Tax Law

Taxes are one of the most common ways people interact with the government, yet most people do not understand them. We can help with tax disputes at all levels of government, as well as helping you structure your business or trust to optimize your tax load.

Federal Taxes

We understand that federal tax issues can be a daunting and complicated matter for individuals and businesses. Whether you're dealing with an audit, a dispute with the IRS, or a tax planning matter, our team of experienced tax attorneys can help you navigate the legal landscape and achieve your goals.

We can assist you with a variety of federal tax matters, including income tax, estate tax, gift tax, payroll tax, and international tax issues. Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of the Internal Revenue Code and can provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to achieve a successful outcome.

It's important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and protect your interests. Our team of experienced attorneys can assist you with your federal tax matter and provide you with the legal advice and representation you need. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with your federal tax issue.

State Taxes

Tennessee is one of the few states without an income tax, but that does not mean Tennessee state tax issues are not a complex and challenging matter for individuals and businesses. Whether you're dealing with a tax dispute, a compliance issue, or a planning matter, we can help you navigate the legal landscape and achieve your goals.

Our team can assist you with tax planning, compliance, dispute resolution, and litigation if necessary. We will work closely with you to understand your unique situation and develop a tailored strategy that meets your goals and budget.

We can assist you with a variety of Tennessee state tax matters, including franchise and excise tax, sales tax, use tax, alcohol tax, and business tax issues. Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of Tennessee tax law and can provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to achieve a successful outcome.

Property Taxes

Unlike other State taxes, property taxes are not collected by the Tennessee Department of Revenue. They are collected by the County Assessors, which means they have a unique set of laws governing them.

If you're facing a valuation dispute, our attorneys can help you understand how the assessed value of your property was determined and advise you on your options for challenging that valuation. Similarly, if you're seeking an exemption or abatement, we can help you understand the relevant laws and regulations and advocate on your behalf to secure the benefits to which you're entitled.

In the event that you need to appeal a property tax decision, we can represent you in administrative hearings or in court. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and litigators who are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.

Tax Court

The US Tax Court is a federal court established by Congress to resolve disputes between taxpayers and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding federal tax matters. The court has jurisdiction over a broad range of tax-related issues, including disputes over the amount of taxes owed, the interpretation and application of tax laws and regulations, and challenges to IRS decisions regarding tax assessments, refunds, and penalties.

The Tax Court is an independent court, separate from the IRS, and its judges are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The US Tax Court plays a critical role in the federal tax system, providing taxpayers with an avenue to challenge IRS decisions and ensuring that taxpayers are treated fairly under the law.

The Tax Court provides taxpayers with an opportunity to resolve tax disputes without having to pay the disputed amount before going to court, as is often required in other types of litigation. In addition, the court's procedures are designed to be more informal and less costly than those of other federal courts.

Equitus Law attorney John Beam is admitted to Tax Court, and advocates on behalf of our clients for fair treatment from the IRS.

Internal Revenue Service

When a taxpayer receives a notice from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) indicating that they may owe taxes or that the IRS is questioning a tax return, the taxpayer has the opportunity to dispute the matter through administrative procedures, but it can be very difficult and time consuming. We can help you respond to the notice, providing any additional information or explanation that may be needed, or request a conference with an IRS representative to further discuss the matter.

If the dispute remains unresolved after the conference, we can file a formal protest with the IRS Appeals Office. The Appeals Office is a separate division of the IRS that handles disputes that cannot be resolved through other administrative channels. 

We can also help you appeal any adverse determination made by the IRS Appeals Office to the federal courts. We help clients navigate this complex system to keep the money that they deserve. Let us know how we can help you in your dispute with the IRS.

1031 Exchanges

We can provide valuable assistance to clients who are interested in executing a 1031 exchange. A 1031 exchange is a powerful tax strategy that allows property owners to defer taxes on the sale of investment properties by reinvesting the proceeds into a new property.

There are several different types of 1031 exchanges, including:

Simultaneous Exchange: The most straightforward type of exchange, in which the relinquished property and replacement property are exchanged at the same time.

Delayed Exchange: The most common type of exchange, in which the taxpayer sells the relinquished property and has up to 180 days to acquire the replacement property.

Reverse Exchange: A more complex type of exchange, in which the taxpayer acquires the replacement property before selling the relinquished property.

By working with us, clients can rest assured that their 1031 exchange will be executed smoothly and efficiently, and that they will maximize their tax savings. With our expertise and attention to detail, we can provide the guidance and support that clients need to successfully execute a 1031 exchange and achieve their real estate investment goals.