Tax

Business Transactions

Our clients include closely-held companies, successful family businesses, and start-up ventures. For these clients, tax consequences very often make or break the deal. We regularly take the lead in negotiating and drafting LLC operating agreements, partnership agreements, corporate shareholder and buy-sell agreements, as well as other transactional documents. We also advise on the tax consequences of business acquisitions, sales and mergers.

Real Estate

Ownership of real property is often a significant component of wealth for many of our clients. We regularly provide guidance on the tax aspects of structuring the purchase, holding and sale of real property, including deciding which entity to use, Prop 13 reassessment issues, 1031 like-kind exchanges and partnership and LLC special allocations and carried interests.

Tax-exempt organizations

We have been recognized for delivering professional, cost-effective advice regarding private foundations, public charities, and other nonprofit clients.

In many cases, family legacy planning involves the use of private foundations and charities. We appreciate the importance of philanthropy as a family objective and are able to structure gifts in the most tax efficient manner. We also counsel families on how to use these charitable entities as a means to impart the importance and benefits of philanthropy on their loved ones.

Tax controversies and litigation

We represent businesses and individuals, at every stage of resolving disputes with the Internal Revenue Service, the Franchise Tax Board, the State Board of Equalization and the Employment Development Department in connection with audits of federal and state income taxes, property taxes, and employment taxes.

International tax

Our firm is well-versed in all manners of sophisticated tax issues involving cross-border business transactions, from inbound and outbound acquisitions of investments, including real estate, to tax planning for individuals living and working abroad.