Barneys Family Drama Shows Reach of NY’s Tax Whistleblower Law

April 27, 2026, 8:45 AM UTC

One of New York’s most iconic department store dynasties is feuding in court over an alleged scheme to hide inherited wealth from taxes—a family dispute revealed due to a whistleblower law operating in only a handful of states.

Robert Pressman, a member of the family behind the Barneys New York retail brand, sued his siblings and the estate of their late mother Phyllis Pressman on behalf of the state. Robert Pressman asserted his brother and two sisters engaged in a conspiracy that claimed Phyllis Pressman resided in Palm Beach, Fla. when she died in 2024 to avoid paying income and ...

Learn more about Bloomberg Tax or Log In to keep reading:

See Breaking News in Context

From research to software to news, find what you need to stay ahead.

Already a subscriber?

Log in to keep reading or access research tools and resources.