Robert R. Pluth Jr.
Partner
In My Own Words
Robert R. Pluth Jr. represents taxpayers in connection with various federal and state income tax controversies, including complex tax accounting matters, tax shelters and transnational disputes.
Along with partners in our White Collar Crime and Corporate Compliance Group, Mr. Pluth represents taxpayers under criminal investigation regarding tax-sensitive activities.
In addition, he implements customized tax, succession planning and estate planning strategies to enable business owners and other wealthy individuals achieve their long-term planning goals.
His practice places special emphasis on business and tax planning for:
- Businesses organized as limited liability companies (LLCs)
- Joint ventures
- Partnerships
- S corporations
- Other privately held business and investment entities
Mr. Pluth was among the first attorneys to use LLCs and has lectured extensively throughout the United States and abroad on topics relating to their use.
Publications
Federal Taxation of Business Enterprises, three-volume tax treatise, Callaghan and Company (1989)
Speeches and Presentations
"Family Limited Partnerships and Family Limited Liability Companies: The Unwind," AICPA: Advanced Estate Planning Conference (July 18-20, 2011)
"Planning Opportunities Using LLCs," 2010 CLE/SPE Seminar Sponsored by First Midwest Bank (November 9-10, 2010)
"Powerful Planning Opportunities Using LLCs For Your Client’s Business and Real Estate Activities," 47th Annual Hawaii Tax Institute (November 1-4, 2010)
"Evidentiary Privileges and impact on Tax Controversies," 46th Annual Hawaii Tax Institute (October 19-22, 2009)
"Increased Use of Federal Common Laws Doctrines by State Taxing Authorities," Illinois CPA Society Corporate Tax Conference (2009)
"Family Limited Partnerships and Family Limited Liability Companies: The Unwind," First Midwest Bank (2008)
"Family Limited Partnerships and Family Limited Liability Companies: The Unwind," 45th Annual Hawaii Tax Institute (October 20-23, 2008)
"Planning for the Death or Retirement of a Partner," 28th Annual American Institute on Federal Taxation, University of Alabama (2004)
"Partnership Contributions and Distributions: General Rules and Select Pitfalls," 26th Annual American Institute on Federal Taxation (June 2002)
"Family Limited Partnerships and LLCs," Estate Planning Council of Will County (April 2001)
"Choice of Business Entity," University of Alabama 54th Annual Federal Tax Clinic (2000)
"Partnerships and LLCs, Updates, Opportunities and Pitfalls," Ohio CPA Society (October 1999)
"The Limited Liability Company: A New Alternative," Chicago Estate Planning Council (April 1997)
"Limited Liability Companies: Selected Tax Issues," Illinois CPA Society Auditing and Accounting Conference
Awards and Honors
Leading Lawyer — Tax Law: Business, Illinois Leading Lawyers Network
Martindale-Hubbell — A/V Rated
Education
Northwestern University School of Law(J.D., cum laude, 1980)
Lewis University(B.A., Accountancy, mana cum laude, 1976)
Professional Certifications
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Teaching Appointments
Adjunct professor, Lewis University
Business law
Faculty, American Banker's Association National Trust School and National Graduate Trust School
Adjunct professor, Chicago-Kent College of Law Graduate Tax Program
Lecturer, Northwestern University School of Law
Income tax aspects of mergers and acquisitions
Professional Memberships
American Bar Association
Section of Taxation