Donovan Legal PLLC is a tax-first practice focused on real estate. The firm advises real estate developers, investors, funds, operating businesses, and the high-net-worth families behind them on the federal and state tax issues that drive the economics of their structures and represents those same clients when those structures, returns, or positions come under examination. The firm serves clients nationwide from its office in Delray Beach, Florida.
The practice is organized around the lifecycle of a tax position: planning the structure, preparing or reviewing the return that reflects it, and defending it on examination if challenged. Mr. Donovan’s combination of CPA and JD credentials, along with thirty years of experience that began at the New York and Chicago offices of PwC, allows the firm to coordinate planning, compliance, and controversy work without the handoffs that introduce gaps between advisors. Real estate, the firm’s core asset class, runs through all three.
Federal, state, and international tax planning for real estate and operating businesses, including entity selection, partnership and LLC structuring, private equity real estate fund formation, like-kind exchanges, inbound and outbound cross-border structuring, FIRPTA, anti-deferral regimes, residency planning, and exit planning.
Federal, state, and international tax return preparation and review for closely-held businesses, partnerships, and high-net-worth individuals. Real estate-specific compliance, FIRPTA withholding filings, and international information returns (Forms 5471, 5472, 8865, 8938, 8621, and FBAR).
Representation of businesses and high-net-worth individuals before the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities in audits, examinations, appeals, and disputes. Multi-million-dollar federal and state matters across the country, including income tax, partnership tax, and sales-and-use tax issues.
Acquisition, financing, development, leasing, and disposition of real estate assets. Entity formation and capitalization, debt and equity financing across the capital stack, FIRPTA and foreign investment in U.S. real estate, eminent domain, permitting and zoning, and real estate litigation.
A representative selection of matters the firm has handled is available on the Experience page.
To discuss a tax planning, tax compliance, tax controversy, or real estate engagement, contact the firm directly.