Get free answers to your Tax Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
Our private club has a 501C7 tax designation and previously employed its own kitchen staff for private dining. Due to financial constraints from a decline in membership, we can no longer maintain the kitchen staff. A local restaurant has offered to lease our kitchen for public dining while the rest... View More 
As a financial advisor, I'm looking to invest in tax liens on behalf of individuals and churches. Do I need any specific licenses to carry out such investments in Michigan, and are there any federal regulations I should be aware of?
I am concerned about a property in Ironwood, MI, that is scheduled to go up for tax auction on Monday at 5:00 PM for $3,700. There is no will, and my nephew is the only relative. Can I take ownership from my nephew before the probate process is completed to prevent the auction?
answered on Mar 29, 2025
Your nephew cannot transfer ownership of something he does not yet own.
So the short answer is 'no' ....
But there may be other options. Talk with a licensed local real estate/probate attorney to determine what can be done.
Good luck
I'm interested in acquiring a property as a third party due to $3,700 in unpaid back taxes. The property owner recently passed away, and the owner's nephew has until Monday evening to pay the back taxes. The property is not yet listed for a tax sale or auction. I would like to know if I... View More
answered on Mar 29, 2025
'Control' is such a non-specific word.
Can you PAY the back taxes to the County/State before then? Yes, but the Estate will retain the right to redeem meaning you won't get the property, you'll only get your money (plus interest) back.
Can you BUY the property... View More
When my mom passed away, her assets, including her home with a lady bird deed, automatically transferred to me and my brothers, and we're not going through probate. However, she may have owed a debt to the IRS, and there are no remaining assets to pay that debt. Do I still need to post a... View More
answered on Mar 27, 2025
MUST you do so? No.
But it is still a good idea because it effectively reduces any statute of limitations to the ‘non-probate claims period’ which is drastically shorter than the general limits.
The wording is slightly different than the ‘probate’ notice but similar. I’d... View More
My ex-husband and I finalized our divorce in December 2024. I filed a single tax return in January, but my tax refund of over $1,800 was accessed by him through an emerald card linked to our previous joint account. The card company denies it as fraud, and I'm awaiting a decision from the... View More
My father's estate has been tied up in legal proceedings for 2 years because the opposing attorney frequently cancels court dates without valid reasons. Additionally, my own attorney is unresponsive to calls and emails. The delay is largely due to disputes over IRS checks and farming... View More
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answered on Apr 1, 2025
You have multiple concerning issues occurring simultaneously with your father's estate. Given the unresponsiveness of your current attorney and the difficulty in securing new representation, you might consider filing a complaint with the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission regarding your... View More
I have a garnishment filed every year for a car repossession from 8 years ago, and my state refund is garnished and sent to the attorney. I have no agreement or contact with them, and this year is my first time able to get a federal tax refund. Can they also take my federal refund?
answered on Feb 25, 2025
No to Federal Refund. There is also no reason to file MI state taxes if you are going to get a refund. They is no penalty unless you owe and file late.
I am considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy due to a garnishment related to an eight-year-old car repossession, with a remaining balance of $13,000. The creditor takes my tax refund annually, including $3,400 this year. I haven't sought professional advice yet. My concern is a discrepancy... View More
answered on Feb 21, 2025
Dealing with garnishments and old debts is stressful. Chapter 7 bankruptcy might be an option, but the income difference between your 1099 and bank statements needs careful attention. Courts require accurate financial records.
Since you haven't consulted a lawyer, a free consultation... View More
I have had a court-mandated garnishment for 9 years due to a car repossession. Each year, about $3,000 is taken from my tax refund. I have not been employed recently and haven't been able to communicate with the debt collectors. The original debt was $22,000, and my current balance is $13,000.... View More
answered on Feb 20, 2025
First thing. I assume these are Michigan refunds. If so stop filing. The state doesn’t care if you file when you expect a refund.
Why are you reluctant to file bankruptcy?
My tax liability is from before I married my current spouse which was for Sales, Use, and Withholding from a failed business, and I don't want the collections department to have any of her information. I am currently trying to continue a bi weekly payment arrangement, and they are requesting... View More
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answered on Jan 28, 2025
You are not required to disclose your spouse’s wages to Michigan collections if the tax liability is solely yours and occurred before your marriage. Your spouse’s income is generally not considered part of your obligation unless they are somehow legally tied to the liability, such as through... View More
I have lived in Michigan for 15 years. Prior to that I was a resident of Calif. . I bought cigarettes from out of state and the Calif tax department charged me with all back sales taxes I didn't pay. I have made small monthly payments for years. Now they want big payments that I can't... View More
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answered on Jan 12, 2025
If you owe back taxes to California but now live in Michigan, the California Board of Equalization typically cannot directly place a lien on your Michigan home. Their enforcement powers are generally limited to assets and income within California.
However, California may take steps to... View More
Income - a gain or recurrent benefit usually measured in money that derives from capital or labor. Capital - net worth : excess of assets over liabilities. Labor - the services performed by workers for wages as distinguished from those rendered by entrepreneurs for profits. I am being taxed on the... View More
answered on Nov 18, 2024
Your concerns raise more of a political question than a legal one. And I think you are misunderstanding the relationship between the 16th Amendment and Article I.
Similar arguments and concerns have been litigated since the 16th Amendment was ratified in 1913. Congress's ability to... View More
I had no contact with this business. I have proof of hiring through text. A voicemail from the owner. I have pictures of their pay sheet showing I was working there.
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answered on Oct 25, 2024
It sounds like you have a solid collection of evidence supporting your work history. Start by organizing all your documentation, including texts, voicemails, and pay sheets. This will be crucial when presenting your case to the appropriate authorities.
Next, consider reaching out to the IRS... View More
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answered on Oct 1, 2024
No, those are two separate legal obligations. Trustee can be sued for breach of fiduciary duties and conversion for failure to distribute from Trust. But Trustee can (must) report income being transmitted to Beneficiaries, and the IRS will prosecute them if income is not reported.
I had $1400 taken out of my bank account without notice. The bank refused to investigate but said it was from the IRS. So I call them and it was not by them. Eventually I sued the bank. Today during mediation I discover it was really the Department of Treasury that did it and by a person I know. I... View More
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answered on Sep 21, 2024
It sounds like you're in a complicated situation. Since the funds were taken by the Department of Treasury and linked to someone you know, this may have turned into a matter of fraud involving that individual. However, your agreement with him and the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal... View More
Because crane machines are legally considered amusement devices, I’m not sure if crane machine owners need to pay amusement tax or if they even need to obtain a sales tax license. I assume that taxes for sales made on each play of the machine would count as a service sales tax, but I am not sure.
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answered on Sep 15, 2024
In Michigan, crane machines, like other amusement devices, are subject to specific regulations regarding taxation. As an owner, you are generally not required to pay an amusement tax specifically for the operation of crane machines. However, any income generated from the use of these machines is... View More
The property is in Georgia and I reside in Michigan.
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answered on Sep 14, 2024
You do not need to start a business to collect rent on a residential property you own. As an individual, you can rent out your property and report the rental income on your personal tax return. However, there are some benefits to forming a business entity, like an LLC, for rental properties, such... View More
the michigan tax code for property handed down to children
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answered on Aug 16, 2024
If you acquired land from a Lady Bird trust and bought out the interests of other parties, the tax treatment for that property depends on several factors. Michigan law allows for the uncapping of taxable value when property is transferred, but there are exemptions, such as transfers to children.... View More
My husband and a friend opened a food truck/restaurant. My husband had some medical issues and gave the friend POA to sign business documents for them as they were in the middle of trying to purchase a building. My husband left the company (day to day operations) but signed nothing giving away... View More
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answered on Aug 5, 2024
No, a business partner with a Power of Attorney (POA) cannot unilaterally sell or give away ownership rights without explicit consent from the other partner. The POA typically allows the partner to sign documents and make decisions on behalf of the business but does not grant the authority to alter... View More
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