Tax

Though the areas of tax law are many, there is one foundational truth to all: they evolve and become more complex each year. By helping a diverse range of clients navigate these challenges, Coblentz has earned a strong reputation for our experience in federal, state, and local tax matters.

And because our attorneys support—and have the support of—all other practices in the firm, we’re able to offer an extensive and integrated analysis of tax issues, an analysis that can make all the difference to our client’s desired result.

Tax Planning and Controversy

Coblentz advises clients in structuring complex real estate acquisitions, commercial and residential real estate development projects, investment funds, and commercial operating companies, so as to maximize the business and tax benefits to investors.

Other tax services include advising corporations, LLCs and partnerships on tax matters including structuring corporate acquisitions and mergers in a tax-efficient manner, planning executive compensation and minimizing California income, property, and sales and use tax liabilities.

In the controversy area, we have successfully handled complex federal and California income tax audits and disputes, including resolution through litigation as well as settlement of disputes and administrative proceedings with the Internal Revenue Service, the California Franchise Tax Board, and other administrative-level resolution forums.  We have also successfully handled local tax controversy matters, including property tax assessment appeals.

Family Wealth

Working hand-in-hand with our Family Wealth practice, our tax attorneys advise on the tax planning and issues surrounding family wealth transfers involving trusts and estates and other areas of importance to high-net-worth family clients and their closely-held businesses, including succession planning for extended families.

Conservation Easements

We have a national reputation in significant conservation easement cases, and we have the experience needed to help clients identify and resolve issues in this area before they develop into more costly and intractable problems.

Exempt Organizations

Our tax attorneys are well-versed in the multiple requirements to obtain and maintain tax-exempt status, and we have particular experience in advising private foundations to navigate the complex excise tax provisions applicable to tax-exempt private foundations. We counsel on issues related to making and accepting charitable contributions (including negotiating agreements for structured gifts and gifts of special properties), fundraising, fiduciary duties of directors and trustees, governance compensation and income tax issues, investment strategies and contract negotiations.