Also known as:tax · taxes · taxed · taxing · taxable · levy
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A compulsory contribution levied by a government on individuals or property to fund public expenditures.
Sources & Authorities
How it applies
Common Examples
6
Equitable Conversion Shifts Tax Burden
Tiana Tan contracts to sell land to Tobias Thomas. Before closing a fire damages the property. Under equitable conversion the tax obligations for the executory period pass to Thomas as equitable owner. Thomas must pay the assessed property taxes even though Tan still holds legal title.
Congress Exercises Taxing Power
Congress enacts a statute imposing a uniform excise on imported goods to raise revenue for national defense. The legislation falls within the enumerated power to lay and collect taxes. Challengers cannot block the tax on the ground that it exceeds constitutional authority.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Cases
Statutes
Federal Rules
Uniform Acts
Model Codes
Common Law
Restatements
Twin Rivers Bank obtains a judgment against a general partner based on a tax claim against the limited partnership. The bank attempts to execute against the general partner's personal assets. The court denies the levy because the partner is not personally liable and no statutory conditions for permission are met.
Judgment Creditor Pursues Partner Tax Debt
TechVista Solutions holds a judgment against a partner based on a tax claim against the partnership. The creditor seeks to levy on the partner's separate property. The court refuses the execution absent a showing that the partner is personally liable or that partnership assets are clearly insufficient.
Trustee Reserves Funds for Taxes
Upon termination of a trust Theresa Tucker as trustee prepares to distribute assets to remainder beneficiaries. She retains a portion of the trust property to cover anticipated income and property taxes. The reserve prevents personal liability for unpaid tax obligations.
Tax Evasion Leads to Discipline
A lawyer is convicted of willfully attempting to evade income taxes. The disciplinary board imposes sanctions on the ground that the criminal conduct reflects adversely on honesty and fitness to practice. The sanction stands independently of the criminal sentence imposed.
Common questions
Frequently Asked
5
Does equitable conversion affect who pays property taxes during the executory period?+
Yes. Once a binding contract for the sale of land is formed the buyer is treated as the equitable owner. Tax obligations therefore shift to the buyer even though the seller retains legal title until closing.
Supporting sources
What constitutional provision grants Congress the power to impose taxes?+
Article I Section 8 authorizes Congress to lay and collect taxes duties imposts and excises to pay debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare subject to the requirement of uniformity for duties imposts and excises.
Supporting sources
When may a judgment creditor reach a partner's personal assets for a partnership tax debt?+
A judgment creditor must first obtain a judgment against the partnership and return a writ of execution unsatisfied. Only then may the creditor seek permission to levy on a partner's separate property if partnership assets are clearly insufficient.
Supporting sources
May a trustee retain trust assets after termination to cover taxes?+
Yes. Upon termination the trustee must distribute trust property expeditiously but may retain a reasonable reserve for the payment of debts expenses and taxes before final distribution.
Supporting sources
Does a conviction for tax evasion subject a lawyer to professional discipline?+
Yes. Willful and knowing attempts to evade income taxes constitute criminal conduct that reflects adversely on honesty trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer. Discipline may be imposed independently of any criminal sentence.
Supporting sources
410 U.S. 113 (1973)Constitutional Law
…may force upon the woman a distressful life and future. Psychological harm may be imminent. Mental and physical health may be taxed by child care. There is also the distress, for all concerned, associated with the unwanted child, and there is the problem of bringing a child into a family already unable, psychologically…