As both a CPA and an attorney, Thomas Hillegonds unravels, analyzes, and solves complicated and often related business, tax, and estate planning problems. For the individuals, family-owned or closely-held businesses, and tax-exempt organizations he represents, Tom’s ultimate goal is to provide timely and practical resolutions to his clients’ current legal issues and avoid those in the future through effective planning.
Thomas advises clients on the tax implications associated with real estate and commercial transactions, as well as the choice of business entity and corporate structure. His grasp of finance and accounting rules allows him to drive transactions toward a successful conclusion while focusing on favorable financial accounting and reporting treatment and tax-efficient results.
And when disputes with the IRS or Michigan Department of Treasury arise, Tom defends his clients and resolve the controversy, whether through administrative appeals or formal litigation in the U.S. Tax Court or Michigan Tax Tribunal.
In estate planning matters, Tom counsels individuals, spouses, parents with minor children, blended families, and families with special needs concerns. He prepares wills, guardianship and conservatorship documents, advance directives, and a variety of marital, special needs, and life insurance trusts.
Because many high net-worth clients are also involved in family businesses, he advises on succession planning and various vehicles for optimizing asset value and transferring control of those assets efficiently while minimizing gift and estate taxes.
When not hard at work for his clients, Tom spends time playing Chutes and Ladders with his kids and trying (in vain) to “two putt” each green on the local golf course with his wife.
Education:
- University of Florida College of Law, LL.M. in Federal Income, Estate, and Trust Tax Law, 2013
- Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law, Juris Doctor, 2009
- Hope College, Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, 2002
Bar Admission:
- Michigan
- U.S. Tax Court
Professional Associations and Membership:
- State Bar of Michigan
- Grand Rapids Bar Association
- Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), Western Michigan Chapter
- Michigan Business Brokers Association (MBAA)
- Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants
Cost
Rate : $$$
