From tax and estate planning to cryptocurrency, contracts, Probate and investments, we optimally provide a full suite of tax law services for individuals, families, and medium and large corporations.

Experience

Click below to filter the articles of interest in this section.
Capital Structure
Cryptocurrency

Tax Consequences of ETH Exchange for ICO Tokens

Analysis (to the extent possible under limited authority) of potential tax consequences of exchange of appreciated Ethereum for ICO tokens in ICO.  Review of potential application of S. 351 in the context of SEC application of the Howey doctrine to utility-token ICOs.  Review of reporting requirements for 5%+ participants in ICO obtained with appreciated ETH and possible tacking of holding period and basis application for subsequent sales.

1031
Cryptocurrency
Individuals

Like-Kind Exchange Principles Applicable to Cryptocurrency

Analysis and qualified advice on potential application of pre-2018 like-kind exchange rules to crypto-to-crypto swaps.  Distinctions between different categories of cryptocurrencies.  Work with outside contractor to develop bespoke software to track high-volume transactions (up to mm’s of transactions) tracing through original cost basis and transferred amounts and values in non-recombinant splitting of transfers with differing historical tax basis.  Consideration of overwhelming reporting requirements for high-volume algorithmic traders and pro and con of need for voluminous paper filing on full range of trades.

Cryptocurrency
Individuals
Non-Profits

Evaluation of Charitable Contributions of Highly-Appreciated Tokens

Evaluation of contribution of highly-appreciated cryptocurrency tokens to 501(c)(3).  Obtaining a qualified appraisal for nontraditional asset class (ICO), analysis of tacked holding period for purposes of long term/short term character of contributed assets obtained through convoluted chain of asset ownership.

Tax Court

Preparing Tax Court Defense 10 Days Prior to Trial

Approached by client 10 days prior to scheduled Tax Court trial date.  All-hands on deck preparation and presentation of full documentation and legal analysis.  Presentation to Tax Court, subsequent negotiation with IRS Counsel and favorable negotiated settlement after renewing favorable negotiating position with defensible positions at trial.

1031
Tax Planning

Tax Planning for 1031 Partial Exchanges of Strip Mall

Tax planning for distribution of TIC interests and partial 1031 exchanges from certain ownership stakes of strip mall held in tiered partnership structure.  Drafting LLC language and TIC agreement and reviewing transfer and dissolution documents RE: same.

Capital Structure

Pre-IPO Planning for Non-US Company

Pre-IPO advice and liaison to appropriate boutique advisory shops for non-US enterprise contemplating US listing.  International tax structuring advice on GILTI rules, interest allocation and optimal corporate structure for resulting Delaware HoldCo of non-US operational entities.

International
Trusts & Estates

International Estate Planning Involving US Operations and RE Assets

Evaluation of different strategies for non-US holder of US operational assets and US real estate assets as portion of estate-taxable international holdings.  Laying out benefits and disadvantages of various structural options and implementation of chosen strategy.  Interplay of complexity of estranged spouse on title to certain assets on bequest planning.

Capital Structure

Review of Historical Family Ownership Structure

Review and restructuring of family ownership structure of multiple operating entities including formalizing handshake agreements from original startup phase and establishing inter-generational planning for the various enterprises.  Split of ownership between different operations to equalize out to prior agreement from differential titling.

Audit & Appeal
Individuals

Appeal of NOL Carryback on AMT Item

Appeal of technical aspects of AMT carryover of impact of NOL caused by Miscellaneous Itemized Deduction in subsequent year.   Multiple layers of appeal and involvement of the Taxpayer’s Advocate office resulting in successful outcome for taxpayer on prior year refund.

Individuals
Tax Planning

Structuring Settlement Payments for Tax Savings

Multiple situations involving investigating potential structures of settlement payments for potential tax savings relating to applicable above-the-line statutory expense deductions, application of FICA, miscellaneous itemized deductions/pursuit of income determination and independent contractor determinations and potential expense apportionment possibilities.

Real Estate
Tax Planning

Planning Around GCT Application to RE Held in S Corporation

Proactive tax planning relating to application of GCT on capital gains on NYC-based real estate held in legacy S Corp.  Mitigation structures and details of implementation both for current year and for out-year’s planning.  Trade-offs of tax savings against constraints on taxpayer behavior framed clearly for client.

Individuals
International
Tax Structuring

Tax Efficient Structure for Panamanian Development

Analysis and recommendation for tax efficient receipt of payments and profits for US citizen developing real estate properties in Panama business zone.  Application of S. 911 rules, debt and equity characterization and look-through vs. corporate taxation of profits on realization of project.

Capital Structure
Individuals

Structuring Silent Minority Investment

Structuring and documenting minority investment in small business for desired economic results and discretion of identities of parties and amounts at stake.  Planning and implementation of same.

Cryptocurrency
Individuals

Application of 199A Regime to Cryptocurrency Receipts

Analysis of potential 199A deduction for receipts of income in and relating to cryptocurrency activities.  Review of (limited) available literature on subject.  Structuring income receipt via. entities to maximize deferral possibilities on retirement planning pre-filing deadline and advice on proper reporting for receipt of cryptocurrency income.

Individuals
International

Tax Planning Involving US-UK Resident, Limited Companies and US CFC Rules

Tax analysis and strategic planning involving US citizen living in UK with multiple jurisdictional income streams.  Interplay of sub-chapter S strategies with Limited Company strategies (HMRC) and implications of the application of CFC or FPHC rules to UK-based strategies, along with international discussions of multi-tier strategic individual tax planning.

Individuals
Surrogate's Court
Tax Planning

Analysis of Proper Tax Reporting in Contested Estate

Discussions and analysis of proper tax reporting of ownership of property and entities in the context of ongoing litigation of probate of estate.  Review of both tax rules and prima facie application of both EPTL provisions and application of trust documents in play with respect to entity ownership.  Guidance on best course of action both in relation to tax reporting and to implications of tax reporting on Surrogate’s Court presentation of income and ownership information.

1031
Tax Planning

In-Kind Distributions through Tiered Partnerships for 1031 Transactions

Multiple transactions involving in-kind distribution of TIC interests through multiple layers of GP-LP partnerships in order to implement partial and/or parallel 1031 transactions.  Drafting of partnership (LLC) agreement language to account for in-kind distributions, review of TIC agreements and analysis of IRS rules and rulings relating to distribution and later transfer for nonrecognition treatment under S. 1031.

1031
Individuals
Real Estate
Tax Planning

Analysis of Like Kind Exchange Rules Applied to Divorcing Couple

Analysis of Like Kind Exchange and S. 121 exemption rules to property owned by a couple involved in cooperative divorce.  Structuring of optimal tax savings approach to property given relative ownership and use period and potential structuring for TIC interests and parallel 1031 transactions.

Individuals
Tax Planning

State Tax Nexus for Deployed Civilian Contractor

Research and analysis of state tax nexus statutes in multiple states relating to domiciliary test for civilian contractor long-deployed in Afghanistan.  Review of multiple state rules and weighing factors between different potential states on possible application of state-level tax to capital gains on sale of business property while overseas.

International
Tax Planning

Research on New Self-Created Intellectual Property Taxation Rules

Research on conflicting laws relating to taxation of self-created intellectual property; memo presenting analysis based on maxims of statutory construction and legislative intent relating to new provision of law conflicting with remaining existing provision of law.  Strategic advice to client RE: same.

Individuals
Real Estate
Trusts & Estates

Gift Transfer of NYC Real Estate Held in S Corporation Entity

Documentation and strategy relating to inter vivos gift of New York coop held through an S Corporation, gift tax implications and filings and creation of new unanimous written consent and by laws for family recipient.

International
Tax Planning
Trusts & Estates

International Estate Planning on RE Held Through S Corporations

Advice and planning relating to US real estate assets held in S Corporations by international family holding EU real estate as well.  Domicile questions, allocations and implications of renunciation of status on testamentary transfers to US citizens.  Optimization of US exemption amount in relation to overall international estate planning including application of international treaty network and credits for local estate taxes levied upon death.

Tax Planning
Trusts & Estates

Analysis of S Corporation Outside Basis Step-Up

Analysis and strategic advice relating to high-value real estate inherited via. ownership of S Corporation shares.  Implications of sale of underlying property and distribution of assets on built-in gains and outside capital losses, intra-year netting and carry forward/carry back strategies, historical analysis of inside basis adjustments from date of death forward and implementation of dissolution mechanics to ensure recapture without tax slippage.

Real Property Transfer Tax
Tax Structuring

Application of Florida RPTT to Tiered Partnership

Analysis and advice relating to sale of upper-tier partnership interests in GP-LP structure involving Florida real estate and the application of real estate tax to transfers of upper-tier interests where lower-tier partnership held commercial Florida real estate.

International

FIRPTA Application to Renewables Project

Research and advice on application of FIRPTA to utility-scale renewable solar project.  Analysis of percentage of project attributable to elements of project categorized as real property under FIRPTA rulings, advice to client RE: same.

Capital Structure
Tax Planning

Sale of Utility-Scale Renewables Project

Advice and tax structuring relating to the sale of three utility-scale solar projects.  Internal vs. external basis, implications of flip structure involving tax equity involved in sale of primary interests, review of indemnity language, cash grant implications and negotiating tax aspects of $80m transaction.

International
Partnerships
Tax Planning

International Allocation and Partnership Withholding

Structuring and analysis of a multinational services partnership in relation to ECI allocation and US withholding obligations under S. 1446 for non-US partners; advice on timing and procedural application for refund of over-withheld monies with respect to non-US partner.

Capital Structure
Non-Profits

Merger of New York State Non-Profit Corporation

Merger of New York State Non-Profit Corporation into out-of-state unaffiliated non-profit.  Preparation and submission of petition for approval of merger to NY Attorney General’s Office, Charities Division, as well as petition for approval of dissolution.  Negotiating and drafting merger agreements and ancillary documents relating to transfer of substantially all assets and personnel movement to new charity.

Real Estate
Tax Planning

Analysis of Dealer Status on Sales of Parking Licenses

Analysis of capital gains or ordinary income characterization hinging on possible treatment of taxpayer as a ‘dealer’ in parking licenses where transfers occur in bulk to separate taxpaying entity after which subsequent transactions might occur at the retail level.  Analysis of step transaction doctrine, related-party sales rules and attribution of activities under relevant case law.

Real Estate
Real Property Transfer Tax
Tax Planning

Real Property Transfer Tax Application to Pre-Distribution Plan

Discussion, advice and documentation relating to distribution of units in development where initial investors had designated individual units for distribution at completion of construction but were prevented from fully binding transfer by restrictions of plan documents.  Analysis of RPTT mere change of form of ownership rules applied to bespoke situation and best approach to documenting ultimate transfer of title.

Audit & Appeal
Individuals

Audit Relating to Partnership Outside Basis & Distributions

IRS audit relating to technical application of distributions in excess of outside basis from partnership.  Discussions with taxpayer, research into historical outside basis records and recalculation of potential capital contributions unaccounted for in financial accounting.  Discussions with IRS audit personnel relating to application of at risk rules and distribution taxability, preparation of penalty waiver request based upon reliance on previous tax return preparer.

Audit & Appeal
Real Property Transfer Tax
Tax Court

Audit & Appeal of RPTT Rate Applied to Joint Cooperative

Audit & appeal (multi-stage through local tax tribunal) of application of bulk rate to contiguously-joined coop unit, research and presentation of administrative precedent and application of same to unusual fact pattern involving prior conjoined use followed by intervening separate use of physically connected units.

Real Estate
Real Property Transfer Tax
Tax Planning

Real Property Transfer Tax on In-Kind Distribution

Numerous situations of in-kind distribution of promoter units and multi-promoter structures, application of mere change of form to varying factual situations as well as assumption of mortgage and mortgage recording tax in similar situations.  Review of ACRIS documentation to conform with NYC and NY State RPTT rules and regulations.

Real Estate
Tax Planning

Multi-Tier Partnership In-Kind Unit Distribution

Advice, structuring and drafting/implementation of multi-tier partnership distributions of sponsor units through multi-layers of entities containing different promote structures and LP investors at each level.  Cross-drafting of language to ensure proper economic distribution while retaining confidentiality of investor base at each level, multi-tiered RPTT implementation and cash requirements to satisfy non In-Kind members.

Real Estate
Tax Planning

In-Kind Distribution on Multi-Investor Development

Advice, structuring and implementation relating to multi-sponsor project requesting in-kind units to multiple sponsors.  Detailed discussions of cross-credit issues, tax allocations of phantom income relating to leverage repayment, drafting language of distributions, operating agreements, real property transfer tax implications, waterfall of distributions of part-cash part-units as project progressed to completion.

Real Estate
Tax Planning

In-Kind Unit Distribution for Promoter Interest

Advice, structuring and implementation of in-kind unit distributions in partial satisfaction of promote earned in mid-market development projects, including drafting tax allocation language and redrafting waterfall language to accommodate in-kind distributions as earned.  Discussion of tax aspects both upon allocations in year of distribution, phantom income potential from pay-down of leverage and future tax consequences from inventory characterization.  Our office has worked on numerous situations of this type with a variety of mid-market development firms.

Estate Planning
Surrogate's Court
Trusts & Estates

Trust Accounting Challenge

Working with minor clients on obtaining an accounting over trust assets held by an adversarial party unwilling to provide information.  Research on NY law, procedure and practical negotiations to obtain not only value of account, but specific investment portfolio and fee information.

Tax Planning

Return Preparation

Individuals, Partnerships, S-Corporations, Estates & Trusts. Federal, State & Local. Structuring potential monetization transactions for a stranded short-term capital loss (individual taxpayer) including practical advice on implementation and counter-party pricing for viability analysis.

Non-Profits

Advice for local chamber of commerce

Formation advice for local chamber of commerce re: tax-exempt status and formation entity, along with restrictions and tax implications of lobbying activity and referral services.

Cryptocurrency
Tax Planning

Bitcoin tax advice

Advice on tax implications of Bitcoin receipt in capital raise and usage of same in small business context.

International
Tax Planning

US-German income tax treaty

Analysis of US-German income tax treaty, estate tax treaty and totalization agreement (Social Security tax treaty) for cross-citizenship couple with dual tax residency involving cross-border trusts, beneficiaries and generation-skipping transfer tax.

Tax Structuring

Structuring legal entities

Structuring legal entities for new joint ventures involving existing investments and potential new investments. Considered tax optimization, securities law concerns, and complex agreement drafting of payment waterfalls upon interim and liquidating distributions.

Tax Planning

Advice on tax policy

Advice on tax policy implications of various legislative and regulatory proposals.

International
Tax Planning

Implications of non-US investor

Analysis of implications of non-US investor taking position in the US on their non-US investment portfolio from a US tax perspective (PFIC analysis, MTM election, etc.)

International
Tax Planning

US citizen living abroad

Optimal FTC analysis for US citizen living abroad prior three years. Conclusion that US filing not required, but voluntary US filing led to excess tax credit position that created tax savings for following several years with investment portfolio tax-optimization.

Individuals
Tax Structuring

REMIC I/O Analysis

Analysis of individual taxpayer purchase of REMIC I/O strip with unforeseen and negative tax consequences. Guiding return preparer through corresponding entries and explanation for federal returns.

International
Tax Planning

US filing requirements

Advice to US taxpayer noncompliant with US filing requirements for independent contractor income earned while living overseas. Retroactive filings and requests for penalty relief.

Tax Planning

Analysis of tax implications

Analysis of tax implications of trust/prepayment options for private school tuition to accommodate non-tax requirements of divorcing couple to set-aside assets for schooling in most tax-efficient manner given respective personal filing statuses.

Testimonials

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Grace, Health Research

David is deeply knowledgeable, astoundingly helpful, marvelously efficient and an absolute blast to work with, for someone who was as phobic of personal finance and taxes as I was. He kindly and patiently answered every one of my clueless questions and left me feeling well-informed, well-supported and in control. For making taxes go down with many a spoonful of sugar, he has my most enthusiastic recommendation!

Jeff, Technology Infrastructure

David is an outstanding attorney and I couldn’t recommend his services more highly. David was brought on to help perform due diligence and structure a business investment deal under very time constrained, stressful, and complicated circumstances. David brought a tireless work ethic and went over and above what would have been normally expected. He provided expert advice and did a great job of breaking down complex concepts into language and terms that I was able to quickly understand. In addition to his legal acumen, David has a strong grasp of business and deal making. He provided outstanding counsel and demonstrated great creativity in helping to structure a deal. David has a high degree of integrity, he is an excellent communicator, he has a great sense of humor, and is a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend David Spencer.

Marie-Lise, Jewelry Designer

I started working with David about two years ago. He has been so helpful in resolving tax related issues and beyond. He is very detail oriented, patient and effective. I would definitely recommend his services as he is the best tax attorney (sometimes accountant) that I have used.

Kerry, Freelance Arts Researcher

I cannot speak highly enough of services that David provides. As our tax attorney he was incredibly helpful. He immediately replied all of our questions and needs and made a complicated process very simple and clear. I recommend David’s services to every and anyone, you cannot do better than this.

Diane, Tech Marketing

David bends time and space. That’s the only explanation for how he solved a 4-year old tax return overcharge, on 8-year old international stock sale, via a brokerage that had been sold twice since then. David’s existing knowledge was staggering, but his rapid research skills were even more impressive. Obstacles could not deter him. He turned it around in half the time expected. He made a complex process understandable and, more importantly, winnable.

Eamonn, Performance Management

David and I worked together during the financial crisis. The work involved intricate questions of international taxation, regulatory capital and valuation of highly-structured financial instruments, and David kept abreast of all of the moving pieces in several countries and stayed calm during those turbulent times.

Omar, Data Analytics

Dealing with tax-issues is never fun, but David made the process as painless and straightforward as possible. David has a deep understanding of US and foreign tax-issues, is very responsive to questions, explains issues very clearly, provides thoughtful advice, always prompt, and a great value. I spoke with 4 other tax lawyers before deciding on David and very glad I decided to work with him. We have worked together twice so far, and will continue to reach out to him in the coming years.