Tax Returns for Condo Associations Due April 16th 2018

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Written by Lauren Peddinghaus

Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...

Published: 06 March 2018

Condominiums associations are considered corporations in the eyes of the IRS. As such, they are required to file an annual tax return (either an 1120 or 1120-H).

Condo associations showing taxable income on their federal returns are also required to file an IL-1120 with the state of Illinois.

Tax returns must be postmarked by April 16th this year. The IRS granted an extra month to file beginning with the 2016 tax year.

Legal Representation Now Required for Condominium Associations at Administrative Hearings

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Written by Alexa Jackson

Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...

Published: 01 March 2018

Board members can no longer represent their association in an administrative hearing. Administrative law judges hearing cases in the City of Chicago used to allow non-attorney representation for ordinance violations. However, it has been determined recently that non-attorneys appearing on behalf of such entities at administrative hearings were committing the unauthorized practice of law.

In Illinois, if you attend an administrative hearing on behalf of an entity without an attorney, a default judgment may be entered because you will not be allowed to appear on its behalf. In order to vacate the default judgment, you will need to engage an attorney to file a motion on your behalf, in most cases resulting in an additional hearing and costs.

Therefore, it is recommended that condo board members engage legal representation shortly after receiving an ordinance violation in order to prevent a default judgment and additional expense.

To learn more, click here

Do condo owners have the right to view attorney invoices?

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Written by Alexa Jackson

Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...

Published: 28 February 2018

It depends. 

Owners generally have the right to see attorney invoices. However, when an invoice pertains to attorney-client privileged information, the council should review them and redact any privileged information.

It is generally advised that community associations inform owners requesting access to the association’s counsel’s invoices that if they wish to review the content of legal invoices, instead of just the amounts billed, the invoices must first be reviewed by the council so privileged information can be redacted.

The association should not make the determination as to what is or is not subject to the attorney-client privilege or attempt to undertake the redaction on their own without the advice of counsel. The cost to review and redact the invoices should be charged to the requesting unit owner.

To learn more, click here.

Are proxies unethical for board elections?

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Written by Alexa Jackson

Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...

Published: 19 February 2018

When it comes to condo board elections, owners have the right to vote in person or to submit a signed "proxy." A proxy allows another individual to vote on their behalf if they are unable to attend the election meeting. Candidates running for election can solicit proxies from owners in efforts to garner the votes they need to be voted onto the board.

Although proxies may not be ideal, they are not unethical.  It is often necessary within condominium living to meet quorum requirements. This means that a certain percentage of owners must participate in a vote in person or by proxy for the vote to be considered valid. Meeting with fellow owners and trying to get their vote is the same way politics work on a national, state, and local scale. As long as candidates are given equal opportunity to solicit votes, it is ethical and democratic.

 Read more here.