State and Local Tax (SALT)
For companies that need state and local tax counsel in a single location or throughout the United States, Basswood is well-equipped to meet those needs. We pride ourselves on our experience advising both on multistate issues and from a national perspective.
We advise on a variety of state compliance issues including corporate franchise and income tax, sales and use tax, personal income tax and residency, real and personal property, and local business licensing. We regularly consult on mergers and acquisitions, transfers to limit the liability of sellers, buyers’ protections, and focus on finding untapped savings opportunities in structuring transactions. We identify and develop coordinated, cross-jurisdictional solutions for businesses where they are subject to existing or potential taxes.
We serve a broad range of industries including technology and software, asset management, energy, real estate, retail and consumer goods, health care companies, and global enterprises.
Our team takes a coordinated approach in representing national and multinational clients in complex state and local tax matters. We have a deep knowledge of ever-changing tax laws and have the experience necessary to provide the highest quality advice and client services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state and local tax issues should we plan for (nexus, sales/use tax, income/franchise taxes, lack of treaty protection at the state level), and how can we negotiate state/local incentives before investing?
States can impose various taxes—income/franchise, sales and use, and other business levies—once you have nexus, which may be based on physical presence (property, payroll, offices) or economic nexus (sales volume into the state). U.S. income tax treaties generally do not limit state taxing powers, and states may not grant foreign tax credits, leading to incremental tax beyond federal. Many states and localities, however, offer incentives (job‑creation credits, R&D credits, property tax abatements, training grants). These are best negotiated before you commit to a location or acquire property; once you have invested, your leverage to obtain concessions drops sharply.
Need guidance on a state or local tax matter?
Whether you are managing multi-state tax obligations, addressing sales and use tax issues, responding to a tax dispute, or planning for state and local tax exposure, Basswood Counsel can provide practical, commercially focused legal support.