Domestic Income Taxation Services

As the primary field of concentration, the firm’s tax law practice includes the following areas:

Tax Planning

At VMS, we are seasoned attorneys who understand that every commercial transaction or transfer of assets requires an evaluation of the proposed structure’s potential tax costs, and thorough consideration of alternative approaches, in order to complete the transaction at the lowest tax cost to you.  We provide expert counsel to individuals and businesses alike, on a transaction-by-transaction basis, but always within the framework of overall income and estate tax planning.  And while the subject matter may sound overwhelming, we will present you with comparative tax projections that clearly illustrate your options, along with the tax cost of each approach.

Tax Return Preparation

We prepare hundreds of complex tax returns each year for individuals, businesses, trusts, and estates.  We serve clients who are United States residents living and working domestically or abroad, as well as clients who are non-residents but have or employment subject to U.S. tax laws and treaties. 

Representation Before Tax Authorities

Our attorneys represent clients before the Internal Revenue Service, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board, the United States Tax Court, and other state and federal courts.  This includes counsel for audits and appeals, requests for private letter rulings, representation in tax collection matters, and other administrative functions before tax authorities.

Retirement Planning

We believe that, by formulating an appropriate strategy before retirement plan payments begin, you can reap substantial income and estate tax savings.  If you participate in a qualified retirement plan, we would love to advise you on the income and estate tax nuances of distributions and plan benefits.  Retirement tax planning, in lockstep with comprehensive income tax planning, is a standard and integral piece of our client service.

Tax Planning with Trusts

The use of trusts to reduce estate taxes and to shift income is essential to the reduction of overall tax burdens, and another service that we provide. With our knowledge of trusts, the different types and their varying benefits, we can identify the trust structure best suited to you and your family’s objectives, in conjunction with gift-giving programs designed to achieve the greatest overall tax benefit.  We administer the trust’s investment accounts, generate monthly, quarterly and annual trust accountings, and manage all aspects of life insurance trusts.

We routinely establish and advise various tax exempt entities, including charitable foundations, business leagues, clubs and fraternal organizations, and operating charities.

Tax Law Changes

We make it our business to know the moment changes in tax law occur, and immediately start considering how these developments affect each of our clients and our practice as a whole.  Our attorneys are frequently asked to speak before professional associations, business groups, and educational organizations. We understand we are seen as tax law experts, but only if we keep proving it. 

• For International Tax Services, see our directory of International Tax Services