Backstrom Jr William M

Navigating the intricate landscape of state and local tax laws in Louisiana can be a daunting challenge for any business or individual. For those seeking clarity, strategic guidance, and robust representation in this highly specialized field, William M. Backstrom, Jr. stands out as a preeminent authority. As a partner and leader of the Tax Practice Group at Jones Walker LLP, one of the largest and most respected law firms in the United States, Mr. Backstrom brings over 35 years of dedicated experience to state and local tax matters in Louisiana and on a multistate basis.

Known for his profound technical expertise, his ability to demystify complex tax issues, and his unwavering commitment to client service, Bill Backstrom is widely recognized as a "go-to" tax attorney. He is a Board Certified Tax Specialist as certified by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization, a testament to his deep knowledge and proficiency. Whether it's guiding businesses through tax planning, leveraging incentives, handling audits, or representing clients in high-stakes administrative and judicial appeals, Mr. Backstrom's approach is always comprehensive, practical, and solution-focused. His leadership extends beyond his practice, as he is also a founder and editor of "Cooking with SALT," a legal blog providing timely insights on state and local tax developments, further cementing his reputation as a thought leader in the field.

William M. Backstrom, Jr. practices from the New Orleans office of Jones Walker LLP, which is ideally located in a prominent building within the city's bustling financial district. You can find his office at:

201 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70170, USA

This prime address places the office in the heart of the Central Business District (CBD), ensuring excellent accessibility for clients throughout the Greater New Orleans area and those traveling from other parts of Louisiana. St. Charles Avenue is a well-known and easily reachable thoroughfare, serviced by public transportation, including the iconic New Orleans streetcar, and offering convenient access for those driving. The building itself is a recognizable landmark, making it straightforward for new and existing clients to locate. The firm's presence in such a central and accessible part of the city underscores their commitment to being readily available to their diverse clientele, ensuring that top-tier legal counsel in state and local tax matters is conveniently within reach. This strategic location also reflects the professional and established environment in which Mr. Backstrom practices, instilling confidence in the firm's stature and comprehensive capabilities.

William M. Backstrom, Jr. specializes in a comprehensive range of state and local tax (SALT) matters, providing sophisticated and practical tax guidance to a broad spectrum of business enterprises. His services are crucial for navigating Louisiana's often complex tax system and multistate operations.

• State and Local Tax (SALT) Planning: Advising clients on tax-efficient strategies for ongoing business operations, considering federal, state, and local tax implications across various jurisdictions.
• Utilization of Tax and Business Incentives: Guiding businesses on how to effectively use available tax credits and other economic development incentives in Louisiana and other states to maximize benefits.
• Tax Audits: Representing clients during state and local tax audits, ensuring compliance and defending against potential assessments.
• Government Relations: Working closely with tax officials at all levels of government to resolve issues and advocate for clients' interests.
• Administrative Appeals: Handling appeals within administrative bodies and commissions when tax controversies arise, aiming to resolve disputes efficiently.
• Judicial Appeals: Representing clients in state and federal courts for tax-related litigation and appeals, challenging unfavorable tax determinations.
• Legislative Matters: Providing advice and advocacy on legislative initiatives related to state and local tax policy, helping shape favorable outcomes for clients.
• Multistate and Multinational Tax Issues: Offering expertise on state and local tax considerations for businesses operating across multiple states or internationally, addressing income, franchise, net worth, and gross receipts taxes.
• Sales and Use Tax Matters: Advising on compliance and disputes related to sales and use taxes, a frequent area of complexity for businesses.
• Business and Occupational License Tax: Guiding clients through the complexities of various business and occupational license requirements and associated taxes.
• Property Tax: Providing counsel on property tax assessments, appeals, and planning.
• Tax & Fiduciary Litigation: Representing clients in disputes involving taxation and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Tax Policy & Regulation: Contributing to and advising on the development of tax policies and regulations, both state and local.

Mr. Backstrom also contributes to the Council on State Taxation’s (COST) State Tax Report and serves on the advisory boards of significant tax forums, further demonstrating his engagement and influence in the field.

William M. Backstrom, Jr.'s professional profile is distinguished by numerous features and highlights that firmly establish him as a leading authority in state and local tax law:

• Preeminent Tax Expertise: With over 35 years of experience, Bill Backstrom is a Board Certified Tax Specialist as certified by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization, a rare and significant credential demonstrating specialized knowledge and competence in tax law.
• Leader of Firm's Tax Practice Group: As the leader of Jones Walker LLP's Tax Practice Group, he oversees a team that provides comprehensive tax services, reflecting his leadership and expertise within a top-tier firm.
• Consistent Industry Recognition: He has been recognized annually since 1995 in "The Best Lawyers in America®" for Litigation and Controversy – Tax and Tax Law. He has also been repeatedly named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for Tax Law in New Orleans (2019, 2011) and Litigation and Controversy – Tax in New Orleans (2013, 2016). Additionally, he has been listed in "Louisiana Super Lawyers" for Tax annually since 2007 and "The Legal 500 United States" for Tax: US Taxes – Non-Contentious since 2017.
• Trusted Advisor for Complex Tax Systems: He is specifically known for his ability to explain sophisticated tax issues in clear terms, particularly concerning Louisiana's highly complex state and local tax system, making him a "go-to" attorney for clients with interests and operations across the state.
• Active in Tax Policy and Education: Mr. Backstrom is a frequent lecturer and author on a wide variety of tax topics, including all aspects of Louisiana state and local taxation and multistate/multinational tax issues. He is a founder and editor of the legal blog "Cooking with SALT" and has lectured at prestigious institutions like NYU School of Law and Georgetown University Law Center.
• Collaboration with Tax Officials: His close working relationship with tax officials at every level enables him to help clients navigate tax controversies and challenges in a manner that minimizes business disruptions.
• Broad Educational Background: Holds an LLM in Taxation from New York University School of Law (1980), a JD from The University of Mississippi School of Law (1979), and a BS in Accounting from Mississippi State University (1976), providing a strong foundation in both law and finance.
• Engagement in Professional Organizations: Actively involved in the American Bar Association Section of Taxation (serving as Vice-Chair of the Committee on State and Local Taxes), the Louisiana State Bar Association, and The Mississippi Bar, further demonstrating his commitment to the legal profession.

These highlights collectively showcase William M. Backstrom, Jr.'s exceptional qualifications, deep-seated expertise, and widespread recognition as a leading authority in state and local tax law, particularly beneficial for businesses and individuals operating in Louisiana.

As a highly distinguished and experienced partner within a prominent and professional law firm like Jones Walker LLP, William M. Backstrom, Jr.'s practice adheres to the established standards of legal service provision. This means that, unlike consumer-oriented businesses, the firm does not typically engage in "promotions" or "special offers" such as discounts, bundled services, or limited-time deals. The value provided by an attorney of Mr. Backstrom's caliber is derived from his extensive and specialized expertise in state and local tax law, his decades of experience, and his proven ability to navigate complex tax issues for his clients.

Legal fees for services rendered by an attorney of Mr. Backstrom's standing are generally structured based on hourly rates, reflecting the intricate nature of tax planning, controversy, and litigation, as well as the significant time and specialized knowledge required. For businesses and individuals seeking sophisticated tax guidance, the focus is on securing the most effective and strategically sound legal counsel available to address their specific and often high-stakes tax challenges.

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact Mr. Backstrom's office directly to discuss their tax needs and to inquire about his professional fees. During an initial consultation, the firm will typically provide clarity on their billing practices and how their services align with your particular tax situation, ensuring transparency and a clear understanding of the engagement.

To connect with William M. Backstrom, Jr. and the Tax Practice Group at Jones Walker LLP in New Orleans, you can reach his office through the following contact details:

• Address: 201 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70170, USA
• Phone: (504) 582-8228
• Mobile Phone: +1 504-582-8228

The office is conveniently located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, ensuring easy accessibility for clients from across the city and the broader Louisiana region. It is highly advisable to call ahead and schedule an appointment to ensure that Mr. Backstrom or a member of his experienced team is available to provide you with the focused attention and expert guidance that your specific tax matter requires.

For businesses and individuals across Louisiana, particularly those grappling with the complexities of state and local taxation, William M. Backstrom, Jr. at Jones Walker LLP offers an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended legal resource. His profound expertise and long-standing presence in the field make him an invaluable asset for navigating the unique tax landscape of the state.

Firstly, Mr. Backstrom's status as a Board Certified Tax Specialist with over 35 years of experience in state and local tax matters is unparalleled. Louisiana's tax system can be notoriously intricate, and having an attorney who not only deeply understands it but also actively contributes to its discourse through lecturing and writing, provides locals with access to the highest level of specialized knowledge. This is crucial for ensuring compliance, optimizing tax positions, and effectively resolving controversies.

Secondly, his consistent recognition in prestigious legal directories like "The Best Lawyers in America®" and "Louisiana Super Lawyers," including multiple "Lawyer of the Year" awards, signifies strong peer and client endorsement of his exceptional abilities. For locals, this means entrusting their complex tax issues to a professional who is widely acknowledged as a leader in his field, inspiring confidence and trust.

Furthermore, Mr. Backstrom's practical, solution-focused approach and his close working relationships with tax officials are significant advantages. This allows him to help clients navigate audits, administrative appeals, and legislative matters in a manner that minimizes disruptions to their business operations. His commitment to explaining complex issues in clear terms also ensures that clients are well-informed and empowered throughout the legal process.

Finally, his practice within the esteemed Jones Walker LLP, centrally located in New Orleans, ensures that clients benefit from the resources of a large, well-established firm. This combination of individual expertise and institutional support makes William M. Backstrom, Jr., and Jones Walker LLP, an ideal and highly suitable choice for any local business or individual seeking sophisticated and effective legal guidance on state and local tax matters.