Tax Law
SECTION UPDATE
Tax Law
By Julian A . Fortuna Taylor English Duma LLP jfortuna @ taylorenglish . com
The 2016 fiscal year has been a busy one for the Atlanta Tax Law Section . We hosted numerous luncheons , social mixers , ongoing CLEs , and many other events throughout the year . As the fiscal year comes to an end , we would like to recap these events and offer a sneak peek of the remaining events to close out the summer . The Tax Law Section kicked off the fiscal year with its Annual Joint Summer Reception with the Georgia Society of CPAs , held on August 20 , 2015 . The evening mixer hosted attorneys and accountants from the Atlanta area for drinks and hor d ’ oeurves at the Park Tavern overlooking Piedmont Park . Despite the rain , 65 attendees enjoyed the evening , meeting new members and catching up with familiar faces . On Oct . 19 , 2015 , I moderated a lunch panel discussion on Employee Stock Ownership Plans at the Grand Hyatt in Buckhead . Panelists included Leah Singleton from Alston & Bird and Nick Heinz from our long-time , loyal sponsor , Mercer Capital . The specialized topic attracted more than 40 attendees , comprised of a diverse mix of attorneys , CPAs , bankers , and other professionals . On November 13 , 2015 , the Tax Law Section partnered with the Estate Planning and Probate Section and sponsor Diversified Trust to present the 12th Annual Estate Planning Forum at the Cobb Energy Center . The program this year was a panel discussion moderated by Steve Gorin from Thompson Coburn , with panelists Bill Lankford , Tony Turner , and Brook Lester . The panel focused on “ Estate Planning with S Corporations and Partnerships .” Steve Gorin ’ s outline for the seminar was over 880 pages . The three hour interactive program attracted nearly 100 attendees , many of whom stayed for drinks and hor d ’ oeurves afterwards . On Dec . 2 , 2015 , the Tax Law Section sponsored its semiannual Georgia Department Of Revenue / Tax Bar Liaison Committee Meeting at the State Bar of Georgia building . The panel was moderated by Richard Litwin of the Litwin Law Firm , Frank O ’ Connell , General Counsel of the Georgia Department of Revenue , and Mace E . Gunter of Jones Day . The event serves as a semi-annual meeting of the Department and tax practitioners , discussing updates and developments on Georgia state tax issues , court decisions , and insight into tax items for the upcoming legislative session . The Tax Law Section offered its fourth annual “ Ethics and Professionalism ” CLE seminar focusing on Circular 230 and practice before the Georgia Tax Tribunal . Similar to prior years , the speakers included the Hon . Charles R . Beaudrot , Jr ., former Chief Judge of the Georgia Tax Tribunal , and attorney David F . Golden of Troutman Sanders . On March 10 , 2016 , the Tax Law Section held its annual social mixer at Gordon Biersch in Buckhead with the Elder Law , Estate Planning & Probate Law Sections , as well as the Financial Planning Association of Georgia . As usual , the event was well-attended and offered practitioners an opportunity to make new introductions and spend time with old friends . The Atlanta Tax Law Section was also a proud participant in the Atlanta Bar Association ’ s Pro Bono March Madness . This year , the Tax Law Section joined with the Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta to present a seminar on the Tax Aspects of Non Profit organizations at the annual event held on March 22nd . David Golden , Richard Litwin , Patti Richards and I all made presentations . Most recently , on April 19 , 2016 , the Tax Law Section held a joint luncheon with the Georgia Society of CPAs at the Buckhead Club . The luncheon offered both CLE and CPE credit , with Vice Chair Scott Wright and Madison J . Barnett , from Sutherland Asbill & Brennan , discussing Georgia state tax credits and incentives . The last two events took place on May 17 , 2016 when Richard Litwin discussed Georgia State Residency and on May 23 , 2016 when Georgia Department Of Revenue / Tax Bar Liaison Committee Meeting was held at the State Bar of Georgia building . The Atlanta Tax Law Section would like to thank its members , its sponsor Mercer Capital , and the Atlanta Bar Association for another great year . We are looking forward to the new fiscal year and hope to see everyone at the next event !
The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association THE ATLANTA LAWYER 31