Our tax lawyers work with attorneys in other practice areas to review and structure transactions, to seek practical and timely solutions of tax issues that arise in the course of business dealings, and to settle or litigate disputes before the Internal Revenue Service and state tax authorities.  We recognize and respond to the time pressures of a transactional practice and produce creative tax solutions when a transaction requires last minute restructuring.  In addition to the tax planning described in previous sections, our tax practice includes:

Business Tax Planning

We advise corporate clients on a wide variety of tax matters, such as the structuring of mergers, acquisitions and sales of businesses.  The firm’s Tax Law Group may render tax opinions or seek letter rulings regarding their consequences.  In addition, we frequently provide advice on compensation planning, stock options and similar programs, ERISA and other retirement matters, loss carry-forwards or carry-backs, and the tax consequences of leasing arrangements and foreign transactions.

Partnership and Real Estate Investments

We advise clients on the tax consequences of the acquisition, development, operation and disposition of real property and businesses operating in partnership form and the allocation of benefits among owners.

Syndication and Tax Sensitive Investments

We have an active practice representing syndicators, developers, brokers and underwriters in the placement of equity for a wide range of projects including energy, affordable housing, shopping centers, commercial properties and equipment leasing.  Our representation includes assistance in structuring transactions, preparing the syndication documents and rendering tax opinions.

State and Local Tax

The firm has an active practice before the Michigan Tax Tribunal and appellate courts involving ad valorem property tax, Michigan Income Tax, Michigan Corporate Income Tax (including the former Michigan Business Tax) and other state and local taxation issues.