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As co-leader of McGuireWoods Private Wealth Services practice group, Bill Sanderson represents both high-net-worth individuals and families on a variety of sensitive and complex estate and business planning matters. His practice focuses on the areas of estate planning and estate and trust administration. He is a member of the firm’s fiduciary advisory services practice.
A frequent speaker, Bill has also taught Federal Taxation Practice and Procedure at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business.
Prior to completing his law degree at the University of Virginia School of Law, Bill completed coursework at the University of South Carolina School of Law. While attending the University of Virginia, Bill was a member of the Raven Society and the Jefferson Literary and Debating Society.
Bill is a Fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Since March 2022, he has served as chair of its Washington Affairs Committee.
For at least the last two decades, the federal wealth transfer tax has been in a state of continued—sometimes gradual, sometimes fast-paced—evolution. This program will review the landscape of federal legislation dealing with the estate and gift tax, and it will address trends in recent cases, regulatory guidance, and administrative updates that have an impact on estate planning and estate administration.
As co-leader of McGuireWoods Private Wealth Services practice group, Bill Sanderson represents both high-net-worth individuals and families on a variety of sensitive and complex estate and business planning matters. His practice focuses on the areas of estate planning and estate and trust administration. He is a member of the firm’s fiduciary advisory services practice.
A frequent speaker, Bill has also taught Federal Taxation Practice and Procedure at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business.
Prior to completing his law degree at the University of Virginia School of Law, Bill completed coursework at the University of South Carolina School of Law. While attending the University of Virginia, Bill was a member of the Raven Society and the Jefferson Literary and Debating Society.
Bill is a Fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Since March 2022, he has served as chair of its Washington Affairs Committee.
For at least the last two decades, the federal wealth transfer tax has been in a state of continued—sometimes gradual, sometimes fast-paced—evolution. This program will review the landscape of federal legislation dealing with the estate and gift tax, and it will address trends in recent cases, regulatory guidance, and administrative updates that have an impact on estate planning and estate administration.
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Karen joined the Culverhouse School of Accountancy faculty at the University of Alabama in August 2019 and teaches undergraduate and graduate level tax courses. Karen’s areas of specialization include state and local taxation and the taxation of individuals, corporations, and consolidated groups. Prior to joining the Culverhouse School of Accountancy faculty, Karen worked for an international public accounting firm for twenty-two years, serving as a tax partner based in the firm’s Birmingham office. During her career in public accounting, Karen served clients throughout the Southeast region and specialized in tax provision, consulting, and compliance services for the financial services industry.
Karen received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Alabama and a Master of Science in Accounting, with a tax concentration, from the University of Virginia.
Karen currently serves as a member of State Taxation and Legislation Committee for the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants. She is a frequent speaker at continuing education events and seminars sponsored by the society, and she has published several articles on taxation topics for the society’s quarterly publication for its members. Karen also serves on the Undergraduate Council for the University of Alabama, and she is a member of the Capital Campaign Committee and the Board of Visitors for the Culverhouse College of Business.
This session will provide an overview of the key individual and business income tax provisions enacted through federal tax legislation during 2025. Significant updates from administrative guidance issued by the IRS and the Treasury Department throughout the year will also be discussed. The outlook for legislation in 2026, including the potential impact of the upcoming midterm Congressional elections, will also be covered.
Karen joined the Culverhouse School of Accountancy faculty at the University of Alabama in August 2019 and teaches undergraduate and graduate level tax courses. Karen’s areas of specialization include state and local taxation and the taxation of individuals, corporations, and consolidated groups. Prior to joining the Culverhouse School of Accountancy faculty, Karen worked for an international public accounting firm for twenty-two years, serving as a tax partner based in the firm’s Birmingham office. During her career in public accounting, Karen served clients throughout the Southeast region and specialized in tax provision, consulting, and compliance services for the financial services industry.
Karen received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Alabama and a Master of Science in Accounting, with a tax concentration, from the University of Virginia.
Karen currently serves as a member of State Taxation and Legislation Committee for the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants. She is a frequent speaker at continuing education events and seminars sponsored by the society, and she has published several articles on taxation topics for the society’s quarterly publication for its members. Karen also serves on the Undergraduate Council for the University of Alabama, and she is a member of the Capital Campaign Committee and the Board of Visitors for the Culverhouse College of Business.
This session will provide an overview of the key individual and business income tax provisions enacted through federal tax legislation during 2025. Significant updates from administrative guidance issued by the IRS and the Treasury Department throughout the year will also be discussed. The outlook for legislation in 2026, including the potential impact of the upcoming midterm Congressional elections, will also be covered.
David Aughtry's practice focuses on civil and criminal tax litigation.
Mr. Aughtry graduated from The Citadel in 1975 with a B.A. in English, from the University of South Carolina in 1978 with a master's in accounting and a law degree. He graduated from Emory University in 1982 with a master's in taxation (LL.M.).
Upon graduation from the University of South Carolina Law School, Mr. Aughtry joined the Internal Revenue Service as a Trial Attorney, Office of the Chief Counsel, where he also served as a Tax Shelter Coordinator. Mr. Aughtry taught Tax Controversy as an Adjunct Professor in the Emory University Master's in Taxation Program from 1987 through 1994 and in the Emory School of Law from 1995 through 1998 and 2003.
From 1996 through 2002, he served as an Instructor for the National Institute of Trial Advocates (NITA) in its program on "Litigating before the United States Tax Court" and was recently selected as a fellow of the International Society of Barristers. He is recognized as a national authority in tax litigation in Chambers USA and the US Legal 500 Litigation Guide.
Mr. Aughtry has tried (and/or argued on appeal) over 70 cases and successfully argued Hubert v. Commissioner before the Tax Court, the Eleventh Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Among the public company matters, David successfully tried Santa Fe Pacific Gold Co. v. Commissioner (termination or breakup fee in hostile takeover held to be deductible, with Indopco distinguished) and Plains Petroleum Co. v. Commissioner (Section 269 tax avoidance held factually inapplicable to the acquisition of a subsidiary with an $85 mil. NOL) to a final opinion.
Charles Chuck Rettig, a Shareholder at Chamberlain Hrdlicka in the Firm's Tax Controversy & Litigation practice and other Tax and Trust & Estate practices, served as Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from 2018 through 2022.
As a member of Chamberlain Hrdlicka's Tax Controversy & Litigation Practice, he draws on both his extensive background representing taxpayers and his deep knowledge of the IRS organization, operations and procedures in work for his clients. His practice focuses on tax, federal and state tax controversies and investigations, including sensitive issue examinations, administrative appeals, civil tax litigation, and representation in criminal tax investigations and prosecutions.
As IRS Commissioner, Chuck presided over the nations tax system, which collected more than $4.9 trillion in tax revenue in FY22, representing about 96% of the total gross receipts of the United States. He managed an agency of about 83,000 employees and a budget of more than $14.1 billion. During his tenure, he focused on improving service to the nations taxpayers, balancing appropriate enforcement of the nations tax laws while respecting taxpayer rights, with a particular focus on traditionally underserved communities. In recognition of his leadership of the IRS, Chuck received the Alexander Hamilton Award from Treasury, the highest honor for individuals selected by the Secretary, whose performance and leadership demonstrate the highest standards of and dedication to public service benefiting our country
In this bizarre enforcement environment, this presentation will provide you with a detailed insight into the tools the IRS will be using in targeting wealthy individuals, their family offices, and closely-held businesses, and estate planning.
David Aughtry's practice focuses on civil and criminal tax litigation.
Mr. Aughtry graduated from The Citadel in 1975 with a B.A. in English, from the University of South Carolina in 1978 with a master's in accounting and a law degree. He graduated from Emory University in 1982 with a master's in taxation (LL.M.).
Upon graduation from the University of South Carolina Law School, Mr. Aughtry joined the Internal Revenue Service as a Trial Attorney, Office of the Chief Counsel, where he also served as a Tax Shelter Coordinator. Mr. Aughtry taught Tax Controversy as an Adjunct Professor in the Emory University Master's in Taxation Program from 1987 through 1994 and in the Emory School of Law from 1995 through 1998 and 2003.
From 1996 through 2002, he served as an Instructor for the National Institute of Trial Advocates (NITA) in its program on "Litigating before the United States Tax Court" and was recently selected as a fellow of the International Society of Barristers. He is recognized as a national authority in tax litigation in Chambers USA and the US Legal 500 Litigation Guide.
Mr. Aughtry has tried (and/or argued on appeal) over 70 cases and successfully argued Hubert v. Commissioner before the Tax Court, the Eleventh Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Among the public company matters, David successfully tried Santa Fe Pacific Gold Co. v. Commissioner (termination or breakup fee in hostile takeover held to be deductible, with Indopco distinguished) and Plains Petroleum Co. v. Commissioner (Section 269 tax avoidance held factually inapplicable to the acquisition of a subsidiary with an $85 mil. NOL) to a final opinion.
Charles Chuck Rettig, a Shareholder at Chamberlain Hrdlicka in the Firm's Tax Controversy & Litigation practice and other Tax and Trust & Estate practices, served as Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from 2018 through 2022.
As a member of Chamberlain Hrdlicka's Tax Controversy & Litigation Practice, he draws on both his extensive background representing taxpayers and his deep knowledge of the IRS organization, operations and procedures in work for his clients. His practice focuses on tax, federal and state tax controversies and investigations, including sensitive issue examinations, administrative appeals, civil tax litigation, and representation in criminal tax investigations and prosecutions.
As IRS Commissioner, Chuck presided over the nations tax system, which collected more than $4.9 trillion in tax revenue in FY22, representing about 96% of the total gross receipts of the United States. He managed an agency of about 83,000 employees and a budget of more than $14.1 billion. During his tenure, he focused on improving service to the nations taxpayers, balancing appropriate enforcement of the nations tax laws while respecting taxpayer rights, with a particular focus on traditionally underserved communities. In recognition of his leadership of the IRS, Chuck received the Alexander Hamilton Award from Treasury, the highest honor for individuals selected by the Secretary, whose performance and leadership demonstrate the highest standards of and dedication to public service benefiting our country
In this bizarre enforcement environment, this presentation will provide you with a detailed insight into the tools the IRS will be using in targeting wealthy individuals, their family offices, and closely-held businesses, and estate planning.
Cynthia G. Lamar-Hart, Esq. chairs the Estate Planning, Fiduciary Advisory Services and Fiduciary Litigation practice groups from the Birmingham, Alabama office of Maynard Nexsen PC. In addition to her representation of individuals and fiduciaries in planning, administration and litigation, Cynthia also serves as mediator for trust and estate disputes. She also chairs the firm’s Women’s Initiatives and formerly served on the firm’s executive committee.
Cynthia is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (“ACTEC”) who lectures frequently on estate-planning and fiduciary litigation topics at national ACTEC meetings, as well as the Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, the American Institute on Federal Taxation, the Southern Federal Tax Institute, the University of Alabama CLE, the former Southern Trust School and others. Cynthia is a past chair of the ACTEC Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Committee, serves as a Regent of the College, is the Alabama State Chair, is a Director of the ACTEC Foundation and serves on the Advisory Committee to ACTEC’s Southeast Fellows Institute.
Cynthia has been ranked as a Band 1, leading attorney in the area of “Private Wealth law” by Chambers and Partners. She has been awarded The Best Lawyers in America® "Lawyer of the Year" in 2022, 2020, and 2015 for “Litigation: Trusts and Estates” and again in 2016 for “Trusts & Estates.” She is consistently recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® and in Super Lawyers in the areas of Trusts and Estates and Trust and Estate Litigation. Alabama Super Lawyers has recognized her among its Top 50 Lawyers in Alabama and Top 25 Women Lawyers in Alabama. In 2016 and 2017, Cynthia earned the distinction as one of Mid-South Super Lawyers' "Top 50 Female Lawyers." In 2020, Cynthia was recognized by the Birmingham Business Journal as “Best of the Bar” in Trusts and Estates. Cynthia is a Past President of the Probate Section and a past member of the Executive Committee of the Birmingham Bar Association. She serves on an advisory board of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham and graduated from Leadership Birmingham in 2022. She is a past member of the Yale Law School Executive Committee and a past President of the YWCA of Central Alabama Junior Board and member of the YWCA of Central Alabama Board of directors.
Cynthia was awarded a B.A., summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from Birmingham-Southern College, and was awarded a J.D. from Yale Law School
The session will review the elements and scope of non-judicial settlement agreements (“NJSAs”) in Alabama, creative uses for NJSAs and areas of disagreement among practitioners.
Cynthia G. Lamar-Hart, Esq. chairs the Estate Planning, Fiduciary Advisory Services and Fiduciary Litigation practice groups from the Birmingham, Alabama office of Maynard Nexsen PC. In addition to her representation of individuals and fiduciaries in planning, administration and litigation, Cynthia also serves as mediator for trust and estate disputes. She also chairs the firm’s Women’s Initiatives and formerly served on the firm’s executive committee.
Cynthia is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (“ACTEC”) who lectures frequently on estate-planning and fiduciary litigation topics at national ACTEC meetings, as well as the Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, the American Institute on Federal Taxation, the Southern Federal Tax Institute, the University of Alabama CLE, the former Southern Trust School and others. Cynthia is a past chair of the ACTEC Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Committee, serves as a Regent of the College, is the Alabama State Chair, is a Director of the ACTEC Foundation and serves on the Advisory Committee to ACTEC’s Southeast Fellows Institute.
Cynthia has been ranked as a Band 1, leading attorney in the area of “Private Wealth law” by Chambers and Partners. She has been awarded The Best Lawyers in America® "Lawyer of the Year" in 2022, 2020, and 2015 for “Litigation: Trusts and Estates” and again in 2016 for “Trusts & Estates.” She is consistently recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® and in Super Lawyers in the areas of Trusts and Estates and Trust and Estate Litigation. Alabama Super Lawyers has recognized her among its Top 50 Lawyers in Alabama and Top 25 Women Lawyers in Alabama. In 2016 and 2017, Cynthia earned the distinction as one of Mid-South Super Lawyers' "Top 50 Female Lawyers." In 2020, Cynthia was recognized by the Birmingham Business Journal as “Best of the Bar” in Trusts and Estates. Cynthia is a Past President of the Probate Section and a past member of the Executive Committee of the Birmingham Bar Association. She serves on an advisory board of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham and graduated from Leadership Birmingham in 2022. She is a past member of the Yale Law School Executive Committee and a past President of the YWCA of Central Alabama Junior Board and member of the YWCA of Central Alabama Board of directors.
Cynthia was awarded a B.A., summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from Birmingham-Southern College, and was awarded a J.D. from Yale Law School
The session will review the elements and scope of non-judicial settlement agreements (“NJSAs”) in Alabama, creative uses for NJSAs and areas of disagreement among practitioners.
Ben Whitaker, VP – Regions Bank Natural Resources & Real Estate – Alternative Assets
Ben joined Regions’ Natural Resources and Real Estate Department in 2013 to assist the Timber Fund Manager with various client’s private placements in investment grade timberland properties across the southeastern United States. In 2017, he transitioned to a Property Manager serving a variety of bank clients owning timberland and farmland properties. In 2023, he became the Alternative Asset Manager responsible for assisting Regions Property Managers navigate alternative opportunities such as solar, wind and carbon capture and manage Regions Timber Funds.
Before joining Regions Bank, Ben served as a forester for Weyerhaeuser in the southeastern United States and worked for the Auburn University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. He is a registered forester, a member of the Alabama Forestry Association and holds a Forest Management degree from Auburn University.
Will discuss impacts of both traditional and less traditional emerging uses of land and the resulting management in various capacities.
Ben Whitaker, VP – Regions Bank Natural Resources & Real Estate – Alternative Assets
Ben joined Regions’ Natural Resources and Real Estate Department in 2013 to assist the Timber Fund Manager with various client’s private placements in investment grade timberland properties across the southeastern United States. In 2017, he transitioned to a Property Manager serving a variety of bank clients owning timberland and farmland properties. In 2023, he became the Alternative Asset Manager responsible for assisting Regions Property Managers navigate alternative opportunities such as solar, wind and carbon capture and manage Regions Timber Funds.
Before joining Regions Bank, Ben served as a forester for Weyerhaeuser in the southeastern United States and worked for the Auburn University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. He is a registered forester, a member of the Alabama Forestry Association and holds a Forest Management degree from Auburn University.
Will discuss impacts of both traditional and less traditional emerging uses of land and the resulting management in various capacities.
Jim Sowell is a Principal at KPMG LLP and leads the Real Estate Practice in KPMG’s National Tax Office. Jim’s practice is focused primarily on tax issues relating to partnerships, REITs, and debt workouts with respect to such entities. Jim previously was an Associate Tax Legislative Counsel in the Office of Tax Policy at the U.S. Treasury Department where he was responsible for legislation and guidance relating to partnerships, REITs, and like-kind exchanges. Jim is a former Chairman of the Real Estate Committee of the American Bar Association (Tax Section) and a former Vice Chairman of the Real Estate Roundtable’s Tax Policy Advisory Committee. Jim is a member and former President of the Board of Trustees for the Southern Federal Tax Institute and is an active participant on NAREIT’s Government Relations Committee. Jim has written numerous articles and speaks extensively on partnerships and REITs.
Jim has his undergraduate and law degrees (both with high honors) from the University of Florida and has an LL.M. in taxation from New York University, where he served as an editor on the Tax Law Review. Jim currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the University of Florida Law Center Association.
This panel will discuss a number of developments during the prior year impacting the taxation of partnerships and real estate. The developments will include provisions in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, including modifications to section 199A, section 163(j), and various expensing provisions. Recent case law relating to self-employment tax and limited partners, along with other significant items, also will be discussed.
Jim Sowell is a Principal at KPMG LLP and leads the Real Estate Practice in KPMG’s National Tax Office. Jim’s practice is focused primarily on tax issues relating to partnerships, REITs, and debt workouts with respect to such entities. Jim previously was an Associate Tax Legislative Counsel in the Office of Tax Policy at the U.S. Treasury Department where he was responsible for legislation and guidance relating to partnerships, REITs, and like-kind exchanges. Jim is a former Chairman of the Real Estate Committee of the American Bar Association (Tax Section) and a former Vice Chairman of the Real Estate Roundtable’s Tax Policy Advisory Committee. Jim is a member and former President of the Board of Trustees for the Southern Federal Tax Institute and is an active participant on NAREIT’s Government Relations Committee. Jim has written numerous articles and speaks extensively on partnerships and REITs.
Jim has his undergraduate and law degrees (both with high honors) from the University of Florida and has an LL.M. in taxation from New York University, where he served as an editor on the Tax Law Review. Jim currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the University of Florida Law Center Association.
This panel will discuss a number of developments during the prior year impacting the taxation of partnerships and real estate. The developments will include provisions in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, including modifications to section 199A, section 163(j), and various expensing provisions. Recent case law relating to self-employment tax and limited partners, along with other significant items, also will be discussed.
Vince is a Shareholder in the Firm’s Estate, Trust, and Business Planning Group. He focuses his practice in the areas of business planning, succession planning, estate planning, taxation, real estate, and probate administration. With first-hand business ownership experience and having served as Vice President and General Counsel for a family-owned, multi-national operating company, Vince frequently partners with closely held, family-owned businesses to provide unique solutions to ensure the efficient transfer of ownership to the next generation.
He has experience advising clients with a broad range of estate planning and business law matters including sophisticated will and trust drafting; succession planning; charitable planning; choice of entity planning; tax planning; corporate finance; regulatory issues; compliance and risk management; real estate transactions; and mergers and acquisitions. He also represents clients, including trustees, executors, and beneficiaries, involved in probate and trust disputes and litigation. Vince's industry acumen spans healthcare, manufacturing, entertainment, retail and wholesale, and beverage distribution, among others.
When a partner in a business passes away, the last thing the remaining partners (who are oftentimes family members) think about are tax and corporate ramifications due to the partner’s death. However, the death of a partner may trigger a number tax and corporate law elections or decisions that must be made in a timely manner, the failure of which may have dire consequences to the remaining partners and the business. This presentation will cover a number of issues a lawyer, accountant or tax professional should review and consider upon the death of a partner.
Vince is a Shareholder in the Firm’s Estate, Trust, and Business Planning Group. He focuses his practice in the areas of business planning, succession planning, estate planning, taxation, real estate, and probate administration. With first-hand business ownership experience and having served as Vice President and General Counsel for a family-owned, multi-national operating company, Vince frequently partners with closely held, family-owned businesses to provide unique solutions to ensure the efficient transfer of ownership to the next generation.
He has experience advising clients with a broad range of estate planning and business law matters including sophisticated will and trust drafting; succession planning; charitable planning; choice of entity planning; tax planning; corporate finance; regulatory issues; compliance and risk management; real estate transactions; and mergers and acquisitions. He also represents clients, including trustees, executors, and beneficiaries, involved in probate and trust disputes and litigation. Vince's industry acumen spans healthcare, manufacturing, entertainment, retail and wholesale, and beverage distribution, among others.
When a partner in a business passes away, the last thing the remaining partners (who are oftentimes family members) think about are tax and corporate ramifications due to the partner’s death. However, the death of a partner may trigger a number tax and corporate law elections or decisions that must be made in a timely manner, the failure of which may have dire consequences to the remaining partners and the business. This presentation will cover a number of issues a lawyer, accountant or tax professional should review and consider upon the death of a partner.
The presentation will focus on business provisions in LLC Agreements, Partnership Agreements and Stockholders’ Agreements that are masquerading as tax provisions, including accounting methods, revaluations, partnership representatives, fair market value, tax distributions, targeted allocations, returning capital, liquidating distributions, waterfalls, disregarded entities and more.
The presentation will focus on business provisions in LLC Agreements, Partnership Agreements and Stockholders’ Agreements that are masquerading as tax provisions, including accounting methods, revaluations, partnership representatives, fair market value, tax distributions, targeted allocations, returning capital, liquidating distributions, waterfalls, disregarded entities and more.
Bruce Ely is a partner in the Birmingham, Alabama office of the multistate law firm of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP and founder of its SALT Practice Group. He represents taxpayers before various state and local government taxing authorities as well as the tax tribunals and circuit and appellate courts of Alabama and Mississippi, and before the Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Tax Court.
Mr. Ely is Past Co-Chair of the New York University (NYU) Institute on State and Local Taxation, a long-time Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel, and has been listed in “Best Lawyers in America” and “Super Lawyers” for a number of years. Until recently, he also served as Co-Chair of the ABA Tax Section SALT Committee’s “Task Force on the State Implications of the New Federal Partnership Audit Rules” and co-authored a model conformity/RAR statute now being advocated to the states. He is also co-editor of the Bloomberg Tax “Pass-Through Entities Navigator” and serves as Alabama correspondent for both Tax Notes-State and Daily Tax Report. He is a longtime member of the State Tax Advisory Board for Bloomberg Tax and received Bloomberg’s “State Tax Author of the Year” Award in 2017 and its Franklin C. Latcham Distinguished Service Award in 2021.
Cameran Clark, Director, Tax Policy and Governmental Affairs
Cameran Clark began her career with ALDOR in 2006 in the Sales and Use Tax Division. She transitioned to Tax Policy and Governmental Affairs in 2015, where she gained a comprehensive knowledge of tax administration through her experience in drafting and analyzing tax legislation and providing fiscal analysis. Now serving as director of Tax Policy and Governmental Affairs she is responsible for the department’s administrative rule process, tax policy direction for the department’s taxing divisions, and represents the department in legislative and governmental affairs.
Mrs. Clark has earned the Certified Public Manager designation. She is also appointed as the Department Secretary.
Mary Martin graduated magna cum laude from The University of Georgia in 2007 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. She received her Juris Doctor from The University of Alabama School of Law in 2010. Mary Martin received a Certificate in Leadership from the Institute for Leadership Advancement in May 2007, and a Public Interest Certificate from the Public Interest Institute in May 2010. Mary Martin worked as an intern for the Domestic Violence Clinic in Tuscaloosa before she became a clerk for the law firm of Millsaps and Owens in Tuscaloosa. She worked as a staff attorney for the Rahmati Law Firm in Huntsville and for the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals in Montgomery before becoming Assistant Attorney General/Assistant Counsel for the Alabama Department of Revenue in October 2013. Mary Martin is a member of the Montgomery County Bar Association, the Montgomery County Young Lawyers Section, the Alabama State Bar Tax Section, and the Alabama State Bar In-House Counsel and Government Lawyers Section.
Four panelists will survey the major Alabama tax legislative, judicial and administrative developments in the past 12 months and the likely impact of OBBBA’s key tax provisions on Alabama businesses.
Bruce Ely is a partner in the Birmingham, Alabama office of the multistate law firm of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP and founder of its SALT Practice Group. He represents taxpayers before various state and local government taxing authorities as well as the tax tribunals and circuit and appellate courts of Alabama and Mississippi, and before the Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Tax Court.
Mr. Ely is Past Co-Chair of the New York University (NYU) Institute on State and Local Taxation, a long-time Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel, and has been listed in “Best Lawyers in America” and “Super Lawyers” for a number of years. Until recently, he also served as Co-Chair of the ABA Tax Section SALT Committee’s “Task Force on the State Implications of the New Federal Partnership Audit Rules” and co-authored a model conformity/RAR statute now being advocated to the states. He is also co-editor of the Bloomberg Tax “Pass-Through Entities Navigator” and serves as Alabama correspondent for both Tax Notes-State and Daily Tax Report. He is a longtime member of the State Tax Advisory Board for Bloomberg Tax and received Bloomberg’s “State Tax Author of the Year” Award in 2017 and its Franklin C. Latcham Distinguished Service Award in 2021.
Cameran Clark, Director, Tax Policy and Governmental Affairs
Cameran Clark began her career with ALDOR in 2006 in the Sales and Use Tax Division. She transitioned to Tax Policy and Governmental Affairs in 2015, where she gained a comprehensive knowledge of tax administration through her experience in drafting and analyzing tax legislation and providing fiscal analysis. Now serving as director of Tax Policy and Governmental Affairs she is responsible for the department’s administrative rule process, tax policy direction for the department’s taxing divisions, and represents the department in legislative and governmental affairs.
Mrs. Clark has earned the Certified Public Manager designation. She is also appointed as the Department Secretary.
Mary Martin graduated magna cum laude from The University of Georgia in 2007 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. She received her Juris Doctor from The University of Alabama School of Law in 2010. Mary Martin received a Certificate in Leadership from the Institute for Leadership Advancement in May 2007, and a Public Interest Certificate from the Public Interest Institute in May 2010. Mary Martin worked as an intern for the Domestic Violence Clinic in Tuscaloosa before she became a clerk for the law firm of Millsaps and Owens in Tuscaloosa. She worked as a staff attorney for the Rahmati Law Firm in Huntsville and for the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals in Montgomery before becoming Assistant Attorney General/Assistant Counsel for the Alabama Department of Revenue in October 2013. Mary Martin is a member of the Montgomery County Bar Association, the Montgomery County Young Lawyers Section, the Alabama State Bar Tax Section, and the Alabama State Bar In-House Counsel and Government Lawyers Section.
Four panelists will survey the major Alabama tax legislative, judicial and administrative developments in the past 12 months and the likely impact of OBBBA’s key tax provisions on Alabama businesses.
Jay G. Maples is a shareholder in Dentons' Birmingham office, where he is a member of the Corporate practice and co-leads the Dentons US Region Aviation and Aerospace team. With his extensive corporate and tax experience, he regularly handles a wide range of complex transactions and issues spanning various industries, including aviation, manufacturing, insurance, banking and financial services, and real estate. Jay's exceptional knowledge and experience in the aviation industry enables him to provide clients with comprehensive advice on all aspects of aircraft ownership and operation, such as acquisition and disposition of all types and sizes of aircraft, tax planning, insurance analysis and claims, lending and securitization of aircraft, and the preparation and negotiation of ancillary agreements, such as pilot service agreements, hangar lease agreements, charter agreements, and maintenance agreements.
Jay's prior background as a CPA and 20-plus years of experience as a regulatory tax lawyer, a corporate deal lawyer, and general corporate counsel gives him a unique skill set that not only allows him to understand and navigate the complex FAA regulatory world governing aircraft transactions but also to be able to understand and advise clients on the related and ancillary issues and the broader corporate picture that drives aircraft transactions. Jay frequently speaks and writes on these areas as well as other corporate and tax topics.
Furthermore, Jay is a member of the Firm's Pensions, Benefits and Executive Compensation practice group. He has extensive experience in the employee benefits and executive compensation space, including proceedings before governmental agencies (IRS and DOL) concerning benefits and compensation matters.
Reed King is a Member in the Warren Averett's Tax Division. He has more than 17 years of public accounting experience, primarily serving clients in the real estate, retail and aviation industries. Reed’s practice focuses on pass-through entity taxation, entity structuring, federal and state tax planning and compliance and high-net-worth income taxation. Reed’s responsibilities include managing the tax division, serving as the firm’s Real Estate Coordinator and leading the firm’s Tax Best Practice Group.
Join Jay Maples and Reed King for an in-depth exploration of aircraft tax strategies tailored to high-net-worth clients. Learn to navigate ownership structures, IRS depreciation rules, sales and use tax exemptions, and more to optimize tax outcomes. Discover practical solutions to common pitfalls, drawing on real-world cases from their respective practices. Ideal for CPAs advising clients with private aircraft or aviation businesses, this session offers actionable insights to elevate your tax planning.
Jay G. Maples is a shareholder in Dentons' Birmingham office, where he is a member of the Corporate practice and co-leads the Dentons US Region Aviation and Aerospace team. With his extensive corporate and tax experience, he regularly handles a wide range of complex transactions and issues spanning various industries, including aviation, manufacturing, insurance, banking and financial services, and real estate. Jay's exceptional knowledge and experience in the aviation industry enables him to provide clients with comprehensive advice on all aspects of aircraft ownership and operation, such as acquisition and disposition of all types and sizes of aircraft, tax planning, insurance analysis and claims, lending and securitization of aircraft, and the preparation and negotiation of ancillary agreements, such as pilot service agreements, hangar lease agreements, charter agreements, and maintenance agreements.
Jay's prior background as a CPA and 20-plus years of experience as a regulatory tax lawyer, a corporate deal lawyer, and general corporate counsel gives him a unique skill set that not only allows him to understand and navigate the complex FAA regulatory world governing aircraft transactions but also to be able to understand and advise clients on the related and ancillary issues and the broader corporate picture that drives aircraft transactions. Jay frequently speaks and writes on these areas as well as other corporate and tax topics.
Furthermore, Jay is a member of the Firm's Pensions, Benefits and Executive Compensation practice group. He has extensive experience in the employee benefits and executive compensation space, including proceedings before governmental agencies (IRS and DOL) concerning benefits and compensation matters.
Reed King is a Member in the Warren Averett's Tax Division. He has more than 17 years of public accounting experience, primarily serving clients in the real estate, retail and aviation industries. Reed’s practice focuses on pass-through entity taxation, entity structuring, federal and state tax planning and compliance and high-net-worth income taxation. Reed’s responsibilities include managing the tax division, serving as the firm’s Real Estate Coordinator and leading the firm’s Tax Best Practice Group.
Join Jay Maples and Reed King for an in-depth exploration of aircraft tax strategies tailored to high-net-worth clients. Learn to navigate ownership structures, IRS depreciation rules, sales and use tax exemptions, and more to optimize tax outcomes. Discover practical solutions to common pitfalls, drawing on real-world cases from their respective practices. Ideal for CPAs advising clients with private aircraft or aviation businesses, this session offers actionable insights to elevate your tax planning.
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Anoop Mishra is vice president and regional executive at the Birmingham Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. He is responsible for the Atlanta Fed's Regional Economic Information Network (REIN) for the state of Alabama, where he collects and synthesizes economic intelligence from business and community leaders throughout the state to support monetary policy making. Anoop oversees the Birmingham Branch's board of directors and the District's Agriculture Advisory Council, and leads the Atlanta Fed's community and economic development outreach efforts in Alabama.
Before joining the Bank, Anoop owned a business consulting firm and before that, he was the chief executive officer of WorkforceQA, a national employment screening and compliance provider. He served as the chief operating officer for EDPM for 12 years prior to its acquisition by WorkforceQA. While there, he served on the Atlanta Fed's Human Capital Advisory Council from 2014 to 2017. Anoop also worked for Accenture in Atlanta in its strategy/financial services practice.
Anoop received a BA in political science from Birmingham—Southern College and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. He serves on the national board of the National Speech and Debate Association. He is active in the Birmingham community, serving on the boards of the Alabama Economics Club, American Cancer Society, and Opportunity Alabama.
Will provide a snapshot of key economic indicators, from labor markets and inflation to interest rates, and offer a view of where the economy may be going in 2026.
Anoop Mishra is vice president and regional executive at the Birmingham Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. He is responsible for the Atlanta Fed's Regional Economic Information Network (REIN) for the state of Alabama, where he collects and synthesizes economic intelligence from business and community leaders throughout the state to support monetary policy making. Anoop oversees the Birmingham Branch's board of directors and the District's Agriculture Advisory Council, and leads the Atlanta Fed's community and economic development outreach efforts in Alabama.
Before joining the Bank, Anoop owned a business consulting firm and before that, he was the chief executive officer of WorkforceQA, a national employment screening and compliance provider. He served as the chief operating officer for EDPM for 12 years prior to its acquisition by WorkforceQA. While there, he served on the Atlanta Fed's Human Capital Advisory Council from 2014 to 2017. Anoop also worked for Accenture in Atlanta in its strategy/financial services practice.
Anoop received a BA in political science from Birmingham—Southern College and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. He serves on the national board of the National Speech and Debate Association. He is active in the Birmingham community, serving on the boards of the Alabama Economics Club, American Cancer Society, and Opportunity Alabama.
Will provide a snapshot of key economic indicators, from labor markets and inflation to interest rates, and offer a view of where the economy may be going in 2026.
Jordan Goodman is co-leader of the Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton's Tax Practice Group. He focuses his practice on resolving complex state and local tax controversies for Fortune 1000 corporations and wealthy families, nationwide. Jordan represents operationally complex companies in manufacturing, retail, financial services, e-commerce, broadcasting, and telecommunications. As an attorney and CPA with decades of experience, he has successfully resolved tax controversies in nearly every state and has counseled clients on the full range of tax issues and organizational structures affecting their businesses. Jordan also represents numerous clients in multistate unclaimed property litigation and advises on a wide range of compliance issues.
Clients seek Jordan’s help on a full range of tax issues including corporate income, sales and use, franchise, local licenses, gross receipts, business and occupation, single business, capital stock, and unclaimed property matters. He regularly advises on nexus, apportionment, business income, unitary business groups and residency, credits, losses, exemptions, and the tax base. He represents clients in all facets of unclaimed property issues—from audit notifications and audit defense to protecting sensitive information and resolving legal challenges. Further, Jordan regularly partners with businesses to establish compliance through the voluntary disclosure process and strategic planning.
Prior to joining the firm, Jordan was a partner in the Local Tax (SALT) Group at HMB Legal Counsel, a well-established, tax-focused law firm based in Chicago, Illinois.
A sought-after lecturer and author on multi state tax issues, controversies, and planning, Jordan is very active in the SALT community as a frequent staple to many major SALT institutions’ conferences and publications.
Jordan is listed in the 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 editions of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business as a leading lawyer in Tax Controversy. He was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Jordan was recognized as an Illinois “Super Lawyer” for Tax Law by Super Lawyers magazine. He was named a “Leading Lawyer” in 2024 for Business Tax Law by Leading Lawyers magazine.
This session will look at the latest and greatest SALT cases around the country and delve into how they impact your clients. . This session will dig into cases involving income tax to sales tax and everything in between. We will cover everything from being subject to tax; to how much can a state tax; to the new types of taxes states are trying to impose. We will analyze why a litigant won, lost or tied and offer ways to successfully challenge state positions.
At the end of this session, the learner will be able to:
Jordan Goodman is co-leader of the Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton's Tax Practice Group. He focuses his practice on resolving complex state and local tax controversies for Fortune 1000 corporations and wealthy families, nationwide. Jordan represents operationally complex companies in manufacturing, retail, financial services, e-commerce, broadcasting, and telecommunications. As an attorney and CPA with decades of experience, he has successfully resolved tax controversies in nearly every state and has counseled clients on the full range of tax issues and organizational structures affecting their businesses. Jordan also represents numerous clients in multistate unclaimed property litigation and advises on a wide range of compliance issues.
Clients seek Jordan’s help on a full range of tax issues including corporate income, sales and use, franchise, local licenses, gross receipts, business and occupation, single business, capital stock, and unclaimed property matters. He regularly advises on nexus, apportionment, business income, unitary business groups and residency, credits, losses, exemptions, and the tax base. He represents clients in all facets of unclaimed property issues—from audit notifications and audit defense to protecting sensitive information and resolving legal challenges. Further, Jordan regularly partners with businesses to establish compliance through the voluntary disclosure process and strategic planning.
Prior to joining the firm, Jordan was a partner in the Local Tax (SALT) Group at HMB Legal Counsel, a well-established, tax-focused law firm based in Chicago, Illinois.
A sought-after lecturer and author on multi state tax issues, controversies, and planning, Jordan is very active in the SALT community as a frequent staple to many major SALT institutions’ conferences and publications.
Jordan is listed in the 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 editions of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business as a leading lawyer in Tax Controversy. He was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Jordan was recognized as an Illinois “Super Lawyer” for Tax Law by Super Lawyers magazine. He was named a “Leading Lawyer” in 2024 for Business Tax Law by Leading Lawyers magazine.
This session will look at the latest and greatest SALT cases around the country and delve into how they impact your clients. . This session will dig into cases involving income tax to sales tax and everything in between. We will cover everything from being subject to tax; to how much can a state tax; to the new types of taxes states are trying to impose. We will analyze why a litigant won, lost or tied and offer ways to successfully challenge state positions.
At the end of this session, the learner will be able to:
McKinney practiced in public accounting for nine years in Birmingham and Memphis. She specialized in tax consulting and planning with extensive client experience in the real estate industry and partnership tax issues. Ms. McKinney joined The University of Alabama Culverhouse School of Accountancy as a full-time faculty member in 2001 and has taught undergraduate level courses in taxation and financial accounting for the last 21 years. Primary courses of instruction include Introduction to Financing Accounting, Individual Taxation, and Business Entity Taxation.
McKinney is director of The Culverhouse School of Accountancy LIFT community outreach and experiential learning program. This initiative utilizes University students to teach free computer, financial, and career classes to adults, veterans, seniors, and teens in under-served communities. The program utilized over 600 volunteers and leaders in the Spring 2023 semester, teaching over 35 classes each week throughout West and Central Alabama. During the pandemic, LIFT continued to provide classes virtually. Through the LIFT program, students work with food banks in west Birmingham and Selma to help them with volunteer management, inventory management systems, accounting, and warehouse organization.
McKinney also provides tax training for many small to mid-sized accounting firms in the Southeast, as well as nonprofit organizations. Over the past four years, McKinney and LIFT have partnered with The Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance to build an accelerator to support underrepresented micro-businesses in Alabama. University students are utilized in this capacity to provide accounting and other business services to both for-profit and non-profit businesses.
This session covers changes in the utility of S corporations over the years, including innovative uses in tax planning. The discussion will also include potential changes to S corporations in the near future. Are they outdated dinosaurs, simple creatures, or a potential new species?
McKinney practiced in public accounting for nine years in Birmingham and Memphis. She specialized in tax consulting and planning with extensive client experience in the real estate industry and partnership tax issues. Ms. McKinney joined The University of Alabama Culverhouse School of Accountancy as a full-time faculty member in 2001 and has taught undergraduate level courses in taxation and financial accounting for the last 21 years. Primary courses of instruction include Introduction to Financing Accounting, Individual Taxation, and Business Entity Taxation.
McKinney is director of The Culverhouse School of Accountancy LIFT community outreach and experiential learning program. This initiative utilizes University students to teach free computer, financial, and career classes to adults, veterans, seniors, and teens in under-served communities. The program utilized over 600 volunteers and leaders in the Spring 2023 semester, teaching over 35 classes each week throughout West and Central Alabama. During the pandemic, LIFT continued to provide classes virtually. Through the LIFT program, students work with food banks in west Birmingham and Selma to help them with volunteer management, inventory management systems, accounting, and warehouse organization.
McKinney also provides tax training for many small to mid-sized accounting firms in the Southeast, as well as nonprofit organizations. Over the past four years, McKinney and LIFT have partnered with The Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance to build an accelerator to support underrepresented micro-businesses in Alabama. University students are utilized in this capacity to provide accounting and other business services to both for-profit and non-profit businesses.
This session covers changes in the utility of S corporations over the years, including innovative uses in tax planning. The discussion will also include potential changes to S corporations in the near future. Are they outdated dinosaurs, simple creatures, or a potential new species?
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At the heart of McGowin Tax is Alex McGowin, whose career began at PwC in Houston, TX, focusing on the intricate tax issues faced by US expatriates and nonresidents. Alex's journey in international taxation deepened with his role at Grant Thornton, where he led a team dedicated to resolving complex tax matters for multinational corporations. He further honed his expertise in the corporate tax department of an international steel manufacturing corporation, tackling diverse corporate international tax challenges. These rich experiences culminated in the founding of McGowin Tax, LLC, where Alex's deep knowledge now fuels our commitment to personalized service.
Alex holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Mississippi and a master’s degree in tax accounting from the University of Alabama. Beyond his professional pursuits, Alex is passionate about sharing his knowledge as a professor, teaching Taxation of Individuals and Business Entities to both undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Mobile. This role in academia underscores his dedication to the field and enriches the custom guidance he provides at McGowin Tax.
You don’t need to be a multi-millionaire or global executive to have foreign reporting obligations on a U.S. tax return. As the workforce becomes more international and mobile, many taxpayers face these requirements without even realizing it. This presentation will cover the key U.S. tax reporting rules for individuals with ownership in foreign business entities, with a focus on Forms 5471, 8865, and 8858. Attendees will gain practical guidance on identifying filing requirements and avoiding costly penalties through better compliance.
At the heart of McGowin Tax is Alex McGowin, whose career began at PwC in Houston, TX, focusing on the intricate tax issues faced by US expatriates and nonresidents. Alex's journey in international taxation deepened with his role at Grant Thornton, where he led a team dedicated to resolving complex tax matters for multinational corporations. He further honed his expertise in the corporate tax department of an international steel manufacturing corporation, tackling diverse corporate international tax challenges. These rich experiences culminated in the founding of McGowin Tax, LLC, where Alex's deep knowledge now fuels our commitment to personalized service.
Alex holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Mississippi and a master’s degree in tax accounting from the University of Alabama. Beyond his professional pursuits, Alex is passionate about sharing his knowledge as a professor, teaching Taxation of Individuals and Business Entities to both undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Mobile. This role in academia underscores his dedication to the field and enriches the custom guidance he provides at McGowin Tax.
You don’t need to be a multi-millionaire or global executive to have foreign reporting obligations on a U.S. tax return. As the workforce becomes more international and mobile, many taxpayers face these requirements without even realizing it. This presentation will cover the key U.S. tax reporting rules for individuals with ownership in foreign business entities, with a focus on Forms 5471, 8865, and 8858. Attendees will gain practical guidance on identifying filing requirements and avoiding costly penalties through better compliance.
Sidney W. Jackson IV is a senior managing associate in Dentons Sirote’s Birmingham, Alabama office. He is a member of the Tax Controversy practice group, where his practice focuses on all phases of federal and state tax controversies, including IRS audit, administrative appeals, and court proceedings in the U.S. Tax Court, federal district court, and state tax tribunals.
Sidney received an LLM in Taxation from NYU School of Law. He earned his JD cum laude from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, where he was in the top 15% of his class, a Scholar of Merit, and the online managing editor for the Cumberland Law Review, among other activities. Sidney graduated with a BS in accounting from the University of South Alabama with a merit-based scholarship. During his undergrad years, he served as president of Tau Kappa Epsilon, treasurer of the Student Government Association, and a volunteer for VITA, a free service that prepares federal and state taxes.
Gregory Rhodes is a shareholder in Dentons Sirote’s Birmingham, Alabama office, where he is a member of the Tax practice group and leads the Dentons Sirote Tax Controversy team.
In his practice, Greg focuses on complex tax controversy and tax litigation work. He has successfully represented professional athletes, partnerships, corporations, and individuals as a first-chair trial attorney in high-stakes federal and local tax litigation throughout the country. Greg has also successfully handled complex tax cases in various United States Circuit Courts of Appeals.
Greg is a former law school professor and remains a frequent lecturer and author on tax topics and is often interviewed and quoted by national publications.
Think you’d know if your partnership was under audit? Think again. Under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (BBA), the IRS now audits partnerships at the entity level—with virtually no statutory notice requirements to inform individual members. This presentation will demystify the centralized partnership audit regime (CPAR), walking through the lifecycle of a BBA audit from selection to resolution. We’ll highlight key strategic points for partnerships and their advisors, including the real-world impact of push-out elections, modification requests, and post-litigation statements. Whether you’re a tax practitioner, advisor, or just an unwitting partner, this session will ensure you understand how the BBA regime might affect you—even if no one told you it’s happening.
Sidney W. Jackson IV is a senior managing associate in Dentons Sirote’s Birmingham, Alabama office. He is a member of the Tax Controversy practice group, where his practice focuses on all phases of federal and state tax controversies, including IRS audit, administrative appeals, and court proceedings in the U.S. Tax Court, federal district court, and state tax tribunals.
Sidney received an LLM in Taxation from NYU School of Law. He earned his JD cum laude from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, where he was in the top 15% of his class, a Scholar of Merit, and the online managing editor for the Cumberland Law Review, among other activities. Sidney graduated with a BS in accounting from the University of South Alabama with a merit-based scholarship. During his undergrad years, he served as president of Tau Kappa Epsilon, treasurer of the Student Government Association, and a volunteer for VITA, a free service that prepares federal and state taxes.
Gregory Rhodes is a shareholder in Dentons Sirote’s Birmingham, Alabama office, where he is a member of the Tax practice group and leads the Dentons Sirote Tax Controversy team.
In his practice, Greg focuses on complex tax controversy and tax litigation work. He has successfully represented professional athletes, partnerships, corporations, and individuals as a first-chair trial attorney in high-stakes federal and local tax litigation throughout the country. Greg has also successfully handled complex tax cases in various United States Circuit Courts of Appeals.
Greg is a former law school professor and remains a frequent lecturer and author on tax topics and is often interviewed and quoted by national publications.
Think you’d know if your partnership was under audit? Think again. Under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (BBA), the IRS now audits partnerships at the entity level—with virtually no statutory notice requirements to inform individual members. This presentation will demystify the centralized partnership audit regime (CPAR), walking through the lifecycle of a BBA audit from selection to resolution. We’ll highlight key strategic points for partnerships and their advisors, including the real-world impact of push-out elections, modification requests, and post-litigation statements. Whether you’re a tax practitioner, advisor, or just an unwitting partner, this session will ensure you understand how the BBA regime might affect you—even if no one told you it’s happening.