Practice Strengths

In states across the country, Baker Hostetler is an effective advocate for clients in their disputes with state and local taxing authorities. We frequently negotiate favorable reductions in audit adjustments and, when necessary, in litigation, including numerous successful appearances before state supreme courts.

We frequently get results by combining the readiness to litigate with a willingness to negotiate with state tax authorities, and our reputation gives us the strength to advance client interests before legislators, policymakers and administrators with respect to state tax matters. At the local level, we help clients explore and implement property tax abatement opportunities and enterprise zones to promote new business investments and real estate developments.

State/Local Tax Experience

• Obtained changes in the taxation of several major public utilities through a strategy that combined potential litigation with willingness to negotiate with state tax authorities.
• Scored a significant ad valorem state tax appeal in for a media company that affirmed the appropriate methodology for valuing tangible personal property (in this instance, cables, antennas and wire). The case took more than a decade to conclude on appeal and saved our client substantial sums in tax and interest.
• Represent a client in a state assessment case challenging surcharges against advertising billboards (which are owned by the billboard company, not the advertiser).

About Our Tax Team

With a team of more than 80 lawyers—many of whom have served as senior government tax advisors and have received substantial leadership recognition within the legal profession—Baker Hostetler's national tax practice offers unsurpassed resources to our clients. We can handle any tax planning matter or tax controversy at the state, federal or international level, and have the insight and experience to make the Tax Code work to our clients' advantage.