Our firm has a broad practice in federal and state taxation. Our practice includes transactional tax planning, individual income and estate tax planning, tax controversies, and planning for tax-exempt entities. As bond counsel, we represent municipalities, school districts, and other governmental entities issuing tax-exempt bonds. We work closely with our corporate, real estate, banking, employee benefits, and healthcare sections to provide clients with comprehensive representation.

In addition to direct legal services, our attorneys also provide regular updates via newsletters on recent developments in tax law changes.

Major Practice Areas

• Transactional tax planning including corporate mergers, acquisitions and redemptions, and general corporate tax planning for both regular and "S" corporations
• Tax planning for start-up companies
• Individual income and estate tax planning
• Partnership and LLC tax planning and formation
• Formation and qualification of tax-exempt entities.
• Tax controversies

Transactional Tax Planning, Including Corporate Mergers, Acquisitions, Redemptions, and General Corporate Tax Planning

Our attorneys advise clients on transactions such as stock sales, mergers, corporate reorganizations and other corporate transactions. We also render advice on transactions involving S corporations.

Tax Planning for Start-Up Companies

Our attorneys advise clients desiring to form start-up companies on suchs matter as:

• Tax planning for the selection of a business entity from both a state law and federal income tax perspective
• Tax planning for corporation issues
• Development of exit strategies for holders of closely held and publicly traded stock
• Development of stock option plans and other types of deferred compensation arrangements.

Individual Income and Estate Tax Planning

Our attorneys work closely with individual clients and their accountants and financial advisors on individual income tax planning and estate tax planning. Recent illustrative experience includes:

• Advice and structuring of like-kind exchanges
• Planning for qualified retirement plan and IRA distributions
• Tax planning for real estate transactions through partnerships, LLCs and other entities
• Formation of greater retained annuity trusts (GRATs) and charitable reminder and charitable lead trusts
• Use of business entities for succession management purposes
• Designation of exit strategies for owners of closely held companies

Partnership and LLC Tax Planning and Formation

We provide many services in the organization and operation of partnerships and LLCs. Recent illustrative experience includes:

• Tax planning for transactions involving partnerships and LLCs including distributions of assets to partners and redemption of partnership interests
• Formation of family partnerships and LLCs as part of estate planning and asset protection objectives
• Use of LLCs as organizational form for start-up companies
• Organization of LLCs and limited partnerships to facilitate investment in real estate

Planning for Tax-Exempt Entities

Our attorneys have substantial experience in the formation and management of tax-exempt entities, including community-based non-profits and private foundations. This includes formation of entities at the state level, seeking determination letters from the IRS for tax-exempt status, and seeking exemption from state sales taxes and the like.

Tax Controversies

Our attorneys represent clients on individual income tax audits, estate and gift tax audits, sales tax audits, and corporate tax audits. We also represent clients in United States Tax Court and assist clients in submitting offers in compromise to the IRS.

Members of the Taxation Group:
John Creighton III
Benny H. Hughes, Jr.
Lloyd H. Carll
Brian A. Mills
Jennifer M. Turner

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