Joshua D. Smeltzer

Board Certified in Tax Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Joshua Smeltzer focuses his practice on defending taxpayers in all stages of civil and criminal tax proceedings, including sensitive audits and examinations. Joshua frequently represents corporations, complex partnerships, family offices, estates and trusts, and high-net worth individuals. His practice encompasses a variety of industries, with special expertise in real estate, energy, insurance, private equity, digital assets and blockchain technology.

Joshua uses his background as a former U.S. Department of Justice lawyer to provide first-hand knowledge when the government is involved in litigation in designing an effective plan to litigate disputes, minimize risks and achieve as many client goals as possible. Joshua has deep litigation and trial experience, both as a private and government lawyer, in controversies ranging from $500,000 to more than $1.5 billion.

In addition to his controversy practice, Joshua’s clients frequently call upon him to provide strategic business advice, help with regulatory guidance, advise on tax efficient structuring and transactional matters, and assist with government investigations and business disputes. Joshua has structured numerous technology and energy focused partnerships and businesses and has experience drafting opinions and private letter ruling requests on a host of complex tax topics. As co-chair of Gray Reed’s Blockchain and Digital Asset practice, he is particularly adept at understanding the needs of businesses in this new industry or who are incorporating the new technology or assets into their existing business.

Joshua is also a respected thought leader and regular author and presenter on numerous tax, litigation, and business topics. He has been asked to provide expert testimony for the State Bar of Texas on tax topics and for private clients in court proceedings. He is also the editor of the firm’s tax blog, Dollars & Sense.