Michael S. Williams
Partner
Michael Williams understands that there are various ways to draft a document, and the most commonly accepted method is not always the best. He offers creative, reasonable and understandable solutions to the client. When clients ask for advice about potential courses of action, he refrains from saying “no.” Instead, he answers “Yes, and…” or “No, but …” because there are usually solutions and alternatives to all problems.
Clients seek Michael's help with complex tax and employee benefits issues as well as with issues related to all aspects of nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations.
He helps clients with the design and administration of nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements, including compliance with Code Sections 280G and 409A. He provides helpful advice regarding tax-qualified retirement plans such as 401(k) and 403(b) plans, ESOPs and defined benefit plan. He also tackles the employee benefit portion of mergers, acquisitions and asset purchase agreements.
Experience
- Secured a favorable ruling and avoidance of fines and penalties for a major U.S. telecommunications company facing an IRS Employee Plan Team Audit that covered aspects of the company's operations from employee hiring to separation. Mike negotiated a detailed scope of the audit, and over the course of a year, he walked the IRS through every step of the audit and designed solutions when there were issues.
- In a case where a large nonprofit lost control of its plan, Mike’s creative strategies allowed the client to regain control over the plan's operation and limit potential liability. The IRS approved Mike’s solution without dispute.