Backstrom Jr William M

Howdy, Louisiana businesses and taxpayers! Navigating the intricate world of state and local taxes in our beloved Louisiana can often feel like deciphering a complex code. From understanding business incentives to handling audits and administrative appeals, the nuances of tax law require a level of expertise and clarity that only seasoned professionals can provide. When your business interests and financial well-being depend on sound tax guidance, having a trusted and highly experienced attorney by your side is absolutely essential. Today, we're putting the spotlight on a true authority in this specialized field: William M. Backstrom Jr., a leading Partner and the head of the Tax Practice Group at Jones Walker LLP, right here in New Orleans.

William M. Backstrom Jr. is not just an attorney; he is a Board Certified Tax Specialist, a designation that speaks volumes about his deep knowledge and commitment to his practice. With over 40 years of experience, Bill has dedicated his career to focusing on state and local tax matters, both within Louisiana and on a multistate basis. He is renowned for his ability to provide comprehensive, practical, and solution-focused tax guidance, particularly when it comes to Louisiana's highly complex tax system. For any business or individual in Louisiana seeking clear explanations of sophisticated tax issues, strategic planning, or robust representation in tax controversies, William M. Backstrom Jr. is unequivocally the go-to tax attorney you can rely on.

William M. Backstrom Jr. practices from the well-regarded New Orleans office of Jones Walker LLP, located at 201 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70170, USA. This address places him within a prominent building in the city's central business district, ensuring excellent accessibility for clients from throughout New Orleans and across Louisiana. The downtown location benefits from robust public transportation links, including streetcar lines and various bus routes, making it convenient for those who prefer to travel without a personal vehicle. For clients driving to their appointments, numerous parking facilities are available in the surrounding area, though it is always advisable to plan for parking in advance in a bustling city center. The professional and welcoming environment of the office is designed to facilitate focused discussions on complex tax matters. This strategic and easily accessible location underscores Jones Walker LLP's commitment to being a central and available resource for the sophisticated tax needs of Louisiana's businesses and individuals.

William M. Backstrom Jr., as a leader of the Tax Practice Group at Jones Walker LLP and a Board Certified Tax Specialist, provides comprehensive legal services primarily focused on state and local tax matters. His expertise and over 40 years of experience allow him to offer solution-focused guidance on a wide range of tax-related issues for businesses and individuals, including:

• State & Local Tax (SALT) Matters: His primary focus for over 40 years has been on state and local tax matters in Louisiana and on a multistate basis. This covers a vast array of taxes including income, franchise, net worth, gross receipts, sales/use, business and occupational license taxes, and property taxes.

• Tax and Business Planning: Providing strategic advice to businesses on tax planning to optimize their financial structure, minimize tax liabilities, and align with their overall business goals. This proactive approach helps clients navigate the complexities of tax regulations effectively.

• Utilization of Tax and Business Incentives: Assisting clients in identifying and leveraging various state and local tax and business incentives and credits available in Louisiana and other states. This is crucial for businesses looking to expand or establish operations, especially those impacted by events like hurricanes.

• Tax Audits: Representing clients during tax audits conducted by state and local tax authorities. He works to ensure audits are handled efficiently, accurately, and with minimal disruption to business operations, protecting clients' interests throughout the process.

• Government Relations and Legislative Matters: Working closely with tax officials at every level and engaging in government relations. He provides advice on legislative matters related to taxation, helping shape tax policy and protecting clients' interests through the legislative process.

• Administrative Appeals: Representing clients in administrative appeals of tax assessments, challenging findings from tax audits before administrative bodies. His experience in this area is key to resolving tax controversies efficiently.

• Judicial Appeals (Tax Litigation): Leading high-value tax litigation. He represents clients in judicial appeals, taking tax controversies to court when necessary to protect their rights and challenge illegal regulations, as demonstrated by landmark cases.

• Multistate and Multinational Tax Operations: Providing specialized advice on state and local tax issues that arise from multistate and multinational business operations, ensuring compliance and efficient tax structures across various jurisdictions.

• Tax Controversies and Challenges: Helping clients navigate various tax controversies and challenges in a manner that minimizes business disruptions, drawing on his extensive experience with tax officials.

• Board Certified Tax Specialist: William M. Backstrom Jr. holds the prestigious designation of a Board Certified Tax Specialist, as certified by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization. This credential signifies a deep level of expertise, experience, and knowledge in tax law, setting him apart in the field.

• Over 40 Years of Experience: With more than four decades dedicated to state and local tax matters, Bill Backstrom brings unparalleled experience and a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of tax law both in Louisiana and on a multistate basis. This long tenure provides a wealth of practical insights.

• Leader of Jones Walker's Tax Practice Group: As the leader of the firm's Tax Practice Group, he oversees and directs a team of skilled attorneys, ensuring that clients benefit from collective expertise and strategic guidance in all tax-related matters. His leadership has contributed to the group's growth and success.

• "Go-To Tax Attorney": He is widely recognized as a "go-to tax attorney" for clients with interests and operations across various states, particularly regarding Louisiana's highly complex state and local tax system. This reputation is built on the quality of his counsel, his commitment to client service, and his ability to clearly explain sophisticated issues.

• Highly Acclaimed by Peers and Publications: Mr. Backstrom is consistently recognized in prestigious legal rankings such as "Chambers USA" (for Banking & Finance: Public Finance and Tax), "The Best Lawyers in America®" (Litigation and Controversy – Tax and Tax Law annually since 1995), and "Louisiana Super Lawyers" (Tax, annually since 2007). He also received the "Lawyer of the Year" award for Tax Law in New Orleans (2019) and for Litigation and Controversy – Tax (2013, 2016), and the 2023 Council On State Taxation (COST) Paul Frankel Excellence in State Taxation Award. An AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell further solidifies his standing.

• Commitment to Client Service and Clear Communication: Clients and peers praise Bill for his commitment to client service and his ability to "explain sophisticated issues in clear terms," making complex tax laws understandable and easier to navigate for business enterprises.

• Active in Tax Policy and Education: He is a frequent author and lecturer on various tax topics, including all aspects of Louisiana state and local taxation. He co-founded and edits "Cooking with SALT," a legal blog providing timely insights on state and local tax developments, and has taught a State & Local Tax course at the University of New Orleans, demonstrating his dedication to advancing understanding in his field.

• Influential in Legislative Efforts: Bill has worked on numerous tax legislative efforts, including helping Louisiana pass a tax package to assist businesses impacted by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, showcasing his ability to effect positive change for the business community.

As a highly distinguished and experienced partner leading the Tax Practice Group at a major corporate law firm like Jones Walker LLP, William M. Backstrom Jr.'s services are typically engaged by businesses, corporations, and other entities for complex, high-value tax matters. Therefore, "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional consumer sense (e.g., free initial consultations for individual tax return preparation) are generally not applicable to his specialized practice area. His value proposition is deeply rooted in his profound expertise, over 40 years of experience, and his proven track record in navigating intricate state and local tax laws across Louisiana and other states. Clients engage Mr. Backstrom for his strategic insights, his ability to minimize business disruptions during tax controversies, and his comprehensive guidance on tax planning and incentives. For specific engagements, fee structures would be discussed and agreed upon based on the scope and complexity of the legal services required, tailored to the client's business needs. The benefit of working with an attorney of his caliber is the assurance of top-tier legal advice and robust representation in critical tax-related matters.

For businesses and entities in Louisiana seeking unparalleled expertise in state and local tax matters, or requiring guidance on tax planning, audits, and litigation, connecting with William M. Backstrom Jr. at Jones Walker LLP's New Orleans office is the definitive first step. Here’s how you can reach his highly esteemed team:

• Address: 201 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70170, USA

• Phone: (504) 582-8228

• Mobile Phone: +1 504-582-8228

Their dedicated professionals are prepared to discuss your complex tax challenges and demonstrate how their extensive experience and strategic approach can provide clarity and favorable outcomes for your business operations. Don't hesitate to reach out to engage with a recognized leader in Louisiana's tax legal landscape.

For Louisiana's diverse business community, from growing enterprises to established corporations, William M. Backstrom Jr. at Jones Walker LLP is an exceptionally suitable and indispensable legal partner when it comes to navigating the often-daunting world of state and local taxation. His suitability for locals is deeply rooted in his extensive experience and profound understanding of Louisiana's highly complex tax system. With over 40 years dedicated to this specific field, Bill is not merely an attorney; he is a Board Certified Tax Specialist who has actively contributed to shaping tax policy and resolving critical tax controversies within our state.

His ability to provide "comprehensive, practical, and solution-focused tax guidance" ensures that businesses receive clear, actionable advice, whether they are planning for growth, seeking to utilize incentives, or facing the challenges of an audit or administrative appeal. The numerous accolades from his peers and top legal publications, combined with his leadership of Jones Walker's Tax Practice Group, underscore his unparalleled expertise and trusted reputation. For any business operating in Louisiana, where local and state tax matters can significantly impact profitability and compliance, having William M. Backstrom Jr. as your counsel means partnering with a recognized authority who will meticulously protect your interests and help you confidently navigate the unique tax landscape of our beloved state.