Michael G. Pfeifer

Michael Pfeifer counsels high net wealth individuals and families, including entertainers and athletes, on international tax issues, planning for pre-immigration and expatriation, and structuring cross-border investments. He also handles estate planning matters, including the use of domestic and foreign trusts, and tax controversy matters, including voluntary disclosure proceedings.

A former Special Assistant to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Associate Chief Counsel-International, Michael was a principal architect of the 1996 foreign trust tax rules and the Clinton Administration’s expatriation tax proposal. He was also involved in the development of the "check-the-box" entity classification regime and the introduction of the "comparability" standards for foreign retirement and pension plans under certain U.S. income tax treaties.

In the 2017 Chambers HNW Guide* (Chambers & Partners), one source noted, "He knows the tax law extremely well and he is creative in how he approaches an issue. He is very likeable and forthcoming with how he presents to clients." Another source said, "Pfeifer has a real in-depth understanding of U.S. tax law, as well as a very broad understanding of tax systems in foreign jurisdictions."

Michael is a frequent lecturer at conferences sponsored by the American Bar Association (ABA), American Law Institute Continuing Legal Education (ALI-CLE), Practising Law Institute (PLI), International Fiscal Association (IFA) and the International Bar Association (IBA).

* No aspect of these advertisements has been approved by the highest court of any state. See Awards Methodology.