Taxation Law
Strategic. Experienced. Results-Driven.
Comprehensive federal, state, and local tax counsel for individuals, businesses, and investors in South Carolina and North Carolina.
Tax Law That Works
in Your Favor.
Tax law governs the assessment, reporting, and payment of federal, state, and local taxes — and the rules are rarely simple. Whether you are an individual navigating a complex return, a business owner structuring an entity, or someone facing an IRS audit or dispute, the stakes are too high to go it alone.
At Forward Law, Charlie Carpenter, Esq., J.D., LL.M. in Taxation brings advanced graduate-level tax training to every client matter. An LL.M. in Taxation is a specialized master's degree in tax law — a credential that places Forward Law among a small number of firms in Upstate South Carolina with this level of tax expertise.
We represent individuals, families, and businesses across a wide range of state, local, and federal tax matters — from proactive planning and compliance to resolving IRS disputes, unfiled returns, and tax controversies in court.
Talk to a Tax AttorneyOur Taxation Law Practice Areas
- Personal Tax Planning
- Business Tax Planning
- Estate & Gift Tax Planning
- Tax Controversy & Court Litigation
- Capital Gains Planning
- Real Estate Tax Matters
- IRS Audit Representation
- Tax Compliance for Multi-State LLCs
- Entity Tax Classification & Elections
- Unfiled Tax Return Resolution
- Innocent Spouse Relief
- Tax Planning for Business Owners
Taxation Law Services
From proactive tax planning to IRS dispute resolution — every matter is handled with the precision and depth that an LL.M. in Taxation makes possible.
Personal Tax Planning
Personal tax planning is key to legally reducing your tax liability. Forward Law offers proven strategies to keep you in compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws while minimizing what you owe — now and in the future.
Business Tax Planning
Forward Law provides business tax planning services for public, private, and family-owned businesses in South Carolina and North Carolina. We help structure your operations and transactions to minimize tax exposure while keeping you fully compliant.
Tax Planning for Business Owners
Business owners face a unique set of tax challenges — from quarterly estimated payments and payroll taxes to exit planning and succession. Forward Law helps owners structure compensation, distributions, and transactions in a way that reduces lifetime tax liability.
Entity Tax Classification & Elections
How your business entity is classified for tax purposes — sole proprietorship, partnership, S-Corp, or C-Corp — has significant consequences for what you pay. Forward Law advises on entity selection and tax elections, including S-Corp elections and check-the-box classifications, to optimize your tax position from day one.
Tax Compliance for Multi-State LLCs
LLCs operating in multiple states face layered compliance obligations — nexus determinations, apportionment rules, and varying state filing requirements. Forward Law helps multi-state businesses understand their obligations and stay current across every jurisdiction in which they operate.
Estate & Gift Tax Planning
Forward Law's team works with you to build an estate and gift tax plan designed for your specific needs — including strategies to avoid, reduce, and in some cases eliminate estate taxes through thoughtful planning, gifting programs, and trust structures.
Tax Controversy & Court Litigation
Forward Law provides legal representation to individuals, families, and business owners involved in tax disputes and controversies with the IRS and state taxing authorities — including U.S. Tax Court proceedings, appeals, and administrative hearings.
IRS Audit Representation
An IRS audit — whether correspondence, office, or field — can be a stressful and high-stakes process. Forward Law represents clients throughout the audit process, communicating directly with the IRS on your behalf, protecting your rights, and working toward the best possible resolution.
Unfiled Tax Return Resolution
Failing to file tax returns — even for multiple years — can result in significant penalties, interest, and potential criminal exposure. Forward Law helps clients come into compliance by preparing and filing delinquent returns, negotiating with the IRS, and developing a strategy to resolve any resulting balance due.
Innocent Spouse Relief
When a joint tax return contains errors or underreported income that you were unaware of, you may be unfairly held responsible for the resulting tax liability. Forward Law helps qualifying individuals pursue Innocent Spouse Relief, Separation of Liability, or Equitable Relief to limit or eliminate that liability.
Real Estate Tax Matters
Whether it's a residential closing, commercial transaction, or investment property sale, Forward Law assists clients with the tax dimensions of real estate — including depreciation recapture, 1031 exchanges, installment sales, and structuring transactions to minimize taxable gain.
Capital Gains Planning
Capital gains on real estate and investments are taxable — but often manageable with proper planning. Forward Law helps clients minimize or avoid the tax bite on the sale of a home, business, or investment through strategies including timing, exclusions, 1031 exchanges, and installment sale arrangements.
Schedule Your Tax Law Consultation
Forward Law offers tax counsel for individuals, business owners, and investors across South Carolina and North Carolina. Contact us today to discuss your situation.
