Practice

Tax

Tax Strategy with Business Impact, Wherever you Operate

Sheppard’s multifaceted tax team delivers practical, innovative counsel to clients at every stage of their growth and lifecycle.

Our comprehensive approach helps businesses, individuals and institutions maximize tax efficiency, achieve business objectives and navigate risk.

Your Full-Service Tax Partner for Complex Challenges

Our lawyers understand that today’s business climate demands responsive, results-oriented tax strategies that balance risk, efficiency and opportunity.

We serve public and private companies, financial sponsors, governmental entities, nonprofits, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals in structuring and executing tax-efficient transactions domestically and across borders. 

Clients rely on us for guidance in all areas of federal, state, local and international tax law. From mergers and acquisitions to fund formation, utilization of tax incentives, trusts and estates planning, and structuring employee benefits and executive compensation arrangements, our team’s experience allows us to anticipate regulatory hurdles and design tax planning strategies aligned with evolving industry standards. We are regularly called on to resolve complex controversies, represent clients before U.S. and international tax authorities and handle high-stakes audits and litigation. 

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Areas of Focus

Corporate Tax
We advise companies on structuring mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and business formations for optimal tax efficiency. Our team designs strategies to minimize federal, state and international tax burdens, handles compliance, and manages tax aspects of reorganizations and dispositions, delivering practical solutions throughout the corporate lifecycle. 
Employee Benefits
Our team guides employers through the design, implementation and compliance aspects of all types of employee benefit plans and compensation arrangements. We counsel on requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code, executive compensation, health and welfare programs and plan administration, helping clients attract and retain talent while navigating evolving regulatory obligations and potential disputes. 
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Estate Planning and Wealth Transfer
Our lawyers craft trusts, gifting strategies, charitable plans and succession arrangements, focusing on minimizing tax liability, protecting family legacies, ensuring efficient cross-border transfers, and providing comprehensive fiduciary administration to help clients achieve their long-term goals with confidence. 
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Energy Tax
Sheppard lawyers help sponsors and investors leverage tax equity incentives, credits and financing structures for renewable energy projects. Our experience covers partnership structuring, production tax credits, transfer arrangements and compliance with evolving regulations, ensuring clients achieve optimal returns while advancing energy transition goals.
Executive Compensation
We deliver strategic counsel on executive agreements, incentive and equity plans, nonqualified deferred compensation, privacy concerns and regulatory compliance. Our team’s market insight helps clients design compensation programs that attract leaders, align with company objectives and withstand regulatory scrutiny. 
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Hedge Funds and Private Equity
Sheppard advises fund managers and investors on structuring, compliance and tax optimization for hedge funds, venture capital and private equity platforms. Our experience spans formation, fund raising, operations, investment strategies, cross-border considerations and exit planning, providing clients with support throughout the investment lifecycle. 
International Tax
Our lawyers deliver comprehensive advice on cross-border transactions, global tax planning and compliance for U.S. and foreign businesses. We address transfer pricing, inbound and outbound structuring, treaty analysis, withholding and reporting, helping clients efficiently manage worldwide tax exposure and risk. 
Nonprofit and Exempt Entities
We advise nonprofit organizations on formation, governance, securing tax-exempt status, regulatory compliance and corporate transactions. Our multidisciplinary team supports charities, foundations, health care entities and mission-driven organizations throughout the full life cycle, providing practical guidance in operations, affiliations, endowments and dissolutions.
Real Estate Tax
Our practice helps clients structure acquisitions, dispositions, development and operational arrangements for tax efficiency. We address sales, transfer and property taxes, manage valuation issues and advise on affordable housing and public finance matters, enabling owners and developers to maximize value and minimize tax liabilities. 
State and Local Tax
Sheppard helps businesses navigate multistate tax compliance, employee mobility, planning and controversy, including sales, use, employment, franchise and property tax issues. Our lawyers manage audits and appeals, identify opportunities for savings and support clients in adapting to shifting state and local tax environments. 
Tax Controversy and Litigation
Our lawyers represent clients in federal, state and international tax audits, appeals and litigation. We resolve complex disputes involving income, estate, sales and property taxes, guiding clients through administrative proceedings, negotiations and trials to secure favorable resolutions and protect business interests. 

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