Taxation
A core principle at Gilpin Givhan is the belief that truly effective client counsel must account for the combined impact of both business and tax laws. Our firm’s commitment to providing sophisticated, integrated advice is reflected in the depth of our tax expertise. We have more attorneys with Master of Laws degrees in Taxation from leading programs—including New York University and the University of Florida—than most large law firms in the state. This level of specialization enables us to deliver holistic guidance and adapt the complex structures and strategies used by large corporations for closely held, middle-market companies.
Federal, state, and local taxes have a direct and significant impact on the economic value business owners ultimately realize. Without thoughtful planning, tax obligations can drain essential working capital that would otherwise support growth and reinvestment. The goal of our Taxation practice group is to offer owners strategies for structuring and operating their businesses in ways that minimize tax liability without disrupting their business objectives or day-to-day operations.
Every attorney in the Taxation practice group holds an advanced degree in taxation, and this technical training—paired with years of practical experience—allows us to quickly identify tax issues and craft effective, practical solutions. Whether advising on choice of entity, structuring growth through joint ventures or mergers and acquisitions, or planning for an owner’s eventual exit—whether through a sale, family transition, or transfer to employees—we provide clients with deep tax insight that strengthens and enhances their broader business planning.
Corporations, Partnerships & LLCs>
The choice and structure of a business entity—whether a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company—carry significant and lasting tax implications. Federal and state tax laws treat each type of entity differently, affecting everything from how profits are taxed to how owners can withdraw funds, transfer interests, or plan for succession. Our attorneys help clients understand these consequences and select the structure that best aligns with their tax and long-term planning goals.
We advise clients on the tax considerations involved in forming and operating these entities, including the implications of pass-through taxation, double taxation, basis adjustments, allocation methods, and the treatment of contributions and distributions. For existing businesses, we assist with restructuring and modifying ownership arrangements to achieve greater tax efficiency or to accommodate changes in the business or among its owners.
Our focus is on delivering clear, practical guidance rooted in advanced tax training and real-world experience. Whether establishing a new entity, evaluating the tax impact of bringing on investors or partners, or planning for an eventual transition or sale, we provide owners with a comprehensive understanding of the tax rules that shape these decisions—empowering them to minimize tax burdens and maximize the economic benefits of their business structure.
Income Tax Planning>
Individual income tax planning plays a critical role in preserving wealth and protecting financial well-being. Tax laws change frequently, and without proactive planning, individuals can face unnecessary liabilities that erode personal or family resources. Our attorneys work closely with business owners, executives, professionals, and high-net-worth individuals to identify opportunities for reducing tax exposure while ensuring full compliance with federal and state requirements.
We provide counsel on a wide range of matters, including the tax consequences of compensation arrangements, investment decisions, business ownership, estate and gift strategies, and major life events such as marriage, divorce, or retirement. By combining deep technical tax knowledge with an understanding of each client’s broader financial picture, we deliver clear, practical guidance that helps individuals retain more of what they earn and plan confidently for the future.
Estate, Gift and Charitable Planning>
Thoughtful planning for the transfer of wealth requires more than preparing legal documents—it demands a sophisticated understanding of the estate, gift, and charitable tax rules that govern how assets are preserved, protected, and ultimately distributed. Without careful attention to these complex tax regimes, individuals and families may face unnecessary tax burdens that erode the value of what they intend to pass on.
Our attorneys work closely with clients to design strategies that minimize transfer taxes while aligning with personal, family, and philanthropic goals. We advise on lifetime gifting programs, valuation strategies, generation-skipping transfer tax planning, and the use of trusts and other advanced structures that provide tax efficiency without sacrificing control or flexibility. For clients with charitable objectives, we help structure gifts through donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, and other vehicles that maximize tax benefits while supporting the causes that matter most.
For business owners, we integrate business succession planning with estate and gift tax considerations to ensure a smooth transition that balances family needs with operational stability. Whether implementing a simple gifting plan or a comprehensive wealth-transfer strategy, our attorneys combine advanced tax training with practical judgment to help clients preserve more of what they have built and create a lasting legacy for future generations.
Tax Audits, Controversies & Litigation>
Navigating a tax audit or dispute can be disruptive and costly without experienced guidance. Our attorneys represent clients at every stage of the controversy process—from responding to initial audit inquiries to negotiating settlements and, when necessary, litigating disputes before administrative bodies and courts. We work directly with federal, state, and local taxing authorities to resolve issues efficiently and strategically, always with an eye toward protecting our clients’ financial interests and minimizing long-term exposure.
Our experience includes examinations involving income, employment, sales and use, and other business taxes, as well as disputes arising from complex transactions, valuation issues, and alleged compliance failures. Whether the matter requires skilled negotiation, administrative appeals, or full litigation, we offer thoughtful, practical counsel grounded in deep technical tax knowledge and a clear understanding of the procedural landscape. Our goal is to reduce the uncertainty and burden of a tax dispute while achieving the most favorable resolution possible.