Generally, you must report the amount of money or the fair market value of goods and services earned as a prize or an award. For example, if you won a cash prize at an art show, won free gasoline for a year from a radio contest, or earned an all-inclusive spa day for...
Month: June 2018
Michigan Supreme Court Holds Attorney Not Barred From Inheriting Large Estate From Will and Trust Prepared For Non-Relative Client
On June 21st, 2018, the Michigan Supreme Court released their decision in Estate of Mardigan, ___ Mich ___; ___ NW2d ___ (2018)(Docket No. 152655) holding that an attorney is not barred per se from receiving an inheritance from a will and trust that he prepared, but...
What Is The Crime Of Uttering and Publishing In Michigan?
It is a funny name for a crime but make no mistake that there are serious consequences for committing uttering and publishing in Michigan. One of the most common scenarios for uttering and publishing charges is an individual attempting to present a fraudulent...
Tax Consequences of Cancelled and Forgiven Debt
26 U.S.C. §61(a)(12) states "gross income means all income from whatever source derived, including... [i]ncome from discharge of indebtedness." This means that when you have debt that is forgiven or discharged for less than the full amount owed, then you must...
Indecent Exposure Charges In Michigan: Legal Grounds and Penalties “Revealed”
There are three levels of indecent exposure crimes in Michigan.(I) INDECENT EXPOSURE - MCL 750.335a(2)(a)To be found guilty of indecent exposure contrary to MCL 750.335a(2)(a), the prosecutor must prove each of the following beyond a reasonable doubt.The individual...
Michigan Court of Appeals Orders New Trial After Adult Witness Was Permitted To Testify With Support Dog
On June 7th, 2018, the Court of Appeals released their decision in People v Shorter, ___ Mich App ___; ___ NW2d ___ (2018)(Docket No. 338629) holding that it was error for the trial court to permit the Complainant to testify while accompanied by a support dog and its...
What Is Unlawfully Driving Away Of An Automobile (“UDAA”) In Michigan?
The Michigan Penal Code has two statutes relating to driving away in someone else's car without permission: (1) UNLAWFULLY DRIVING AWAY AN AUTOMOBILE ("UDAA") To be found guilty of unlawfully driving away an automobile (often shortened to "UDAA") contrary to MCL...
Who Gets the Engagement Ring After The Wedding Is Called Off?
A gift by its nature is irrevocable. Under Michigan property law, a gift that is "completed" cannot be revoked by the donor and taken back. Generally, there are three necessary elements for a valid gift.(1) The donor must have the intent to pass title to the donee. It...
Statute of Limitations for IRS Audits: How Does It Apply To Me?
The United States has a voluntary tax reporting system where individuals file annual returns stating their income and declaring taxes owed. This differs from an "involuntary" tax reporting system where the government simply sends you an annual bill for a flat tax or...
