Nonprofits
Property taxes and religious organizations: Can you challenge a local property tax decision in federal Court?
When a religious organization applies for but is denied a property tax exemption under state law, the Tax Injunction Act may prevent a federal court from hearing a claim challenging such a decision. The Tax Injunction Act (“TIA”) prohibits federal district courts from enjoining, suspending or […]
Read MoreCourt Clears Way for Use of Unpaid Volunteer Labor
Organizations that use volunteer labor can breathe a sigh of relief. With the latest decision from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, Acosta v. Cathedral Buffet, Inc., 6th Cir., Case No. 17-3427, (April 16, 2017), the Appellate Court clarified that use of unpaid labor, was […]
Read MoreA Charity, Nonprofit, and Tax-Exempt Entity – Are They All the Same?
The words “charity,” “nonprofit,” and “tax-exempt” are often used interchangeably, but they are not synonymous. While a corporation can be charitable, nonprofit, and tax exempt, not all nonprofits are charitable, or tax-exempt. A nonprofit corporation is a legal entity created under state law.[1] A nonprofit […]
Read MoreCharity’s For-Profit Subsidiary Not Exempt from Property Tax
Last month, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued an opinion in Trinity Health-Warde Lab, LLC v. Township of Pittsfield, 2016 Mich. App. Lexis 2026, Case No. 328092, which disallowed a for-profit laboratory to utilize the tax-exempt status of its charitable parent corporation when it itself […]
Read MoreDonation and Recycling Bins: A Brief Review of the Industry
The law firm of Dalton & Tomich PLC has become a leader in defending the rights of donation bin owners to place collection bins, who receive used clothes and shoes, and redistribute them throughout the world for people in need. A brief explanation of this […]
Read MoreDonation Bin Ordinances: A compromise between protecting commercial speech and reasonable governmental regulations.
In early 2013, the City of Portage, Michigan announced that it was considering the issue of clothing donation bins and a proposed ordinance regulating the same. At the time, few municipalities had investigated the issue, and the City was unsure of what action to take. […]
Read MoreClothing and Shoe Donation Bins: Commercial Free Speech prevails in the Sixth Circuit
In January 2014, the City of St. Johns, Michigan adopted an ordinance that banned clothing donation bins from the city. While donation bins were banned, other unattended containers such as dumpsters and recycling bins were not banned. Dalton & Tomich brought suit challenging the ordinance […]
Read MoreDalton & Tomich Achieves Huge Win in the Sixth Circuit!
Earlier this year, Dalton & Tomich helped secure a major victory on behalf of one of its clients in the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. In April, the Sixth Circuit in Planet Aid v. City of St. Johns unanimously upheld a […]
Read MoreWhen Does Your Nonprofit Need an Attorney?
If you are on the board of a nonprofit, you already know that there are some situations where your organization will need an attorney. However, most nonprofits do not realize many of the areas where an attorney can drastically minimize risk for the nonprofit, and […]
Read More5 Significant Changes to the Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act
When serving as an officer or board member of a nonprofit organization, it is vital to monitor any changes in the governing law. This past January 2015, three new bills were enacted that made significant changes to the way Michigan nonprofit corporations are governed. These […]
Read MoreAbout Us
The attorneys of Dalton & Tomich, PLC have the experience and the knowledge to work with you to develop a legal solution that helps accomplish your goals. Our collaborative approach has helped leaders like you grow businesses and banks, develop and expand churches, and build nonprofit organizations nationwide.
Our Practice Areas
- call us: 313.859.6000
- visit us:The Chrysler House
719 Griswold Street, Suite 270
Detroit, Michigan 48226 - parking:Financial District Garage (730 Shelby Street, access via Lafayette and Shelby)
Mitchell CorderAdministrative Bishop Church of God, Tennessee
In my role as Administrative Bishop for the Church of God, quite often we are faced with issues that involve local governments and municipalities. Many of these issues that arise in dealing with entities are land use related. I have found Dalton & Tomich’s experience and expertise in this area to be a valuable resource and asset in every situation.
Tim RhodusLead Pastor, Cross Church Carlinville & Staunton, IL
Never one time during a year-long litigation process did Dalton & Tomich demonstrate anything other than Christ-like professionalism. They managed the legal details, while we continued to do church. How they managed themselves, managed our case, and represented our church set the table for me and our church to be where we are today.
Ronnie HolmesSenior Pastor, Church of the Open Door, Waco, TX
Dalton & Tomich’s expertise and experience helped us through a very difficult legal journey, ultimately achieving a favorable outcome. Their personal interest in helping us went “above and beyond” just the call of duty.