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3590 Grandview Pkwy, Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama 35243-1946
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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 presentation will focus on recent legislative, judicial, and administrative guidance relating to the taxation of partnerships and real estate. Included in the discussion will be the decisions in Sirius Solutionsrelating to the SECA tax and limited partners, Otay Project LP addressing economic substance in a partnership transaction designed to take advantage of the partnership basis adjustment rules, and Continental Grand LPrelating to the zero-basis doctrine and contribution of a partner note to a partnership. Other items will be discussed as well.
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 presentation will focus on recent legislative, judicial, and administrative guidance relating to the taxation of partnerships and real estate. Included in the discussion will be the decisions in Sirius Solutionsrelating to the SECA tax and limited partners, Otay Project LP addressing economic substance in a partnership transaction designed to take advantage of the partnership basis adjustment rules, and Continental Grand LPrelating to the zero-basis doctrine and contribution of a partner note to a partnership. Other items will be discussed as well.
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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 2026. 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 2027, 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 2026. 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 2027, 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.
An overview of current IRS audit activity involving high-wealth individuals and entities, including family offices, aircraft, estate and gift matters, and other areas of enforcement focus.
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.
An overview of current IRS audit activity involving high-wealth individuals and entities, including family offices, aircraft, estate and gift matters, and other areas of enforcement focus.
Jan Lewis is a Tax Partner with BMSS Advisors and CPAs in Ridgeland MS. Her responsibilities include income and estate tax planning, research, and compliance for individual and business clients. Her areas of practice include healthcare, oil & gas, construction, real estate, and high net worth individuals. She has taught continuing education classes throughout Mississippi and nationwide to CPAs in the areas of income tax planning, business tax matters, and S Corporation tax matters, and has given presentations on financial literacy, tax reform, and other tax issues to various groups across the country.
Jan has authored articles on tax matters for the Tax Adviser publication and has served as a webcast presenter for the AICPA’s Tax Division. She has been interviewed by Fox Business News, NPR, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Bankrate, and the Detroit Free Press for her insight on various policy and practice matters affecting taxpayers. She was selected as one of Forbes Top 200 CPAs in America in 2024.
Jan is active in the Mississippi Society of CPAs, previously serving as President of the Society, a member of the MSCPA Board of Governors, an officer of the Society’s Central Chapter, and a trustee of the Mississippi Tax Institute. Jan currently is a member of the MSCPA’s Long Range Planning Committee and the MSCPA’s Young CPAs Liaison Committee.
Jan has held many leadership roles within the AICPA throughout her career. She has served as the MSCPA’s elected representative to the AICPA Council, and on the AICPA Life Insurance and Disability Plans Committee. She was a member and chair of the AICPA’s Tax Practice and Procedures Committee, and member and chair of the AICPA’s Tax Executive Committee, the senior committee overseeing the work of all Tax Division committees and technical resource panels.
Jan has served on the AICPA Board of Directors since 2023. In that role, Jan is part of the executive committee that directs the strategic vision of both the AICPA and the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association). Jan was recently elected Vice Chair of the AICPA. This national leadership role positions her to become Chair of the AICPA in 2026. As she continues her service as a volunteer leader in the profession, Jan looks forward to working with the Association to be the global voice of accounting and finance professionals worldwide. The AICPA is the national professional organization for all CPAs, with over 420,000 members in the U.S. and worldwide. The Association is the global voice of the accounting and finance professional, with over 650,000 members globally, and was founded by the AICPA and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). It is a distinct honor to be in this position of leadership in the profession.
Stay informed on the latest developments shaping the tax profession at both the state and national levels. This session will provide updates on key legislative, regulatory, and advocacy initiatives impacting CPAs, taxpayers, and the future of tax practice.
Jan Lewis is a Tax Partner with BMSS Advisors and CPAs in Ridgeland MS. Her responsibilities include income and estate tax planning, research, and compliance for individual and business clients. Her areas of practice include healthcare, oil & gas, construction, real estate, and high net worth individuals. She has taught continuing education classes throughout Mississippi and nationwide to CPAs in the areas of income tax planning, business tax matters, and S Corporation tax matters, and has given presentations on financial literacy, tax reform, and other tax issues to various groups across the country.
Jan has authored articles on tax matters for the Tax Adviser publication and has served as a webcast presenter for the AICPA’s Tax Division. She has been interviewed by Fox Business News, NPR, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Bankrate, and the Detroit Free Press for her insight on various policy and practice matters affecting taxpayers. She was selected as one of Forbes Top 200 CPAs in America in 2024.
Jan is active in the Mississippi Society of CPAs, previously serving as President of the Society, a member of the MSCPA Board of Governors, an officer of the Society’s Central Chapter, and a trustee of the Mississippi Tax Institute. Jan currently is a member of the MSCPA’s Long Range Planning Committee and the MSCPA’s Young CPAs Liaison Committee.
Jan has held many leadership roles within the AICPA throughout her career. She has served as the MSCPA’s elected representative to the AICPA Council, and on the AICPA Life Insurance and Disability Plans Committee. She was a member and chair of the AICPA’s Tax Practice and Procedures Committee, and member and chair of the AICPA’s Tax Executive Committee, the senior committee overseeing the work of all Tax Division committees and technical resource panels.
Jan has served on the AICPA Board of Directors since 2023. In that role, Jan is part of the executive committee that directs the strategic vision of both the AICPA and the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association). Jan was recently elected Vice Chair of the AICPA. This national leadership role positions her to become Chair of the AICPA in 2026. As she continues her service as a volunteer leader in the profession, Jan looks forward to working with the Association to be the global voice of accounting and finance professionals worldwide. The AICPA is the national professional organization for all CPAs, with over 420,000 members in the U.S. and worldwide. The Association is the global voice of the accounting and finance professional, with over 650,000 members globally, and was founded by the AICPA and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). It is a distinct honor to be in this position of leadership in the profession.
Stay informed on the latest developments shaping the tax profession at both the state and national levels. This session will provide updates on key legislative, regulatory, and advocacy initiatives impacting CPAs, taxpayers, and the future of tax practice.
Michael L. Brand, CPA, CGMA is currently an A & A partner in the firm of BMSS, LLC CPAs and Advisors. He received his B.S. in accounting from the University of North Alabama and has been in the practice of public accounting for over 30 years.
Known as a nationally acclaimed, accounting industry expert and speaker, Michael (Mike) has been involved in all aspects of public accounting, with an emphasis in providing accounting, auditing and review services to clients in the for-profit, nonprofits and governmental sectors.
He is also involved in various committees at both the state and national levels. He is a former member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Professional Ethics Executive Committee, is the past chair of the AICPA’s Accounting and Review Services Committee and the Alabama Society of CPA’s Peer Review Committee and is the current Chair for the ASCPA. Furthermore, Mike teaches continuing education classes across the country for state societies and individual firms and has received the AICPA’s Outstanding Discussion Leader Award multiple times along with the ASCPA’s Thomas A. Ratcliffe Outstanding Discussion Leader Award.
In addition to teaching, Mike regularly speaks at conferences nationwide and in various other countries. He conducts peer reviews across the United States and was formerly on the Peer Review Board, Joint Trial Board, and Quality Control Standards Task Force of the AICPA. He is the current co-chair of the Engage Conference (the AICPA’s largest conference held over multiple days with thousands of attendees).
This program will provide attendees an overview of how Circular 230, preparer penalties and Cannons of Professional Responsibilities impact tax practices for CPAs and Attorneys. It will include a discussion of duties owed by tax practitioners to the tax system, to their clients and how such duties must be balanced, and a discussion of certain standards of tax practice, including AICPA Standards for Tax Services, the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, and the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. It will also give an overview of preparer penalties found in IRC Section 6694, including discussion of various levels of authority, such as substantial authority, reasonable basis and more likely than not.
Michael L. Brand, CPA, CGMA is currently an A & A partner in the firm of BMSS, LLC CPAs and Advisors. He received his B.S. in accounting from the University of North Alabama and has been in the practice of public accounting for over 30 years.
Known as a nationally acclaimed, accounting industry expert and speaker, Michael (Mike) has been involved in all aspects of public accounting, with an emphasis in providing accounting, auditing and review services to clients in the for-profit, nonprofits and governmental sectors.
He is also involved in various committees at both the state and national levels. He is a former member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Professional Ethics Executive Committee, is the past chair of the AICPA’s Accounting and Review Services Committee and the Alabama Society of CPA’s Peer Review Committee and is the current Chair for the ASCPA. Furthermore, Mike teaches continuing education classes across the country for state societies and individual firms and has received the AICPA’s Outstanding Discussion Leader Award multiple times along with the ASCPA’s Thomas A. Ratcliffe Outstanding Discussion Leader Award.
In addition to teaching, Mike regularly speaks at conferences nationwide and in various other countries. He conducts peer reviews across the United States and was formerly on the Peer Review Board, Joint Trial Board, and Quality Control Standards Task Force of the AICPA. He is the current co-chair of the Engage Conference (the AICPA’s largest conference held over multiple days with thousands of attendees).
This program will provide attendees an overview of how Circular 230, preparer penalties and Cannons of Professional Responsibilities impact tax practices for CPAs and Attorneys. It will include a discussion of duties owed by tax practitioners to the tax system, to their clients and how such duties must be balanced, and a discussion of certain standards of tax practice, including AICPA Standards for Tax Services, the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, and the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. It will also give an overview of preparer penalties found in IRC Section 6694, including discussion of various levels of authority, such as substantial authority, reasonable basis and more likely than not.
Alex Flachsbart is the Founder and CEO of Opportunity Alabama (OPAL), an organization dedicated to building more prosperous rural downtowns and urban commercial corridors through tax-advantaged financing. Founded in 2018, OPAL has invested in almost three quarters of a billion dollars worth of catalytic real estate developments through a family of loan and investment funds. OPAL has won recognition from Forbes Magazine to the New York Times for its work in driving Alabama into the Top 10 nationally for Opportunity Zone investing, and it continues to diversify investment infrastructure into other place-oriented incentives that align with its mission – including creating Alabama’s first community development financial institution focused on commercial real estate financing.
Alex is a recovering attorney who practiced for several years with Balch & Bingham LLP in Birmingham, Alabama, specializing in tax credit and economic development-related work. Alex was a member of Teach for America’s charter corps in Alabama, where he taught high school mathematics in one of the most impoverished rural counties in the US. A native of Northern California (but a naturalized Alabamian), Alex received undergraduate and masters degrees in economics from The University of Alabama and a J.D. from Washington and Lee University School of Law. Alex, who was recently named one of the Top 100 national influencers in Commercial Real Estate by the Business Journals of America, serves on the board of Main Street Alabama, is a fellow in the Blackburn Institute and the Alabama Leadership Initiative, is a member of the Birmingham Rotary Club and a member of Leadership Birmingham’s Class of 2023-’24.
The tax reforms in the One Big Beautiful Bill made some significant changes to popular incentive programs that have seen consistent utilization here in Alabama over the last decade. This session will provide a general overview of three of the most popular place-based federal investment programs - Opportunity Zones (OZs), Historic Tax Credits (HTCs), and New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs), with a dual focus on 1) changes created by OBBB to these incentives and 2) how these tools (particularly HTCs and OZs) get utilized from a practitioner's perspective. If you have clients that develop real estate or advise clients that want to eliminate some of their federal income tax liability, this presentation should have a number of interesting nuggets for you.
Alex Flachsbart is the Founder and CEO of Opportunity Alabama (OPAL), an organization dedicated to building more prosperous rural downtowns and urban commercial corridors through tax-advantaged financing. Founded in 2018, OPAL has invested in almost three quarters of a billion dollars worth of catalytic real estate developments through a family of loan and investment funds. OPAL has won recognition from Forbes Magazine to the New York Times for its work in driving Alabama into the Top 10 nationally for Opportunity Zone investing, and it continues to diversify investment infrastructure into other place-oriented incentives that align with its mission – including creating Alabama’s first community development financial institution focused on commercial real estate financing.
Alex is a recovering attorney who practiced for several years with Balch & Bingham LLP in Birmingham, Alabama, specializing in tax credit and economic development-related work. Alex was a member of Teach for America’s charter corps in Alabama, where he taught high school mathematics in one of the most impoverished rural counties in the US. A native of Northern California (but a naturalized Alabamian), Alex received undergraduate and masters degrees in economics from The University of Alabama and a J.D. from Washington and Lee University School of Law. Alex, who was recently named one of the Top 100 national influencers in Commercial Real Estate by the Business Journals of America, serves on the board of Main Street Alabama, is a fellow in the Blackburn Institute and the Alabama Leadership Initiative, is a member of the Birmingham Rotary Club and a member of Leadership Birmingham’s Class of 2023-’24.
The tax reforms in the One Big Beautiful Bill made some significant changes to popular incentive programs that have seen consistent utilization here in Alabama over the last decade. This session will provide a general overview of three of the most popular place-based federal investment programs - Opportunity Zones (OZs), Historic Tax Credits (HTCs), and New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs), with a dual focus on 1) changes created by OBBB to these incentives and 2) how these tools (particularly HTCs and OZs) get utilized from a practitioner's perspective. If you have clients that develop real estate or advise clients that want to eliminate some of their federal income tax liability, this presentation should have a number of interesting nuggets for you.
Thompson has practiced as an estate planning attorney for over a decade with a particular focus on complex estate and wealth transfer planning, wealth preservation planning, and estate and trust administration. His experience includes advising clients on a range of issues, including business succession planning, charitable planning, engaging next generation family members, and family office planning.
As a fifth-generation family owner of a Georgia company with diverse asset composition, Thompson understands the complexities and nuances of the intra-family issues that arise in the family business context from both a personal and professional standpoint. This unique perspective enables him to provide practical and customized solutions that address his clients’ unique needs and goals.
Retaining control over transferred assets can have unintended estate tax consequences. This session breaks down Section 2036, with real-world examples and guidance on structuring arrangements to avoid inclusion challenges.
Thompson has practiced as an estate planning attorney for over a decade with a particular focus on complex estate and wealth transfer planning, wealth preservation planning, and estate and trust administration. His experience includes advising clients on a range of issues, including business succession planning, charitable planning, engaging next generation family members, and family office planning.
As a fifth-generation family owner of a Georgia company with diverse asset composition, Thompson understands the complexities and nuances of the intra-family issues that arise in the family business context from both a personal and professional standpoint. This unique perspective enables him to provide practical and customized solutions that address his clients’ unique needs and goals.
Retaining control over transferred assets can have unintended estate tax consequences. This session breaks down Section 2036, with real-world examples and guidance on structuring arrangements to avoid inclusion challenges.
Alan Rothschild has practiced estate planning, taxation and tax-exempt law in Columbus and Atlanta for over 35 years. In the estate planning area, Mr. Rothschild works with individuals and their advisors to design estate plans that effectively address each client’s unique tax, business and family goals. Much of his work in this area focuses on successful strategies for multi-generational wealth succession planning, including the transition of family businesses and family lands to future generations.
Mr. Rothschild also has extensive experience advising clients on the design and implementation of thoughtful and effective charitable gifts – both while the client is in life, through techniques such as private foundations, donor-advised funds, conservation easements and charitable trusts, and at death, through their wills and testamentary trusts.
A substantial part of Mr. Rothschild’s practice is dedicated to the representation of tax exempt organizations throughout the southeastern United States. Representative clients include university-related foundations, family foundations, community foundations, and regional non-profits in the areas of education, the arts, social services and religious activities. Since, 2015, Mr. Rothschild has served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Miami School of Law, where he teaches a course in the Master of Law program on Charitable Giving and Exempt Organizations.
Probate and estate administration also constitute an important part of Mr. Rothschild’s practice. This includes the representation of individual beneficiaries, executors and trustees, as well as representing corporate fiduciaries in the probate and administration of estates and the on-going administration of trusts. Mr. Rothschild also has significant experience resolving tax audits, estate disputes and dealing with the challenges of an aging population, including guardianships, conservatorships, and health care decision making.
An overview of charitable gift agreements, including key provisions, drafting considerations, and ethical issues involved in documenting donor intent and protecting both the donor and the organization.
Alan Rothschild has practiced estate planning, taxation and tax-exempt law in Columbus and Atlanta for over 35 years. In the estate planning area, Mr. Rothschild works with individuals and their advisors to design estate plans that effectively address each client’s unique tax, business and family goals. Much of his work in this area focuses on successful strategies for multi-generational wealth succession planning, including the transition of family businesses and family lands to future generations.
Mr. Rothschild also has extensive experience advising clients on the design and implementation of thoughtful and effective charitable gifts – both while the client is in life, through techniques such as private foundations, donor-advised funds, conservation easements and charitable trusts, and at death, through their wills and testamentary trusts.
A substantial part of Mr. Rothschild’s practice is dedicated to the representation of tax exempt organizations throughout the southeastern United States. Representative clients include university-related foundations, family foundations, community foundations, and regional non-profits in the areas of education, the arts, social services and religious activities. Since, 2015, Mr. Rothschild has served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Miami School of Law, where he teaches a course in the Master of Law program on Charitable Giving and Exempt Organizations.
Probate and estate administration also constitute an important part of Mr. Rothschild’s practice. This includes the representation of individual beneficiaries, executors and trustees, as well as representing corporate fiduciaries in the probate and administration of estates and the on-going administration of trusts. Mr. Rothschild also has significant experience resolving tax audits, estate disputes and dealing with the challenges of an aging population, including guardianships, conservatorships, and health care decision making.
An overview of charitable gift agreements, including key provisions, drafting considerations, and ethical issues involved in documenting donor intent and protecting both the donor and the organization.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jeff Luechtefeld focuses his practice on resolving complex tax controversies with the Internal Revenue Service, both in administrative proceedings and litigation. He represents clients before the United States Tax Court, U.S. district courts, and federal courts of appeals, and develops strategic approaches grounded in a deep understanding of IRS processes and enforcement priorities.
How to manage litigation pitfalls for tax and estate plans on the frontend and it would cover issues like client identification, managing privilege with varying clients/interests, managing metadata, handling backdating v. effective dating, etc., and it also covers how a litigator must address the issues that the planner may have missed through real world examples.
Jeff Luechtefeld focuses his practice on resolving complex tax controversies with the Internal Revenue Service, both in administrative proceedings and litigation. He represents clients before the United States Tax Court, U.S. district courts, and federal courts of appeals, and develops strategic approaches grounded in a deep understanding of IRS processes and enforcement priorities.
How to manage litigation pitfalls for tax and estate plans on the frontend and it would cover issues like client identification, managing privilege with varying clients/interests, managing metadata, handling backdating v. effective dating, etc., and it also covers how a litigator must address the issues that the planner may have missed through real world examples.
Michelle Abroms Levin is a shareholder in Dentons Sirote’s Huntsville, Alabama office, where she is a member of the Tax practice group and manages the Huntsville office. She represents clients during all phases of federal income tax controversies, including IRS audit, administrative appeals, and court proceedings in the U.S. Tax Court, U.S. Court of Federal Claims, federal district court and the Courts of Appeals. Michelle has secured major victories for her clients in the Eleventh Circuit, Fifth Circuit, and Tax Court, elevating important Administrative Procedure Act issues in the tax controversy context. Her experience includes a wide range of complex tax issues. Michelle also counsels clients in tax and business planning. She works with clients to structure transactions in a manner that maximizes tax benefits, reduces risk, and complies with tax law at local, state, and federal levels.
Prior to joining Dentons Sirote (formerly Sirote & Permutt, PC), Michelle worked as a trial attorney at the Tax Division of the Department of Justice, where she represented the United States in federal district court.
An overview of common valuation issues in tax and audit matters, including areas of dispute, documentation concerns, and practical considerations for navigating IRS scrutiny.
Michelle Abroms Levin is a shareholder in Dentons Sirote’s Huntsville, Alabama office, where she is a member of the Tax practice group and manages the Huntsville office. She represents clients during all phases of federal income tax controversies, including IRS audit, administrative appeals, and court proceedings in the U.S. Tax Court, U.S. Court of Federal Claims, federal district court and the Courts of Appeals. Michelle has secured major victories for her clients in the Eleventh Circuit, Fifth Circuit, and Tax Court, elevating important Administrative Procedure Act issues in the tax controversy context. Her experience includes a wide range of complex tax issues. Michelle also counsels clients in tax and business planning. She works with clients to structure transactions in a manner that maximizes tax benefits, reduces risk, and complies with tax law at local, state, and federal levels.
Prior to joining Dentons Sirote (formerly Sirote & Permutt, PC), Michelle worked as a trial attorney at the Tax Division of the Department of Justice, where she represented the United States in federal district court.
An overview of common valuation issues in tax and audit matters, including areas of dispute, documentation concerns, and practical considerations for navigating IRS scrutiny.
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 will provide a comprehensive timeline of the taxation of LLCs and partnerships. This will include the inception, historical developments, and the present state of Subchapter K. It will also cover future developments, including probable legislation.
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 will provide a comprehensive timeline of the taxation of LLCs and partnerships. This will include the inception, historical developments, and the present state of Subchapter K. It will also cover future developments, including probable legislation.
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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 2027.
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 2027.
Wyatt is a shareholder in the Tax Controversy Practice Group and the Estate & Income Tax Planning & Estate Administration Practice Group.
He has experience in wealth and asset protection planning, life insurance planning, incapacity planning, and other matters dealing with pre-mortem and post-mortem planning. Wyatt currently serves as chairman of the Tax Section of the Alabama State Bar Association. He is also past president of the Tuscaloosa Estate Planning Council.
While in law school, Wyatt served as the editor of the Alabama Law Review. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama, his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law and his Master of Laws in Taxation from New York University School of Law.
Key rules, planning opportunities, and tax considerations
Wyatt is a shareholder in the Tax Controversy Practice Group and the Estate & Income Tax Planning & Estate Administration Practice Group.
He has experience in wealth and asset protection planning, life insurance planning, incapacity planning, and other matters dealing with pre-mortem and post-mortem planning. Wyatt currently serves as chairman of the Tax Section of the Alabama State Bar Association. He is also past president of the Tuscaloosa Estate Planning Council.
While in law school, Wyatt served as the editor of the Alabama Law Review. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama, his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law and his Master of Laws in Taxation from New York University School of Law.
Key rules, planning opportunities, and tax considerations
Price includes $50.00 early registration discount(s) - expires 10/11
Price includes $50.00 early registration discount(s) - expires 10/11
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