Accounting for income taxes
Business Tax Services

Tax Controversy

We fight your battles

CONTACT AN EXPERT

Our Team = Your Advocates

During any tax controversy, you need skilled advocates. Let the Smith + Howard tax team fight your battles.

We are:

  • Proactive — Our careful planning will help you avoid tax controversies.
  • Active — We will jump in at the first sign of trouble — whether it be a notice, an audit request, or a signal we see when reviewing your documents or tax returns.
  • Capable — From your first moment of need, we will be quick to respond and help you create a plan.

No two circumstances are alike. The Smith + Howard tax team will support your business through any tax controversy, guiding you to decisions that reduce the risk of unnecessary controversy and compliance costs.

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We’ll Take Care of It

Tax controversies are inconvenient. They are urgent. And we will take care of them for you.

We have plenty of experience, and will not just take care of the issue at hand, but simultaneously investigate any underlying problems or circumstances that brought the conflict about in the first place.

We develop and nurture good working relationships with agents to increase the odds of successful resolution in the shortest amount of time. We quickly and effectively communicate with all involved parties to understand the nature and scope of your situation before determining our plan of attack. 

Our team then compiles any requested documentation in a way that is easy to find and easy to track. The processes we use and our approach to implementing them can diminish the negative consequences of tax controversies on your business.

 

Our approach includes:


Prevention

Preventing tax controversies is our primary goal. Steps can be taken before and during the filing process to avoid future controversy.

We understand the rules, can document uncertain tax positions, determine supporting facts and tax authorities, and report tax positions on returns that minimize questions.

Prepare and Respond

Our detailed approach to over-preparing for any tax controversy provides the tax authorities with a roadmap for accepting returns as filed. Throughout the process we respond quickly to keep the process moving forward toward resolution. We keep you apprised as to status at all stages.

Representation

If tax controversies do occur, we will be with you every step of the way. We are capable in any context — whether a notice, audit, or penalty assessment has been received — and can guide you through the process. We can represent you in federal, state, local and even foreign tax challenges through our international alliance.

Advocacy

Your business and its tax situation are our concern. When your business is challenged by a taxing authority, we take charge and advance your case. The Smith + Howard tax team will always be an advocate for you, stewarding the process and pushing for the best possible outcomes.

We’ll Represent You Well

The tax advisors at Smith + Howard enjoy decades-long client relationships. We get to know our clients so that we can anticipate and advise on issues specific to each one, determining if there is any exposure upon audit or review.

This long-term partnership means you have access to leaders in the field who will thoughtfully advise you through regular tax filings, the tax impact of business decisions, and — should they arise — tax controversies.

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What clients are saying
Abatement Technologies Client Testimonial

“In recent years, Smith + Howard has been invaluable in keeping us abreast of changes to the tax code and wider environment. They’ve guided us through complex issues we had no knowledge of, and time and time again, it’s proved to be invaluable for us.”

Tom Nahigian, retired CFO of Abatement Technologies

“We use Smith + Howard for our audit, tax and special project work. Their advice and counsel is exceptional. Most recently, without Smith + Howard’s advice, we would have missed out on a $4M refund from a tax incentive program.”

David Seem, CFO, Miller-Zell

“Their mindset is different. They’re constantly looking to see what our objectives are and they’re giving us the best possible advice and keeping up with all the rules and regulations. It’s like having an expert looking over your shoulder with what you’re doing.”

Raj Anand, CEO, Southern States, LLC

A Firm of Distinction

50
Serving clients in all 50 states
4,000 +
Tax clients globally served
3
Consecutive years recognized as Forbes Best Tax and Accounting Firm in America

How We Help

Our business tax services also include:

  • Business tax planning
  • Entity selection
  • Accounting for income taxes
  • Tax accounting method selection and planning
  • Transaction advisory tax services
  • International tax services
  • Tax credits and incentives
  • Succession planning
CONTACT AN EXPERT
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Explore our other tax services:

Private Client Services

As a high-net-worth individual, you need a partner working as hard to protect and grow your wealth as you did to accumulate it – a partner who is on the same page as you about how your life, family and goals evolve over time and commits to preserving what you’ve built.

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Business Tax

Our roots going back over half a century were grounded in tax. Today, while we can serve every aspect of your business’ financial life, we still stand on a strong tax foundation.

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Indirect Tax

When consumers purchase goods and services, they pay indirect taxes.

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At each step of the way, we will work with you to maintain compliance and minimize your taxes, while establishing a long-term relationship built on quality counsel and efficient, responsive service.