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It's Our Tax Money Going to Helmsley's Dogs

Charitable donation laws subsidize the whims of the rich

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 9, 2008 8:27 AM CDT

(Newser) – Leona Helmsley’s latest post-mortem shocker—the revelation that she earmarked $8 billion of her charitable bequest for dog welfare—is a perfect illustration of the insanity of our charity laws, writes Ray Madoff for the New York Times. Helmsley isn’t just spending her... Read full story »

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(NEWSER) - When the Queen of Mean’s will was read, Trouble, the billionaire hotel magnate’s pampered, biting Maltese, came calling. Leona Helmsley left $12 million to the 8-year-old pooch, along with $38 million to three other family members. The rest—between $4 and $8 billion—went to her charity trust, the New York Post reports. Helmsley dissed two other grandkids, “for reasons which are known to them.” More»

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(NEWSER) - Considering her time on Earth was filled with rides in stretch limos and private jets, doggie heaven might not be much better for Trouble. Leona Helmsley's pampered pooch died at age 12 in December, and her death was kept secret for months. The pup, who the New York Daily News points out was 84 in dog years, had her controversial inheritance knocked down from $12 million to $2 million following Helmsley's 2007 death, which was used to pay for things like grooming ($8,000 a year) and a full-time security guard. More»

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It's Our Tax Money Going to Helmsley's Dogs

Charitable donation laws subsidize the whims of the rich

charity • Leona Helmsley • Trouble • estate tax • dog • tax dodge • charitable trust

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More Newser Stories

Helmsley Cash Doesn't Have to Go to Dogs

Judge nixes late Queen of Mean's mission statement

Helmsley's Heir Is the Dog

Queen of Mean leaves $12M to Trouble, a bunch to charity, ignores 2 grandkids

So Long, Trouble: Leona Helmsley's $2M Dog Dead

Dog was subject of death threats, died after series of health issues

Time Is Ripe to Pass Cash to Heirs

Struggling market can help you avoid paying estate tax

Queen of Mean's Billions Go to the Dogs

With $8B, Helmsley trust will dwarf all animal charities

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