Tax

Purpose

Gesmer Updegrove provides our clients with sophisticated federal, state, and international tax support. Our tax practice collaborates with other practice groups to ensure careful consideration for each transaction, with an eye on how to best optimize our clients’ tax situation in light of business realities.

Start-Ups and New Ventures

We have substantial expertise in advising start-up and new businesses across a wide range of industries and sectors. As tax lawyers, we ensure the formation of a tax-efficient vehicle from the start, analyzing federal, state, and local taxes. In structuring efficient new businesses, we help clients design and implement beneficial compensation plans involving stock options, restricted stock, phantom stock, employee share purchase plans, and deferred compensation, among others.  Our tax practice also assists clients analyze tax issues related to raising capital, securing debt financing, and intellectual property.

Deal Focused

For clients considering a merger, acquisition, partnership arrangement, stock or asset sale, or other transaction, our tax practice assists the transactional team in selecting the most advantageous deal structure from a tax perspective.  Our attorneys have extensive experience in negotiating the tax aspects of deals ranging from small asset acquisitions to mergers of large corporations.

Controversy and Audit

Our tax practice also is experienced in tax controversy, ranging from routine audits to complex tax-related litigation matters. When necessary, we readily collaborate with the Gesmer Updegrove litigation team to represent clients before state tax authorities and the IRS. 

Non-Profits and Tax-Exempts

While our tax practice has particularly strong expertise in the areas of corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships, we are also experienced in setting up and maintaining tax-exempt and non-profit entities. Working closely with our Trade Association and Consortium and Standard Setting Practice Areas, we evaluate and ensure initial qualifications for tax-exempt status, set up the appropriate infrastructure, and help implement processes for monitoring activities to ensure continued exempt status.