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Tax Planning and Defense was founded by Jennie V. Smith-Howard, a seasoned tax attorney with over 20 years of legal and tax expertise. Her journey began as an H&R Block tax professional, where she gained firsthand experience in tax preparation and compliance, working closely with individuals and small businesses.

Recognizing her talent for solving complex tax issues, Jennie quickly advanced in her career, going on to manage a tax preparation office, where she led a team of professionals in handling diverse tax matters. She later deepened her expertise by working directly for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), gaining valuable insight into the agency’s enforcement and dispute resolution processes.

While in law school, Jennie expanded her tax law knowledge by clerking for the Louisiana Department of Revenue, where she analyzed state tax policies, advised on tax disputes, and developed a strong foundation in state and federal tax law.

She later served as Tax Director at a reputable CPA firm in Nashville, TN, where she managed high-level tax strategy, compliance oversight, and dispute resolution for both businesses and individuals. In this leadership role, she:

• Developed and implemented comprehensive tax strategies to minimize liabilities and maximize savings for clients.
• Advised on multi-state tax compliance, ensuring businesses met regulatory requirements across jurisdictions.
• Led a team handling IRS audits, tax filings, and financial structuring, strengthening her expertise in tax law and advisory services.
• Provided high-stakes tax resolution services, negotiating favorable settlements for clients facing IRS disputes.

History & Timeline

• Early Career: Started as an H&R Block tax professional, developing a strong foundation in tax compliance.
• Leadership Role: Managed a tax preparation firm location, overseeing tax filings, audits, and client financial strategies.
• IRS Experience: Worked for the IRS, gaining insider knowledge of tax enforcement, compliance, and dispute resolution.
• Legal Training: Clerked for the Louisiana Department of Revenue, assisting in legal tax matters and state tax policy development.
• Tax Director Role: Served as Tax Director at a reputable CPA firm in Nashville, TN, leading tax compliance, planning, and dispute resolution efforts.
• Established Tax Planning and Defense: Founded a boutique law firm dedicated to helping professionals, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals protect their earnings and resolve tax disputes.

Key Achievements

• Successfully resolved complex IRS disputes, helping clients avoid penalties, reduce tax liabilities, and regain financial stability.
• Represented clients in U.S. Tax Court, securing favorable settlements and case dismissals.
• Developed strategic tax planning solutions, enabling professionals and business owners to maximize savings and compliance.
• Provided estate planning and tax structuring for wealth preservation and generational asset transfer.
• Served in key roles at the IRS, Louisiana Department of Revenue, and a top Nashville CPA firm, gaining a 360-degree perspective on tax enforcement and compliance.
• Built a trusted reputation as a legal tax advocate, known for delivering tailored, results-driven solutions.

Future Plans

• Expand IRS dispute resolution services to assist more professionals and business owners facing audits and tax controversies.
• Enhance estate planning and tax advisory offerings to help clients secure their financial future.
• Leverage technology to offer virtual legal consultations and broaden the firm’s reach.
• Develop educational resources, including webinars and publications, to empower clients with tax knowledge.
• Continue to provide high-quality, personalized legal services, ensuring every client receives the attention and strategy they deserve.