Business & Tax

Pennsylvania Business and Tax Attorney

The Business & Tax Group of Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C., serving clients in Pennsylvania and beyond, represents enterprises of every kind. The attorneys in our group are known for the skill and thoroughness with which we structure transactions for clients. 

We offer exceptional insight with an ability to see the whole picture, which sometimes involves including our partners in other areas of the law, such as labor & employment, litigation, real estate, or other relevant areas. For many smaller regional companies, our business lawyers serve as outside counsel. In this role, they provide the same strategic guidance and legal support that an in-house general counsel would offer at a larger corporation. Many of these companies are closely held and/or family-owned businesses, and we have extensive experience representing them.

In addition, we offer presentations on a variety of practical topics to other professionals through the Knox Law Institute.

Services Our Pennsylvania Business and Tax Attorneys Provide

Business and Tax are both large areas of law. The business lawyers at Knox Law can advise on a variety of matters pertaining to private legal entities, including sole proprietorships, partnerships (general or limited), limited liability companies (LLCs), corporations, and other unique business structures. From start to finish and anywhere in between, our team can advise on legal considerations in the following areas.

Business Planning

The business & tax lawyers at Knox Law help entities of all types and sizes with day-to-day legal issues. This can include contract reviews, operational issues, acquisitions and dispositions of business interests, and more. Our team helps review bylaws, shareholder agreements, and operating agreements as they affect daily business. We can also advise on tax-free reorganizations such as mergers and spin-offs, and private offerings of securities. 

Nonprofit organizations also often need ‘business’ planning, which can include organizational design and governance matters, securing federal tax-exempt status, and other nonprofit considerations.

Business Formation

Starting a business is a big deal. Our team can help with entity formation, including structure considerations and registration and regulation issues. We can draft bylaws, shareholder agreements, and operating agreements, setting the business up for ongoing success. Our business attorneys have helped create private legal entities, including sole proprietorships, partnerships (general or limited), limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations. 

Business Dissolution

Similarly, our team can help dissolve an entity, ensuring legalities are met, assets are properly taken care of, and lingering issues are resolved. We often advise on alternatives through our Business Succession practice.

Business Succession Planning

Planning for succession is a critical challenge. We can provide guidance and counsel to help address issues related to ownership succession, estate planning (especially for family-owned businesses), tax planning, workforce considerations, real estate, and intellectual property.

Our business succession lawyers advise owners on all of their options, addressing future implications of each - for themselves and their families, their successor(s), their employees, and the company. We include unique planning choices, such as the Family Private Equity Model, which could prevent potential seller’s remorse.

A comprehensive business succession plan is best; however, we also help business owners consider stop-gap measures to address potential emergencies, ensuring operational continuity.

Mergers and Acquisitions

The purchase, sale and/or merger of a business entity can be complicated, stressful, and time-consuming for all parties. Attorneys at Knox Law have specific experience providing comprehensive and practical legal services to buyers and sellers in complex transactions throughout the United States and in various industries, including insurance, manufacturing, healthcare, brewing/beverage distribution, construction, agriculture, technology, and more.

We offer a strategic approach and attention to detail in all stages of a transaction, ensuring our clients achieve their business objectives efficiently and effectively.

See: Mergers & Acquisitions Process Overview: 5-Part Series

Business Litigation

Litigation can be stressful, expensive, and disruptive. Our business lawyers work closely with our litigation group to resolve matters in the best way possible, given each situation’s unique circumstances. Our litigation team practices in state and federal courts and administrative agencies, and also provides alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration.

Our litigation team is intimately familiar with the litigation process and handles a wide range of matters. We can also provide a litigator’s perspective on business-related issues before they escalate, which can prevent future litigation.

Loan Transactions

Knox Law’s business attorneys assist with the documentation of loans and other financial transactions often. We have represented borrowers in a variety of loan classifications, including conventional, asset-based, low-interest, and tax-exempt financings. 

In particular, our Public Finance & Bonds team has over 60 years of combined legal and financial experience, representing a variety of governmental entities.

Employee Benefits, Retirement Planning, and Executive Compensation

Our business & tax lawyers help guide plan sponsors and fiduciaries in establishing, administering, or terminating qualified retirement plans. We also design and draft executive compensation and employee benefit programs for our clients. This includes stock option arrangements, pension, profit sharing, 401(k) plans, and ESOPs. We advise plan trustees and administrators on all aspects of qualified plan administration and fiduciary duties. We also have experience with Qualified Domestic Relations Orders. 

Your goals are our goals - we help structure these plans to be an integral part of the success of your overall business plan. 

Tax Planning and Representation

The business & tax lawyers at Knox Law have experience in a variety of tax matters, including representation of clients before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). We offer counsel for like-kind exchanges, liquidating and nonliquidating corporate distributions, installment sale transactions, corporate income, capital stock and franchise tax matters, sales and use tax issues, subchapter S elections, individual income tax issues, and responsible person representations. We have also represented clients before the Pennsylvania Board of Appeals, Board of Finance and Revenue, and Commonwealth Court.

Why Choose Knox Law as Your Trusted Business Advisor

Your business is incredibly important to your owners/co-owners, employees, clients, and your family. It is also critically important to the economic health of our region. Our role as business attorneys is to contribute to your success and work toward your goals in a responsible, cost-efficient manner. Our business & tax team has experience in many areas of the law affecting businesses and nonprofits in Pennsylvania and beyond, and we are here to help.

Our team also works seamlessly with other groups and attorneys at Knox Law to provide comprehensive legal counsel for all of your business and personal needs. The team approach allows us to see the big picture and understand how various factors work together toward your business goals. 

Work With an Experienced Pennsylvania Business and Tax Attorney

Knox Law has the knowledge and experience to help you and your business thrive. Our team is ready to help. Contact us to learn more.

Download Business & Tax PDF