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Most people will respond when asked that if they see another person in peril, they will help rescue that other person. However, rescue liability -- the issue as to whether one's rescue of another person causes legal liability -- is not always simple. Most states throughout the years developed the rule that…

The IRS has reported that email phishing tax scams have increased by 400% for the upcoming filing season. Taxpayers should be aware that the IRS does not email taxpayers. In addition, taxpayers should be cautious about which tax filing software they use to file the tax returns. Taxpayers should never…

This month, Longman & Van Grack attorney Robb Longman was selected as the Tax Law Contributing Editor of the Greater Baltimore Edition of Attorney at Law Magazine. Robb's Feature Article this month in the magazine is titled "An Overview of Maryland Sales Tax." The Firm is thrilled that Robb is being recognized for…

With tax filing season in full swing, taxpayers should be aware of their responsibility for the content of their own tax returns, even if they do not prepare the tax return. A significant portion of taxpayers will hire an accountant or tax preparation service to prepare and file their tax returns. Even…

The Potomac River contains many regularly-paddled whitewater and non-whitewater sections. These sections include Great Falls of the Potomac and Mather Gorge of the Potomac. However, once in a while,the Potomac River near Washington, DC approaches flood level -- which creates approximately 124,000 cubic feet per second of water (or more) rushing through…

Laws within different jurisdictions in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC mandate the shoveling and removal of snow from public areas and sidewalks adjacent to and on an owner's/operator's property. Different jurisdictions throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC mandate various requirements for residential and commercial property owners to shovel snow or…

One often-overlooked legal issue related to property disputes, property damage, and storms in Maryland, Virginia, and DC is potential legal liability related to tree damage, at risk trees, or fallen trees. Trees and other growth from a neighboring property can often cause damage and legal risk to a landowner/homeowner. Neighboring…

Last year, we wrote that National Football League (“NFL”) and Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon had filed a class-action legal Complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland against the daily fantasy football site FanDuel on behalf of himself and all NFL players. Garcon’s lawsuit alleged that FanDuel…

For the past six years, Costco has been attempting to secure the rights and permits to build a 16-pump gas station near its store in Wheaton, Maryland, adjacent to the Westfield Wheaton Mall. However, Costco's proposed gas station would allegedly be built only 118 ft. from single-family residences. Community activists and even members of…

The Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015 restructures the due dates and filing deadlines for partnership and C corporation tax returns beginning with the 2016 tax year. Once the new rules take effect, partnerships will be required to file their returns by the 15th day…

In a move designed to ease the paperwork and record keeping burdens faced by small businesses, the IRS on November 24 announced an increase to the de minimis safe harbor thresholds that permit taxpayers to fully deduct expenditures for certain capital items. Under the new rule, businesses that do not…

The Land and Water Conservation Fund ("LWCF") has been called "America’s best conservation program" by many different organizations such as the Outdoor Alliance and the Outdoor Industry Association. Congress created the LWCF specifically to conserve and safeguard natural areas (water and land) within the United States to protect these natural…