Tax Planning and Compliance for US Companies
The advisors and accountants of Berkowitz Pollack Brant provide comprehensive individual and business tax consulting. Comprising the largest group in our firm, the tax practitioners advise on compliance, tax liability, mergers and acquisitions, specialized transactions and long-range planning.
The diversity of our client mix allows us to understand a range of organizational structures. This knowledge often leads to recommendations that can streamline operations, positively impact liabilities or create efficiencies. Our tax compliance services include preparation of federal, state and local returns.
Individual Tax Planning and Compliance
Many of our clients are entrepreneurs who own closely held businesses and high-net-worth individuals who own significant investment portfolios. Our tax and business consulting expertise allows us to cater to each client’s set of circumstances.
International Taxation
Berkowitz Pollack Brant is widely recognized as a leader in providing services related to international taxation. The unique challenges of inbound and outbound pre-immigration tax and estate planning, foreign investment in US real estate, foreign corporations conducting business in the United States, US persons doing business abroad, taxation of foreign trusts, compliance services and IRS representation are among our areas of expertise.
Credits and Incentives Consulting
Almost every state offers some level of incentives, credits, exemptions and special tax considerations for new, expanding or relocating businesses. There are also hundreds of local empowerment zones, property tax abatements, green building incentives and foreign trade zone credits. We use all of this information to assist companies in transition or expansion mode to make the most tax-beneficial choices.
Multi-State Entities/State and Local Tax Issues
Individuals and companies with operations in multiple states face a complex tax environment. With careful planning, the overall tax burden can be managed.
Our professionals have experience handling the challenges of a multi-state operation. They know the questions to ask, the advice to provide and the traps to watch for in tailoring multi-state plans. Their guidance is especially helpful for companies in pre-expansion phases. A thoughtful conversation before expansion can help ensure that the eventual tax burden does not outweigh the opportunity.
Real Estate Taxation
We have deep roots in the real estate field, both in Florida and in Latin America. Clients include developers, owners, property managers, real estate construction companies and private investors. We assist clients in maximizing profits and minimizing income taxes through the following areas:
- Cost segregation services
- Ownership of real estate by foreigners
- Maximizing expensing vs. capitalization of costs
- Multi-state tax compliance and consulting
- Planning to minimize income tax from forgiveness of debt
- Tax compliance
- Tax deferral strategies for sale transactions
- Tax-free exchanges
- Tax structuring for complex deals
- Tax structuring for partnership and LLC agreements
Tax Controversy
Our tax professionals have deep experience representing clients in Internal Revenue Service (IRS) administrative proceedings. As the IRS expands its reach and the tax code becomes more complex, individuals and companies can inadvertently step into gray areas. International entities face even more complicated situations. Our team provides insight, guidance and representation.
Among our services:
- Advising on dispute resolution alternatives
- Contesting summonses
- Handling administrative appeals
- Negotiating the scope of an audit
- Obtaining pre-filing rulings and technical advice memos
- Representing clients in IRS examinations, IRS appeals, before state and federal tax courts, Court of Federal Claims, US district court and courts of appeal
- Representing clients in meetings with authorities and negotiation sessions
- Securing fast-track mediation
- Writing position papers