Nationwide’s Tax Case Gets Positive Reception at Michigan Court

A Michigan Court of Appeals judge seemed to side with Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Co. at arguments Tuesday over whether the insurer and its affiliated groups can file combined insurance tax returns to take advantage of certain tax credits.

Nationwide wants the three-judge panel to overturn a tax tribunal ruling that affiliated insurance businesses may file as a unitary business group for corporate income tax purposes but not for taxes specific to the insurance industry. A ruling in favor of the state would leave Nationwide on the hook for about $147,000 in premiums and retaliatory taxes, interest, and penalties.

Judge Kathleen ...