10 Things Your Lawyer Won't Tell You
"You might win your lawsuit and wind up with nothing." Expecting a bundle from a big lawsuit? Don't start spending it yet. You may be shocked to learn how little you'll get to keep. Lawyers may not like to mention it, but federal taxes — at a rate of 25 to 35% — can easily wipe out most of the money you win in civil lawsuits; bodily injury suits are the only exemption. You'll probably even have to pay federal taxes on the part that's earmarked for your attorney.