Tax

Hanson Bridgett provides clients with a broad range of federal, state and local tax services, from personal and transactional tax planning to dispute resolution. We have decades of experience assisting both individuals and businesses, collaborating with them as a strategic partner in achieving their specific goals.

Many of our tax lawyers have extensive experience in corporate and business law, which enhances our ability to navigate complex tax issues in structuring transactions. We have advised numerous companies on the tax ramifications of structuring (a) partnerships, limited liability companies and corporations, (b) and mergers and acquisitions and(c) corporate and LLC divisions and spin-offs of subsidiaries. When tax disputes arise, we represent them in audits, appeals and litigation.

Our Clients

We represent a variety of clients, from individuals, partnerships and limited liability companies, to corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Our extensive practice includes income, estate, gift and real property taxes.

In each case, we work with the client to understand their objectives, whether we’re advising families on gift and estate tax planning or guiding companies through corporate reorganizations. We carefully review each transaction, evaluating its history and identifying the consequences of certain actions and, ultimately, provide options for our clients in achieving their goals.

Federal, State and International

In addition to federal tax planning, we assist clients with a wide range of state and local tax matters. When a dispute leads to litigation, we represent clients before the IRS, the Franchise Tax Board and the State Board of Equalization. We also provide tax advice for U.S. and foreign individuals and entities, with particular expertise in cross-border issues affecting taxpayers in the Pacific Rim.

Our other areas of expertise include the following:

• Corporate Tax – advise limited liability companies, C corporations, S corporations and other companies in all phases of development, from early formation to public offerings
• Employee Benefits – advise employers on compensation and benefits tax issues, and individuals on benefit distributions, retirement plans and income and estate tax elections.
• Health – provide practical advice on such tax issues as “pay or play”
• Employment – assist with a variety of issues, including payroll taxes, independent contractor controversies and federal and state employment tax audits
• Nonprofit and Tax-Exempt Entities – advise on formation and compliance issues
• Partnership Tax – cover all aspects, as well as sales and purchases of partnership interests and assets
• Real Estate Tax – advise on tax-free exchanges under Section 1031 as well as Proposition 13 reassessment rules and local real property transfer taxes