TThompson

Travis Thompson

Counsel

Travis Thompson is a tax controversy attorney who has considerable experience handling all aspects of both Federal and state tax matters involving individuals, corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and trusts and estates.  Travis develops innovative strategies to resolve civil tax examinations, administrative appeals, and collection matters with the IRS.  He helps clients with IRS voluntary disclosures for previously undeclared foreign financial accounts and has successfully defended taxpayers against the assessment of tax penalties, including income tax, trust fund recovery, and foreign information return penalties.  Travis also advises on the innocent spouse defense, cryptocurrency tax audits, Employee Retention Credit (“ERC”) tax audits, and other tax matters involving family planning and dissolution.  He advocates for clients in the U.S. Tax Court, U.S. District Courts, U.S. Courts of Appeals, has drafted a petition for writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court, and represents clients in various white collar criminal defense cases.
Additionally, Travis advises clients in tax controversy matters involving the State of California.  He represents clients against the California Franchise Tax Board, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, the Office of Tax Appeals, and the California State Board of Equalization.  Travis also advises clients with tax questions about California residency.  He has successfully represented individuals and businesses in civil harassment restraining order and workplace violence restraining order cases in the California Superior Court and Courts of Appeal.
Travis is a known expert in the subject of artificial intelligence and taxation and speaks and publishes regularly on how the IRS and foreign tax authorities utilize artificial intelligence (“A.I.”) in enforcement efforts.  He advises attorneys, accountants, judges, government agencies, and businesses on responsible A.I., the ethical use of generative A.I, and A.I. bias.  Travis is the current Chair of the Tax Practice & Technology Committee for the American Bar Association Section of Taxation.  He is also a member of the American Bar Association’s A.I. Tax Force.

Before law school, he worked in business development for multiple Fortune 500 companies in the automotive and technology industries.

“Tax controversy is a people business.  The best client service requires effective communication, a willingness to listen, and a passion for learning.”

“I’m an avid Cal athletics fan and college sports enthusiast. I love all Cal sports. I’m a season ticket holder for football and also travel to watch the team play on the road.”

Experience

Honors

Listed tax lawyer in Northern California Rising Stars®: 2020-2024
Listed in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®-2024

Involvement

Professional Associations and Memberships

Chair, Tax Practice & Technology Committee for the American Bar Association Section of Taxation

Community

Member, American Bar Association’s A.I. Tax Force.