Taxation

Gray Reed's Tax team provides experienced legal counsel to clients on all matters arising from international, federal, state and local tax laws. Our areas of expertise and services include ad valorem, asset protection, civil and criminal tax litigation, consulting, controversy, corporate, cryptocurrency, estate planning, franchise, income tax, state tax, international, IRS audit, mergers and acquisitions, partnership, personal, planning, federal tax credits related to renewable energy and research and development expenses, property, real estate, reorganizations and white-collar defense. Our clients make up a broad spectrum of taxpayers including public and private companies, partnerships, nonprofit organizations, estates and trusts, employee benefit plans, and individual taxpayers.

Our tax litigation practice earned recognition in both the national and metropolitan tiers, and our tax law practice received a metropolitan recognition in Best Lawyers' 2024 "Best Law Firms" ranking.

Federal Tax Planning & Structuring

We work closely with clients and their accountants to structure business activities and transactions in a tax efficient manner, and in the areas of tax review, compliance, reporting and controversy. We keep abreast of the ever-changing and complex tax environment so that we can alert our clients to new planning opportunities and compliance requirements, and to provide legal advice that is timely to our clients' business affairs. Serving individuals as well as small, emerging and middle market businesses and large, multinational corporations, we have the experience to design creative and practical solutions to execute tax planning strategies in complex business transactions.

Federal Tax Controversy

When it comes to tax controversy, we provide clients with experienced representation in tax examinations/audits, protests to the IRS Office of Appeals, and in equivalent state and local appeals functions. We are also highly skilled and experienced in litigation before the U.S. Tax Court, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, U.S. District Courts, as well as state and local tax authorities and courts.

Cryptocurrency

Gray Reed attorneys have the knowledge and experience to provide guidance to clients on virtual currency, digital assets and other benefits related to blockchain technology. We handle tax issues involving business structures that hold digital assets or engage in cryptocurrency mining, voluntary disclosure procedures for unreported cryptocurrency, and advice and litigation of tax controversies regarding the IRS interpretations or adjustments related to cryptocurrency transactions.

State and Local Tax (SALT)

The State of Texas prides itself on its business-friendly regulations and its aversion to income taxes while downplaying the many forms of tax that it does impose, which include ad valorem taxes, sales and use tax, franchise tax, etc.  Just as in the case of federal tax planning and controversy work, we provide cost-effective solutions to our clients' tax issues, which are designed to address the matter at hand and reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence. 

International Transactions

As business becomes increasingly international, business planners must always consider the tax implications of international and cross-border transactions. We help clients minimize the worldwide taxation of their investments and advise on investment restructuring and disposition. This often requires familiarity with the tax laws of several countries and bilateral and multilateral tax treaties, as well as U.S. tax laws.

Expertise in the Field

Many of us have a background in general corporate and tax matters and also concentrate in one or more particular areas of tax law, including corporate, real estate transactions, partnerships and limited liability companies, state and local, exempt organizations, banking, international and individual taxation and estate planning.

We are actively involved in activities of the Texas CPA Society and tax section of the State Bar of Texas and regularly publish articles and speak on topics covering federal, international and digital asset tax issues. We also contribute to the Dollars & Sense blog, which is a resource for developments, commentary and analysis relating to federal tax issues, as well as digital asset and family office taxation.

Many of us hold advanced degrees in tax or accounting, are Board Certified in Tax Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and/or are current or former Certified Public Accountants. Many of us have worked for the government or at Big Four accounting firms. Several of us teach undergraduate and post-graduate tax courses as adjunct faculty at SMU and the University of Houston. 

Our goal is to lead clients efficiently and professionally through the ever-changing maze of tax issues and ensure that existing or contemplated financial affairs of clients are structured in a practical and cost-effective manner that achieves business or personal objectives with minimal exposure to tax.

Access to Resources and General Counsel Capabilities

As a full service firm, we are uniquely positioned to effectively represent and counsel clients beyond routine or the most complex tax matters. When a client's need goes beyond the expertise or jurisdiction of a tax attorney, our firm has a worldwide network of lawyers for international and cross-border issues and other Gray Reed attorneys who focus on areas such as estate planning, banking & financeenergyconstructionhealthcarelabor & employmentmergers & acquisitionsprivate equityreal estategovernment investigations & complianceappellate and commercial litigation. These resources allow us to serve as outside general counsel for our clients and help solve nearly any issue they may face in the life cycle of their business. 

Our Purpose is You.

Your experience with our tax attorneys will be fully aligned with your goals and objectives and tailored specifically to how you want to do business with us. Our lawyers are adaptable and nimble – you will never be forced into a box that doesn’t fit your opportunity or problem, or your needs and desires. Whether we are your longtime advisor or guiding you through a government investigation, you’ll be comfortable with our skill and practical approach. We know exactly when to turn up the heat and when collaboration is the smartest way for you to achieve your goals.

Thought Leadership / News
March 5, 2024 
 Speeches and Presentations
IRS Crackdown on Abusive Trust Arrangements: Taxation, Audit Triggers, Reporting, DNI, Foreign Trusts

Strafford Webinar

February 26, 2024 
 Blogs
Dollars & Sense
February 12, 2024 
 Blogs
Dollars & Sense