Business Details
31 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Counsel for Estate & Tax Matters
Since our founding in 1995, Betts Austin has been dedicated to providing comprehensive legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients throughout the Pacific Northwest. Our team of experienced attorneys brings over a century of combined legal expertise in estate planning, tax law, business transactions, and probate matters. We specialize in crafting sophisticated strategies to minimize tax liabilities while ensuring our clients' legacies are protected. Our practice extends to business formations, real estate excise taxes, and specialized aviation taxation services, reflecting our commitment to addressing both traditional and niche legal challenges. We maintain an unwavering focus on personalized service, working closely with individuals, business owners, and estate representatives to develop practical, enduring solutions.Our attorneys hold advanced degrees in taxation and maintain active involvement in professional organizations, reinforcing our technical proficiency and community engagement. With offices in Bellevue and Bellingham, we combine local knowledge with national expertise to serve clients across diverse industries. Client trust forms the foundation of our practice, demonstrated through our transparent communication and results-driven approach to complex legal matters. We remain committed to delivering exceptional value while maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics and client confidentiality.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Tax Controversies
Corporate Reorganizations
Aviation Taxation
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- Our attorneys hold advanced tax degrees from top institutions
- 25+ years of experience in complex estate and tax matters
- Hands-on approach combining legal and financial expertise
- Specialized aviation tax practice serving unique asset needs
- Proven track record in business succession planning
Services
Estate Planning
We create comprehensive estate plans that address testamentary wishes, tax minimization, and business succession. Our approach ensures protection of assets while meeting individual client objectives through wills, trusts, and advanced directives. Clients benefit from our tax expertise in developing strategies that maximize inheritance value for beneficiaries.
Probate Administration
Our firm guides executors through probate procedures while handling estate tax filings and dispute resolution. We assist with asset distribution, creditor claims, and trust administration matters. Expertise includes Washington State estate tax returns and federal tax compliance for decedent estates.
Tax Controversies
We represent clients before tax authorities for audits and appeals involving income, estate, and property taxes. Our services extend to resolving complex multi-jurisdictional tax matters and negotiating settlements with federal and state agencies.
Corporate Reorganizations
We counsel on tax-efficient business mergers, acquisitions, and entity restructurings. Our advice covers transactional documentation, entity selection, and exit strategies to minimize tax consequences for business owners.
Aviation Taxation
Specialized tax advisory services for business aircraft ownership, including depreciation strategies and excise tax compliance. We address state and federal tax implications for aircraft acquisition, operation, and disposition in domestic transactions.
People
Timothy L. Austin
Attorney
Practice focuses on estate planning, tax law, and business transactions. Holds LL.M. in Taxation from University of Florida. Former naval attorney and Certified Public Accountant with extensive local legal and civic involvement.
Cindy J. Stakset
Attorney
Specializes in estate planning, tax strategies, and probate. Earned LL.M. in Taxation from University of Washington. Former editor of Washington Law Review with expertise in business succession planning.
Richard B. Austin
Attorney
Estate planning and business law specialist with experience in sports law and contracts. Graduated from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Focuses on business formations and tax planning for emerging enterprises.
William H. Johnson
Attorney
Head of Bellingham office specializing in tax law and estate planning. Holds LL.M. in Taxation from University of Florida. Provides regional legal counsel with focus on Pacific Northwest clientele.
Questions
What estate planning services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive estate planning including wills, trusts, tax strategies, and business succession plans tailored to individual needs.
Can you help with business tax matters?
Yes, we specialize in business tax planning, controversy resolution, and structuring transactions to minimize tax exposure.
Do you handle probate cases?
Yes, we guide clients through probate administration and estate tax filing requirements in Washington State and beyond.
What aviation tax services are available?
Our firm advises on state and federal tax implications for commercial aircraft ownership and operations.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Contact us directly via phone or email to arrange a personalized consultation with our Bellevue or Bellingham office.
