Life After Death? Extension of Debt Relief?

By Christopher Combs | October 17, 2012

   Any forgiveness of debt is generally taxable income.  In 2007 during the height of the housing crisis the Mortgage Debt Relief Act was passed.  Under this Act any debt forgiveness after foreclosure or a short sale by a mortgage lender on a loan used to purchase a primary residence, or to make improvements to…

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Strategic Defaults Are Not “Illegal”

By Christopher Combs | September 26, 2012

Hypothetical: Microsoft founder Bill Gates owns a rental home in Arizona which is “underwater” because the value of the home is less than the amount owed on the mortgage used to buy the home.  Bill Gates intentionally stops making the mortgage payments, and the mortgage lender forecloses. Issues: Does Bill Gates have any personal liability…

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