Publications

Illinois Bar Journal
Articles on Taxation

Does Your Client Qualify for a Charitable Property Tax Exemption? By Karyn R. Vanderwarren January 2006 Article, Page 40 Whether you're counsel or a board member, you can help your charity try to qualify for an exemption and put the dollars you save to charitable use.
Tax Issues in Employment Discrimination Settlements By Ralph A. Morris and Heather R.M. Becker December 2005 Article, Page 638 Every lawyer who negotiates an employment discrimination settlement should understand the implications of these tax issues.
Employers to file quarterly tax returns for deductions and withholdings November 2005 Illinois Law Update, Page 564 The Illinois Department of Revenue (Department) recently amended Part 100 of Title 86, effective August 15, 2005.
TaxNet: Online tax filing for employers By Helen W. Gunnarsson November 2005 Lawpulse, Page 558 Now Illinois employers can pay state taxes and file documents online.
Circular logic By Helen W. Gunnarsson August 2005 Lawpulse, Page 382 Revised IRS Circular 230 requires lawyers and others who offer tax advice to take extra care and additional steps. Some lawyers think it goes too far.
New limits for family limited partnerships By Helen W. Gunnarsson August 2005 Lawpulse, Page 382 Casting a shadow over a popular tax avoidance device, a recent case disallowed an estate tax break for a decedent who maintained too much control over the business he transferred to his family limited partnership.
Taxes, Marital QTIP Trusts, and Anti- Apportionment Clauses By David Berek August 2005 Column, Page 418 It's time to revisit the language you've been using in QTIP trusts.  Find out why.
How Illinois' Homestead Exemption Really Works By David J. Dwyer May 2005 Article, Page 252 Here's how to calculate property taxes in Cook County under the new law.
Property Tax Code allows for post-judgment motions May 2005 Illinois Law Update, Page 232 On February 17, 2005, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed the appellate court's dismissal of the property owners' appeal and remanded the case to the appellate court. 
Tax credit expanded under Economic Development for a Growing Economy Tax Credit Act April 2005 Illinois Law Update, Page 170 The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently amended 14 Ill Adm Code 527. 
All constitutional requirements must be met in order for property to qualify for a charitable-use property tax exemption March 2005 Illinois Law Update, Page 116 On December 2, 2004, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed the orders of the appellate and circuit courts, which reversed the Illinois Department of Revenue's (Department) holding that the property in question was not tax exempt. 
Salaries at not-for-profits: the IRS takes a hard look By Helen W. Gunnarsson February 2005 Lawpulse, Page 62 If you advise or sit on the board of a tax-exempt organization, take note of an IRS initiative to make sure nonprofits aren't paying employees too much.
School Code amended to specify maximum-authorized district educational tax rate PA 093-1059 February 2005 Illinois Law Update, Page 68 Effective December 8, 2004, the School Code was amended by adding 105 ILCS 5/17.3.5, to indicate the maximum-authorized district educational tax rate.
Uniformity criteria adopted for assessors' bonuses February 2005 Illinois Law Update, Page 68 The Illinois Department of Revenue recently adopted amendments to the Property Tax Code, 86 Ill Adm Code 110.170. 
Beneficial interest in land trusts and controlling interests in real estate entities are now taxable under the Real Estate Transfer Tax January 2005 Illinois Law Update, Page 14 The Department of Revenue recently adopted amendments to the Real Estate Transfer Tax, 86 Ill Adm Code 120. Effective October 13, 2004, the changes affect sections 120.5, 120.10, and 120.20 of the code. 
Business Buyers' and Sellers' Guide to Reducing Taxes on Goodwill and Covenants Not to Compete By William B. Fox January 2005 Article, Page 34 Business sellers and buyers often allocate a portion of the sale price to these intangible assets – here's how to reduce taxes in the process.
Tax credit program to encourage motion picture industry operation in the State January 2005 Illinois Law Update, Page 14 The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently adopted 14 Ill Adm Code 528, effective October 22, 2004.
Update on Real Estate Tax Law Changes By James K. Weston January 2005 Column, Page 44 Here's a summary of some of the many recent changes in real estate taxation.
Higher discounts for voluntary filing of liquor tax returns and electronic funds transfers November 2004 Illinois Law Update, Page 568 Effective on July 27, 2004, the Department of Revenue recently adopted amendments to 86 Ill Adm Code 420. 
Family limited partnerships get the green light By Helen W. Gunnarsson September 2004 Lawpulse, Page 450 This important tax-planning device for farmers and business owners gets a boost from a federal appellate court.
Retailers to provide report listing monthly liquor purchases September 2004 Illinois Law Update, Page 456 The Illinois Department of Revenue recently adopted amendments to 86 Ill Adm Code 130. 
Park Districts Are Granted More Taxing Power P.A. 093-0625 August 2004 Illinois Law Update, Page 398 Effective immediately, if a park district lies wholly within one county, the park district board of that district is authorized to increase property taxes for corporate purposes for any one year
Real Estate Transfer Tax Regulations Amended to Prohibit Effective Double-Taxing of Real Estate Entities P.A. 93-0657 May 2004 Illinois Law Update, Page 242 Effective June 1st, limits are imposed to stop effectively double-taxing some real estate entities.
This is Me Leaving You: Illinois Departs from the Federal Estate Tax Scheme By Susan T. Bart January 2004 Article, Page 20 A critical look at legislation "decoupling" Illinois' estate tax from the federal credit.
Department of Revenue Implements Tax Legislation November 2003 Illinois Law Update, Page 550 The Illinois Department of Revenue recently adopted rulemaking to implement the requirements of various public acts, including 92-492, 92-322, 92-526, and 92-393. 
Illinois' New Estate-Tax Law By David A. Berek September 2003 Article, Page 465 An overview of Illinois' newly "decoupled' estate-tax scheme.
Assessing reassessments By Helen W. Gunnarsson August 2003 Lawpulse, Page 374 Appellate court precedent makes it difficult for assessors to change the valuation of property more often than once every four years. But what are the limits on assessors' authority to "revise and correct"?
Illinois says "no" to estate-tax elimination By Helen W. Gunnarsson August 2003 Lawpulse, Page 374 The feds are phasing out the estate tax, but beginning this year cash-strapped Illinois will no longer cap its estate tax at the federal maximum.
Unconditional payment requirement of use tax claimants amended April 2003 Illinois Law Update, Page 168 On January 15, 2003, the Department of Revenue (department) adopted new rules involving the unconditional repayment requirement of a claimant who files a claim for either credit or refund of the Use Tax in title 86 of the Illinois Administrative Code.
Pet trusts for trusty pets By Helen W. Gunnarsson March 2003 Lawpulse, Page 110 Illinois may shortly join 16 other states that have passed laws authorizing the creation of trusts with pets as beneficiaries.
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