Business Details
9 Years
experience
Trusted Tax Law Experts in Seattle
Robert Chicoine Law is a premier tax law firm dedicated to providing client-focused solutions for complex tax and business law matters. With decades of combined advocacy and litigation experience, we specialize in civil and criminal tax controversies, offering strategic representation in federal and state tax disputes. Our attorneys, recognized as leaders in tax litigation and white-collar defense, bring a unique blend of corporate-level expertise and personalized service to clients across the United States and internationally.We prioritize cost-effective resolutions while maintaining an unwavering commitment to client trust and satisfaction. Our practice spans tax planning, audit defense, electronic sales suppression software cases, and expert testimony in high-stakes litigation.
Services
Civil Tax Litigation
White Collar Criminal Defense
Electronic Sales Suppression
Tax Fraud Defense
Expert Testimony
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- Over 50 years of combined experience in tax litigation and criminal defense
- Client-focused solutions for complex tax controversies
- Recognized experts in electronic sales suppression software cases
- Proven track record in U.S. Tax Court and Supreme Court cases
- International reach with clients across six continents
Associations and certifications
- Best Lawyers in America
- Super Lawyers
- Martindale-Hubbell
- AVVO
What people say
Highly professional
Stressful litigation handled
Case fully dropped
Encyclopedic tax knowledge
Timely assistance
Services
Civil Tax Litigation
We represent clients in federal and state tax controversies involving audits, penalty determinations, and administrative appeals. Our attorneys have handled hundreds of cases before the IRS, U.S. Tax Court, and district courts, focusing on income, estate, and sales tax disputes. With decades of experience, we negotiate settlements and litigate complex issues like transferee liability and abusive tax shelters while minimizing financial exposure for corporations, individuals, and estates.
White Collar Criminal Defense
Our team defends clients against criminal tax investigations and prosecutions for evasion, fraud, and obstruction. We handle cases involving offshore accounts, currency violations, and electronic sales suppression software. With former IRS attorneys on staff, we leverage insider knowledge to challenge evidence, negotiate plea agreements, and secure dismissals in high-stakes cases. Our success includes landmark rulings in U.S. Supreme Court and circuit court precedents.
Electronic Sales Suppression
We pioneered defense strategies against allegations of using electronic sales suppression devices (ESPs) like 'tax zappers.' Our firm negotiated the first statutory monitoring agreement in U.S. history and has secured dismissals in major cases. With technical experts and deep regulatory knowledge, we challenge forensic audits and develop compliance frameworks for businesses facing state and federal enforcement actions related to POS system manipulation.
Tax Fraud Defense
Our attorneys defend clients accused of civil and criminal tax fraud, including false reporting, offshore evasion, and valuation disputes. We represent clients during IRS examinations, criminal investigations, and grand jury proceedings. Our approach combines forensic accounting analysis with trial-ready advocacy to challenge overstated liabilities and protect client assets in cases involving millions of dollars in alleged underpayments.
Expert Testimony
Our attorneys provide expert testimony in tax litigation matters nationwide. With decades of experience in IRS procedures and tax technology, we serve as expert witnesses in cases involving partnership allocations, transfer pricing, and electronic record manipulation. Our team has testified in U.S. district courts and contributed to international tax policy development through advisory roles with OECD and World Customs Organization.
People
Robert J. Chicoine
Attorney
With over 40 years of experience, Robert Chicoine is a nationally recognized tax litigator. Former IRS Senior Trial Attorney, U.S. Supreme Court advocate, and Best Lawyers' Tax Litigation Lawyer of the Year. Advises clients on complex tax disputes and has handled hundreds of cases before federal and state courts.
Richard T. Ainsworth
Attorney
Tax law expert with 30+ years in academia, government, and private practice. Adjunct professor at Boston University and NYU Law Graduate Tax Programs. Former IRS Senior Litigation Attorney and Director of Boston University's Graduate Tax Program. Recognized authority on tax technology fraud and electronic sales suppression.
Questions
What tax law specialties does Robert Chicoine Law handle?
We specialize in civil tax litigation, white-collar criminal tax defense, electronic sales suppression software cases, tax fraud audits, and expert testimony in federal and state tax controversies.
How experienced is the firm in tax court cases?
Our attorneys have handled hundreds of cases before U.S. Tax Court, district courts, and the Supreme Court, including landmark rulings in basis calculation and estate tax disputes.
Can they defend against criminal tax charges?
Yes, we defend clients facing criminal investigations for tax evasion, offshore violations, and electronic sales suppression. Our team includes former IRS attorneys with a track record of dismissed charges.
Do they handle international tax matters?
Yes, we represent clients globally with cross-border tax disputes, international information exchange issues, and multinational transfer pricing controversies, working with tax authorities worldwide.
What payment options are available?
We offer flexible billing arrangements including hourly rates and limited flat-fee structures for specific services. Payment plans may be available for long-term representation.
How do they handle electronic sales tax cases?
We pioneered defense strategies against 'tax zapper' allegations, negotiating the first statutory monitoring agreement and securing dismissals in major state and federal cases nationwide.
