A local government gave ownership of Kevin Fair's Nebraska house—and all of its value—to a private investor, in a practice known as home equity theft.
Capping state and local tax deductions sparked a tax migration that rewarded pro-growth states. Raising the cap now would stall reform where it’s needed most.
Home equity theft happens when governments auction off seized houses and keep the profits—even once the tax bill is paid.
A handful of states use loopholes to get around a Supreme Court ruling that declared the practice unconstitutional.
Kevin Fair fell behind on his property taxes in 2014. The local government eventually gave a private investor the deed to his home.
The Edmondson Community Organization accrued a modest property tax debt. The group paid dearly for that.
Chelsea Koetter is asking the Michigan Supreme Court to render the state's debt collection scheme unconstitutional.
First-place finishes include an investigative piece on egregious misconduct in federal prison, a documentary on homelessness, best magazine columnist, and more.
The Institute for Justice has launched a project to reform land use regulation.
The Supreme Court supposedly put an end to “home equity theft” last year. But some state and local governments have found a loophole.
The "Taxpayers Bill of Rights" requires that the state return excess revenue to taxpayers. A ballot question could change that.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan argues that shifting taxes from homes to the land they sit on will encourage development and cut taxes for most homeowners. Local property tax activists aren't convinced.
Plus: Home equity theft at the Supreme Court, New York shows how not to legalize marijuana, and more...
Geraldine Tyler's case is not unique; home equity theft is legal in Minnesota and 11 other states.
Taxpayers spent about $500 million to build U.S Bank stadium, which is just seven years old.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear 94-year-old Geraldine Tyler's case challenging home equity theft.
When taxing authorities get more resources and power, they will find ways to make everyone pay more.
The Spanish text contains inaccurate translations of technical tax language and direct translations of phrases like "school resource officers," which could confuse voters.
Tawanda Hall's house was worth $286,000 more than her overdue tax bill. There was nothing she could do about it.
Wealth tax proponents claim only super rich people would be affected. But to raise the revenue Warren, Sanders, and Biden want, they'd have to tax the "working rich"—doctors, lawyers, and other hardworking high earners.
Walter Barnette didn't know that his own land had been sold out from under him until it had already happened.
After failing at the one thing people think they need from government, Minneapolis is getting tough on making damaged citizens pay up.
Officials in Oakland County, Michigan, are worried they could be on the hook for more than $30 million in payments to former homeowners victimized by an aggressive forfeiture scheme.
The Court unanimously ruled such a tax "forfeiture" qualifies as a taking for which compensation must be paid.
Uri Rafaeli was one of hundreds of Michigan homeowners to be victimized by the state's overly aggressive property tax forfeiture law.
"You have a situation where a person owed $8 and lost their house. I mean, how is that equitable?" asked Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein.
A state law allows counties to effectively steal homes over unpaid taxes and keep the excess revenue for their own budgets.
Californians' tax rates are among the nation's highest in almost every category, but their property tax levels have remained reasonable. That could change soon.
San Francisco encourages homelessness by limiting housing, offering generous welfare, and failing to enforce basic laws.
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