 20-minute video-link talk by Trump. Trump’s personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, reportedly solicited the payment from Ukrainian billionaire Victor Pinchuk, the New York Times reports in a story based…

Apr 10, 2018 8:42 AM CDT

The high court weighs whether internet retailers must collect state sales taxes

In South Dakota v. Wayfair, set for argument today before the U.S. Supreme Court, justices will consider whether to overrule its 1992 decision in Quill Corp. v. North Dakota and uphold a law that requires most out-of-state internet retailers to collect sales tax.

Apr 1, 2018 2:15 AM CDT

New tax law affects alimony, could spur divorce surge

Some experts are predicting a surge in divorces this year as spouses paying alimony seek to take advantage of the deduction before it is eliminated.

Feb 6, 2018 7:00 AM CST

Tax issues reportedly slow merger talks between Bryan Cave and UK law firm

Tax issues have reportedly held up merger talks between Bryan Cave and U.K. law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner. The firms are discussing full financial integration rather than a merger using the looser Swiss verein structure, and that will create tax issues, the American Lawyer reports. The story relies on unidentified…

Jan 17, 2018 12:46 PM CST

Supreme Court accepts cases on appointment of SEC judges, retailer sales taxes, redistricting

The U.S. Supreme Court granted review in 12 cases Friday, including a challenge to the appointment process for administrative law judges at the Securities and Exchange Commission. At issue in the SEC case, Lucia v. SEC, is whether the judges are “inferior officers” under the appointments clause, rather than mere…

Jan 16, 2018 7:30 AM CST