“What I enjoy most about the practice of law is the ability to use my unique experience to help people resolve the most difficult of circumstances.”
The stress of a seemingly insurmountable tax problem can be overwhelming; oftentimes these problems fester for years causing greater anxiety and concern about whether there is any solution. If you find yourself in this situation, it is so important to find a knowledgeable and trusted tax advisor. It is even better to find such a person who is accessible and responsive.
Individuals and businesses facing complicated tax problems can expect from Paul prompt personal attention and a reliable assessment of their situation. Paul routinely assists clients dealing with either (or both) the IRS or the New York State Dept. of Taxation in various situations including audits, an administrative or judicial appeal after an audit, or when collection activities are threatened or underway.
Experience
Paul began his career as a Trial Attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice – Tax Division representing the IRS in federal court. He has been with Bousquet Holstein since 1989 and now leads the firm's Tax Controversy Practice Group. As a result of his experience, Paul has an excellent working relationship with federal and state tax personnel and he routinely negotiates fair and practical solutions for his clients.
Paul has built a distinguished reputation as an advocate for clients in difficult situations. With over 40 years of experience in dealing with tax controversies, Paul has seen and worked through just about every kind of federal and NYS tax problem. He has worked with various business entities, not-for-profit organizations, and individuals of various means. Paul is exceptionally skilled in assessing a client's situation and finding solutions that will be cost effective and sensible.
Finding the Right Solution
If you or your business are in an adversarial situation with either state or federal taxing authorities, it is very likely Paul can help you. You will feel comfortable discussing your tax problems with Paul and knowing that he will be able to determine the best course of action for your situation. Paul is widely regarded for his ability to analyze the best way to pay, settle, or otherwise resolve your tax obligation.
He can help with any of the following:
- you have received an IRS or NYS notice and need direction
- you are being audited
- you wish to appeal audit results
- you find yourself having to go to court to address a tax problem
- you are facing collection activity such as a levy on your bank account
- you are trying to sell property that has a tax lien
- you want to settle using the offer in compromise program
- you are facing a personal assessment for unpaid payroll or sales taxes of a business
The resolution to any tax problem requires a complete understanding of your situation; cookie-cutter solutions peddled in television ads can be misleading. Paul will give you a knowledgeable assessment of your circumstances, and a realistic range of the options that make the most financial sense for you.
Tax Services for Not-For-Profits
Navigating tax laws and regulations can be a significant challenge for non-profit organizations. When a nonprofit finds itself in trouble with the IRS or needing to defend its tax-exempt status– the future of the organization is often at stake. This is often when Paul comes into the picture.
Paul collaborates closely with organizations to develop customized strategies to ensure compliance with state and federal tax regulations. With extensive experience in both preventative counsel and dispute resolution, Paul understands the complexities and specialized needs of not-for-profits.
Community Involvement & Acknowledgements
- Housing Visions Unlimited, Inc. – Chair, Board of Directors
- Housing Portfolio Unlimited, Inc. – Board Member, Secretary
- Loretto Foundation – Past President and Board of Trustees Member
- Onondaga Citizens League – Past President and Board member. Co-Chair of 2013-2014 Study on Early Childhood Development
- Super Lawyers – Upstate New York Edition, 2015, 2016
- Leadership Greater Syracuse, 1995 Graduate, Past Board Chair
Education
Albany Law School – Albany, NY
Juris Doctor, cum laude, May 1984
St. John Fisher College – Rochester, NY
Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, May 1981
Admissions
New York
United States District Court, Northern and Western Districts of New York
United States Tax Court
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