September October 2016

Real Estate

12 Tips for the Expert Witness Appraiser

Michael Rikon

Attorneys who use qualified appraisers as expert witnesses in real estate litigation should ensure that their appraisers have expert knowledge of the subject matter as well as an understanding of the fundamental rules that should be observed when on the witness stand.

Real Estate

Are Your Clients Exposed to Premises Liability for Third-Party Criminal Acts?: A Top-10 List to Reduce Risks

Norman W. Gutmacher

Because injured employees, customers, and invitees are suing property owners, property managers, and tenants on a more frequent basis for injuries arising out of criminal acts committed by unknown third parties, it has become ever more important to take steps to try to minimize both the problem and the exposure for premises liability.

Real Estate

Art Auctions and Fair Market Value for Estate Tax Purposes

Public auction sale prices often are reliable sources for calculating the fair market value of estate art collections, but at times an artwork’s unique quality and the complexity of the art market call for a more nuanced analysis of fair market value.

Taxation

Congress Passes New Reporting Requirements and Basis Consistency Rules Under IRC §§ 6035 and 1014(f)

Nelson H. Hunt

On July 31, 2015, President Obama signed into law the Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015, which created two new provisions in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, IRC §§ 1014(f) and 6035.

Real Estate

Enhanced Partnership Tax Audit Rules: New Challenges That Require Consideration

Michael Hirschfeld

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 totally revamps how partnership tax audits will be conducted starting with taxable years beginning on January 1, 2018.

Real Estate

Securities Law Considerations When Planning for Private Equity and Hedge Fund Managers

Nathan R. Brown

Estate planners are well versed in the transfer tax laws; however, we are rarely required to delve into the unfamiliar world of securities laws. To effectively plan for private equity and hedge managers, however, an understanding of such securities laws is crucial.