ARTICLES

IRS Issues Guidance on Trump Accounts Established Under the Working Families Tax Cuts
By Timothy M. Hughes December 10, 2025
The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service recently issued a notice announcing upcoming regulations and providing guidance regarding Trump Accounts, which are a new type of individual retirement account (IRA) for eligible children.
Understanding Grandparent Visitation Rights in Illinois
By Elizabeth C. Thompson November 19, 2025
While Illinois law recognizes that grandparents can play a vital role in a child’s life, it also strongly defers to the rights of parents. A grandparent seeking visitation must overcome a high legal threshold and demonstrate that denial of contact would likely harm the child’s well-being.
Impact of Partial Government Shutdown on IRS – Day 41
By Timothy M. Hughes November 10, 2025
Impact of Partial Government Shutdown on IRS – Day 41: Due to the current lapse in appropriations, IRS operations are limited. However, the underlying tax law remains in effect, and all taxpayers must continue to meet their tax obligations as normal.
New law provides expanded protection for Illinois residents, increasing key debtor exemptions.
By Timothy M. Hughes October 15, 2025
The Illinois General Assembly enacted Public Act 1738, amending several provisions of the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure to raise debtor exemption limits effective 1.1.26. The new law provides expanded protection for residents, marking the most significant increase to the state’s exemption statutes in over a decade.
IRS Has Started to Phase Out Paper Tax Refund Checks
By Timothy M. Hughes October 10, 2025
In response to Executive Order 14247 requiring the Internal Revenue Service to eliminate the use of physical checks, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that paper tax refund checks for individual taxpayers will be phased out.
Who qualifies for the
By Timothy M. Hughes September 10, 2025
The U.S. Treasury Department issued a preliminary list of nearly 70 jobs that qualify for “no tax on tips.” The occupations include a wide range of services spanning from Rickshaw drivers to digital content creators.
Does the Expiration of the Statute of Limitations for a Mortgage Extinguish the Mortgage Lien?
By Steven A. Migala September 4, 2025
On August 20, 2025, the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court decided Chicago Title Land Trust Co. v. Watkin, 2025 IL App (1st) 241354 (August 20, 2025). At issue in Watkin was whether the expiration of the statute of limitations barring enforcement of a mortgage also extinguishes the mortgage lien.
New Illinois Small Estate Affidavit Law: Key Updates for 2025
By Nataly Kaiser August 26, 2025
The Illinois General Assembly has updated the Probate Act of 1975 to improve the small estate affidavit process for settling estates without formal probate. Effective immediately, this amendment offers significant benefits for Illinois residents managing a loved one's estate.
A summary of NADA’s statement defending state franchise laws.
By Sarah J. Reusché August 14, 2025
Recently, OEMs like Tesla and Rivian implemented a direct-to-consumer approach that many state motor vehicle dealer laws are intended to prohibit. On May 27, 2025, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) submitted a Public Comment, defending state franchise laws.
IRS outlined key points for tax year 2025 relating to the OBBBA provisions.
By Timothy M. Hughes August 10, 2025
On August 7, 2025, the IRS announced that, as part of its phased implementation of the July 4th One Big Beautiful Bill Act, there will be no changes to certain information returns or withholding tables for tax year 2025 related to the new law. The IRS outlined key relevant changes to tax filers effective for '25 - '28.
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