Colleen Spain is a tax lawyer advising individuals, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations on a broad range of federal, state, and local tax issues.
Colleen helps clients prepare for and manage disputes with the Internal Revenue Service, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, and the New York City Department of Finance. Her experience includes handling audits, appeals, negotiations with taxing authorities, protests, and collection due process hearings. Colleen also regularly advises clients on tax issues arising out of various business transactions, including assisting with reorganizations and negotiating transactional documents such as acquisition agreements and merger agreements (M&A).
When advising not-for-profit organizations, Colleen works with both public charities and private foundations. Her experience includes forming these entities and applying for tax-exempt status with both the Internal Revenue Service and New York State, as well as providing advice on managing day to day operational matters. Colleen also has extensive experience petitioning the Charities Bureau of the Office of the New York State Attorney General for approval to complete transactions, including property sales and entity dissolution.
Prior to joining Farrell Fritz, Colleen spent seven years at a Big Four accounting and consulting firm focusing on federal, state, and local tax risk management and controversy resolutions.
Assists businesses with Private Letter Ruling requests to the Internal Revenue Service related to missed elections and received favorable rulings.
Represents clients in tax controversies and successfully negotiates with the Internal Revenue Service, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, and the New York City Department of Finance.
Aids clients with submitting Offers in Compromise to various taxing authorities and receives favorable outcomes and acceptance of such offers.
Helps not-for-profit clients navigate various transactions, including sales, mergers, and dissolutions.
