Nonprofit Organizations

Mr. Olson is a leader in Utah in organizing and advising nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, including some of the largest private foundations, universities, health care institutions, and charities in the State, as well as small exempt organizations. He prepares organizational documents, helps secure tax exemption from the IRS and provides advice on charitable solicitation matters, Board member duties and State and Federal tax matters. His contacts with the Utah State Tax Commission and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assist in resolving complex legal circumstances. He was principal drafter of the Utah’s Nonprofit Corporation Act, and annually advises the Utah Legislature on amendments to that Act.

Tax Controversies – Federal and State

Mr. Olson has many years experience handling controversies for taxpayers before the IRS and State Tax Commission, including representation at the audit level, appeals division, and in the courts. Mr. Olson has been a member and chair of numerous IRS practitioner groups. These working relationships with government officials have provided important contacts to help resolve Federal and State tax disputes.

Tax Planning – Federal and State

Mr. Olson provides federal and state tax planning advice to new and existing business entities. He advises boards of directors and officers concerning their duties, counsels organizations relative to filing positions on tax returns and assists them in complying with tax and business requirements.

State and Local Taxation

Mr. Olson advises taxpayers concerning their rights and duties under Utah state law and represents their interests before administrative tribunals and in court. His counsel extends to both profit and nonprofit entities and includes all types of State and local taxes. He has sat on numerous boards and practitioner groups and reviewed program initiatives of the Tax Commission before they were made public.

Mr. Olson has been named as one of The Best Lawyers in America in Litigation & Controversy-Tax, Non-Profit/Charities Law and Tax Law, and was recognized by Best Lawyers as Lawyer of the Year in Tax Law (2013). He maintains an AV Preeminent (5.0) rating with Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest rating awarded to attorneys for professional competence and ethics. He has also been selected for inclusion in Mountain States Super Lawyers (2007, 2009-2012) and has been voted by his peers throughout the state as one of Utah’s “Legal Elite,” as published in Utah Business Magazine (2004-06, 2009-12, 2014-15).