| Volume 141 Number 96 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Looking to break into business? Take these steps to help protect yourself against misleading money-making claims. Click here for more.
FAA probing Southwest’s system for calculating cargo weight
Federal regulators are reportedly investigating Southwest Airlines for the way it calculates the weight of checked bags on suspicion that it is under-reporting its load. The Wall Street Journal reports the investigation began a year ago and has turned up “systemic and significant” mistakes. It’s a critical issue because pilots make calculations based on the weight the plane is carrying. The investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reportedly found the difference between what the pilots believed to be the weight they were carrying and the actual weight was as much as 1,000 pounds. Click here for more.
Your Money
Small business owners looking to reduce their tax burden can take advantage of several money-saving deductions. These include existing deductions, such as those for vehicle expenses and home offices, as well as a brand new qualified business income deduction that will allow some small business owners to write off 20 percent of their income. Major tax preparation providers like TaxAct, TurboTax and H&R Block offer software designed for businesses, but using a professional tax preparer could avoid costly mistakes. Even business owners who feel savvy enough to do their own tax returns could benefit from having their work checked by a professional every two to three years. Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
FDCPA and FCRA claims against U.S. government dismissed based on sovereign immunity. The District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan dismissed a claim against the government based on sovereign immunity. The court noted that, "It is axiomatic that the United States may not be sued without its consent and that the existence of consent is a prerequisite for jurisdiction." "The objection to a suit against the United States is fundamental, whether it be in the form of an original action, or a set-off, or a counterclaim. Jurisdiction in either case does not exist, unless there is specific Congressional authority for it." The court found no such authority in the FDCPA. The court also dismissed the FCRA claim, because the FCRA does not expressly waive sovereign immunity for liability, and is at best ambiguous, the court lacked subject matter jurisdiction. Click here for more.