Subject Index Taxation

The Illinois Supreme Court recently held that a taxpayer could skip the administrative appeal process and challenge a property tax assessment directly in circuit court.

You may be surprised to learn that civil unions afford better tax treatment than marriage for some heterosexual couples.

What happens if the federal estate tax exclusion goes back to $1 million? What are the implications of decoupling the Illinois from the federal tax? A look at these and other questions.

Is a nonprofit hospital a "charitable use" that qualifies for a property tax exemption? The author reviews the Illinois Supreme Court's Provena decision and predicts its likely effects, one of which is legislation to protect hospitals.

There's a lot for estate planners to like about the new federal tax law.

Congress defied the conventional wisdom and let the estate tax die. What will replace it?

Big news for estate planners - the new Illinois QTIP lets clients use the full federal exclusion without Illinois estate tax consequences.

An elderly - and wealthy - person lets investors buy insurance on his life in return for cash, and everyone makes money. Or do they?

An elderly - and wealthy - person lets investors buy insurance on his life in return for cash, and everyone makes money. Or do they?

A step-by-step primer on simple wills for newbies, litigators, and other will-drafting novices.

Q: The fair market value of my house has decreased since the recession, but my property taxes haven’t. I’ve filed an appeal of my assessment with the Board of Review, and I’m waiting for the hearing. What is my best argument at the hearing? What should I take with me in the way of evidence? What are my chances in getting the taxes reduced?

Survivor-style challenges and opportunities confront estate planners.