News/Resources - Hackstaff, Snow, Atkinson & Griess, LLC

News/Resources

Among the many areas affected by the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) in July, the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction is one that’s been at the top of many lists.    OBBBA increases the SALT deduction cap Previously, the federal SALT deduction cap was set to $10,000 for married couples […]

Property Tax Law Updates for 2025

In September 2024, Colorado property tax law changed yet again, in what was intended to be the end of a lengthy debate over what would be considered “reasonable” tax relief for both residential and commercial property owners. The result of a special legislative session, House Bill 1001 put more stringent limits on the rates for […]

In 2024, Colorado made significant changes to the landlord-tenant laws, including the implementation of a “for cause” eviction policy to tighten up the conditions for evictions. Essentially, landlords must now demonstrate a valid reason to evict a tenant or refuse a lease renewal. The goal is to promote better housing stability while protecting tenants from […]

Is it Infringement? Common Trademark Misconceptions

 There are a lot of common misconceptions about what qualifies as true trademark infringement. But the reality is that U.S. trademark law is highly nuanced and governed by both state and federal laws, making it sometimes murky to determine the full scope of trademark protections. At the federal level, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office […]

Nonprofit Taxes: Avoid These Common Pitfalls

Nonprofits enjoy several benefits from their tax-exempt status, but that doesn’t mean they can avoid dealing with tax issues and filing requirements. Below are a few common mistakes that nonprofit organizations make, which can result in increased tax penalties, fines, or even loss of exempt status. Neglecting to file Form 990 The majority of nonprofit […]

CTA Update: Treasury Department Announces Suspension of Enforcement

FinCEN’s Suspension Announcement On February 27, 2025, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury Department”), announced that it would not impose fines, penalties, or other enforcement actions against companies for failing to file or update beneficial ownership information (BOI) reports under the Corporate Transparency Act […]

Whose Property is it Anyway? Understanding Easements

 Easements can cause a number of misunderstandings, particularly in situations where successive property owners have had the use of an easement and then there is a sudden change in the easement’s status.   First, let’s define what an easement actually is. An easement is a legal agreement that allows one person, party, or entity the […]

Probate in Colorado

In Colorado, an estate typically must go through probate when a person passes away. Probate is a procedure that helps ensure the decedent’s liabilities are paid and assets are distributed to the rightful beneficiaries of the estate. Probate is generally required if the decedent owned real property in Colorado or if their estate is valued […]

Christmas: An Intellectual Property Nightmare

Holiday joy can quickly become a season of headache and contention for brands and companies when it comes to intellectual property. Many of the iconic symbols, songs, and caricatures that dominate the season are so widely used and recognizable that they are extremely difficult to claim ownership of definitively. Think of the numerous versions of […]

Why American Football is the Perfect Metaphor for the American Legal System

 American football isn’t just a sport; it’s a uniquely American institution, embodying many of the same principles that drive our legal system. From the intricate rules and structured gameplay to the referees’ courtroom-like deliberations, the gridiron is where our cultural and legal mindsets collide in fascinating ways. Let’s dive into why football mirrors our legal […]