Steve helps his clients understand and navigate complex tax and business matters to allow them to further their goals.

Steve assists businesses, individuals and nonprofit organizations with a variety of business and tax matters. 

Steve’s business practice includes business entity formation, governance, ownership transfers, business transactions, tax and compensation planning (including executive compensation matters).

Steve’s tax practice includes advising and assisting businesses, business owners and individuals with a variety of federal, state and local tax matters, including issues relating to choice of entity, tax planning for business transactions (mergers, acquisitions and business sales), worker classification, nexus and residency matters, equity compensation and IRC § 409A issues, IRC § 1031 exchanges and taxation of corporations and partnerships (including LLCs).  He typically works closely with his clients’ CPAs and other advisors when undertaking tax planning matters and assisting with tax controversies (i.e., audits and appeals).

He also assists nonprofit organizations (including public charities, private foundations and other tax-exempt organizations) with various corporate governance and tax matters, including assisting with entity formation and applying for tax-exempt status, advising on corporate governance and fiduciary issues, advising on donation and endowment matters, preparing and reviewing contracts, and assisting with federal and state tax compliance matters (including issues relating to tax-exempt status, unrelated business income tax (UBIT) matters and IRC chapter 42 excise taxes). 

He is a frequent speaker and author. Prior to pursuing a law degree, Steve worked as an underwriter of life and disability insurance for employee benefit plans. During this time, he also earned his certification as a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist.

Professional Activities

• Eugene-Springfield Tax Association, Past President
• Oregon State Bar Association, Nonprofit Section, Member
• Oregon State Bar Association, Tax Section, Member
  • Newsletter Committee, 2008-2013
• Western Pension & Benefits Conference, Portland Chapter, Member, 2008-present
  
  • Significant Issues Chair, 2014-2016

Community Activities

• Junior Achievement USA, Volunteer, 2018-2019
• Mainspring Portland (fka Fish Emergency Service), Board of Directors, 2007-2015 
• St. Rose School, Advisory Council, 2018-2022

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