Tax Law
Flora Pettit’s tax attorneys are business lawyers with extensive tax backgrounds, including two having advanced law degrees in taxation and two who are certified public accountants. As a result, tax planning is incorporated into every business representation and transaction rather than constituting an afterthought or add-on service. We work in close cooperation with the business’ accountants and other financial advisors to help provide the best possible tax planning for the myriad of transactions that involve tax considerations, including federal, state and local tax considerations. Most transactions or events experienced by a growing company and their owners throughout their life cycles— from entity formation, through financings and private capital formation, employee incentives, technology exploitation, and sale—have significant tax implications that must be addressed to maximize operating profits and equity value.
Our services include:
Entity Organization and Structuring. We have significant experience in helping clients choose the best legal or tax entity form for their venture, including corporations, partnerships, and LLCs. We also assist existing businesses convert from one form of entity to another and advise on the use of multiple entities to achieve various business, liability protection and tax planning goals.
Mergers and Acquisitions; Entity Restructuring. We are regularly engaged to address the tax issues that are presented in business purchase and sale transactions, including asset and stock purchases, as well as redemptions, mergers, spin-offs and other types of reorganizations.
Tax Exempt Organizations. Our attorneys assist tax-exempt organizations with entity formation and application for recognition of tax-exempt status. We also provide guidance on the issues faced by these organizations, including compliance with the legal and regulatory requirements that govern their operations.
Tax Controversies. We are equipped to handle tax audits from their commencement through litigation, if necessary and appropriate. Our tax lawyers have successfully handled litigated tax cases to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Counsel to Accounting and Financial Firms. We represent many small and large accounting and other firms in Virginia, arising, in part from our cooperative approach to client service.