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Christie R. Galinski

Principal

Office

T:
+1.312.460.4268
O:
+1.312.460.4200
F:
+1.312.460.4201
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Education

Northwestern University School of Law, LL.M. in Taxation, with honors, 2010

University of Illinois College of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, 2007

Northwestern University, B.A., 1999

Bar Admissions

Christie Galinski is a tax attorney with more than 15 years of sophisticated transactional experience in federal, state and international tax issues. She knows the importance of balancing good tax planning with practical business goals. Her specific experience includes everything from tax planning to tax diligence. 

Christie is also experienced in tax controversy issues such as preventing and responding to audits and penalties assessed by the IRS and state taxing authorities.

Representative Matters

  • Tax Planning for Small and Large Businesses: Helping companies of all sizes with tax planning at every stage, from founding to dissolution. Advising on tax issues like selecting entity types, maintaining the preferred entity type, and tax efficient structuring of operations and transactions.
  • Tax Planning for Partnerships, C-Corporations and S-Corporations: Tax planning for partner and shareholder contributions and distributions, as well as asset sales, stock sales and restructuring. Issues include equity compensation options for partners and qualified small business stock exclusions for corporate stock under Section 1202.
  • International Tax Issues and U.S. Tax Treaties: Advising on U.S. tax law and tax treaties for cross-border lending, sales, other inbound and outbound transactions, including withholding taxes and FATCA compliance.
  • M&A: Advising on planning asset sales vs. stock sales, performing tax due diligence and reviewing sale and purchase agreements, including hospitals, other 501(c)(3) organizations, banks and international companies.
  • Tax Incentives: Advising and writing tax opinions regarding federal tax incentives, including low-income housing, Investment Tax Credits and other energy tax credits.
  • State Taxes: Identifying employment and income tax risks for employees working remotely out of state or out-of-state workers commuting to work in the employer's state.
  • Tax Controversies: Successfully navigating IRS audits, penalty abatements, closing agreements and private letter rulings.
  • Financial Products: Providing tax advice and assisting with legal documentation for Real Estate Investment Trusts, Regulated Investment Companies, credit agreements, and private placements.
  • Tax-Exempt Entities: Assisting tax-exempt entities in applying for and defending their tax-exempt status and qualifying for grants and other financing, including tax due diligence and tax opinion letters.
  • Payroll Taxes: Advising employers on compliance with withholding for federal income tax, employment taxes and state income tax, including for international employees.
  • Litigation Matters: Advising plaintiffs and defendants on tax treatment of settlements.

Professional Activities

Publications Chair for ABA International Tax Committee, International Law Section (Publications Chair)

Speeches

Panelist, "Tax and Employee Benefits Talk: Frequent Tax Issues Facing HR & Updates on SECURE 2.0," Miller Canfield 2024 HR Spring Training

Publications

Co-Editor, International Tax chapter, "Taxation of Remote Workers Worldwide - The Year In Review: International Legal Developments: 2022," American Bar Association International Law Section

"Flawed Analysis Supports Common Law Tax Deficiency Ruling" (co-authored with Loren Opper), Law360, July 11, 2023

"State Payroll Taxes Need Remote Work Reforms" (co-authored with Samuel Parks and Gregory Nowak), Law360, May 15, 2023

Co-Editor, International Tax chapter, "International Uncertainty on Taxation of Cryptocurrency - The Year In Review: International Legal Developments: 2021," American Bar Association International Law Section

Articles