The American Taxpayer Relief Act enacted January 2, 2013 prevented many of the tax increases that were schedule to otherwise take effect on January 1, 2013. The Act will raise income tax rates for some high-income individuals, increase the tax rate on most dividends and long-term capital gains and also slightly increase estate and gift tax rates.
Blog
Washington Supreme Court Voids Arbitration Agreements for Insurance Contracts
Yesterday the Washington State Supreme Court held that arbitration clauses in insurance contracts violate state statute governing the business of insurance and are void as a matter of law. Dep’t of Transportation v. James River Ins. Co.
School District Seeks Supreme Court Review of High Impact Church-State Controversy
Religious and education issue litigators take note: the Beckett Fund and Professor Michael McConnell of Stanford Law School have filed a petition for certiori in the US Supreme Court
Is the Pendulum Beginning to Swing Back in Favor of the Accused?
In the realm of child protection, the prevailing wisdom is that an organization cannot be too careful in monitoring and enforcement of boundary violations in order to keep kids safe.
The Constitutionality of the Exceptions for Non-Profit Religious Organizations in Washignton
The Washington State Supreme Court has been asked to consider the constitutionality of the exemptions for non-profit religious organizations in the Washington Law Against Discrimination (RCW 49.60).
A Quick Glance at Some US Supreme Court Activities Affecting Employment Law
As no judicial conferences are to be held until January 4 and no oral arguments until January 7, it is an appropriate time to take a quick look at some of the US Supreme Court activities to date affecting employment law and practice
Commission Reports on Enhancing Accountability of Religious Organizations
The Commission on Accountability and Policy for Religious Organizations issued its first, 94-page, report to Sen. Charles Grassley.
Still Clear as Mud: The Election's Impact on Tax Policy and Planning After Obama's Win
Now that the election is over, attention is focused on Congress as it begins its “lame duck” session this week. Many of our clients are wondering how to plan, when to sell, and how to manage their estates with the fiscal cliff looming ahead.
Taxpayers Win a Huge Victory against the Department of Revenue
Favorable ruling on the taxability of pre-2005 Marital Deduction Trusts (otherwise known as QTIP Trusts).
New Carbon Monoxide Requirements Start on January 1, 2013
New Washington State building codes make carbon monoxide detectors a requirement for all rental property on January 1, 2013