Founders, owners, and investors
Equity compensation, QSBS, startup and investment structures, entity choices, and sale decisions made before income or liquidity is recognized.
Galek Tax Law
Tax planning and controversy, handled as one discipline.
Praxis for tactics. Tax is my practice.
Federal and California tax counsel for business owners, founders, investors, and individuals facing consequential planning decisions or tax disputes.
Certified SpecialistCertified Specialist in Taxation Law, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
LL.M. TaxationAdvanced training in federal and state tax law
20+ YearsFocused tax law experience
Tax CourtPlanning judgment informed by defended positions
The position
Good tax planning is built to survive questions later.
As a Certified Specialist in Taxation Law, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, with more than 20 years of focused experience, Jason Galek translates complex tax rules into clear, actionable strategies across tax planning, controversy resolution, and litigation.
Tax Planning
Planning for equity compensation, startup and investment structures, real estate, business, and cross-border decisions before the tax result is locked in.
ViewTax Controversy
Representation in audits, appeals, collection matters, penalties, and tax-related court proceedings.
ViewInternational Tax
Planning and controversy assistance for cross-border income, inbound U.S. tax matters, reporting, treaties, and international compliance.
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Best fit
Consequential tax issues rarely stay in one box.
The practice is built for clients whose tax decisions carry real exposure: ownership, liquidity, cross-border assets, accumulated wealth, or a dispute with federal or California tax authorities.
High-net-worth and cross-border taxpayers
Planning for income, property, estate, retirement, and international compliance issues where California and federal rules intersect.
Taxpayers in serious disputes
Representation before the IRS, California Franchise Tax Board, and other taxing authorities, informed by litigation experience before the U.S. Tax Court.
Published tax analysis
Technical writing, applied to practical tax decisions.
Published work in Tax Notes State, Tax Notes, and Canadian Accountant reflects the same approach used in client matters: careful analysis, defensible positions, and practical judgment before a tax issue becomes contested.
Let's Be Reasonable: Sourcing California's Restricted Stock Unit Income
Discussion on California's grant-to-vest formula for sourcing RSU income as one reasonable method, with reasonableness, not the formula, as the regulatory standard.
Severable Water Rights As IRC § 170 Charitable Deduction Property
Principal author of an article discussing the need for guidance on charitable deductions for donation of an entire interest in water rights severable from real property under state law.
A Taxonomy Of Tax Professionals
A discussion of the various tax professionals in the U.S. and Canada who assist taxpayers in both countries.
Controversy judgment
When a position is questioned, clarity matters.
From high-stakes tax controversies to multi-jurisdictional tax planning, the work pairs sophisticated advocacy with direct, personal attention.
Proof
Credentials that reduce uncertainty before the first call.
Certification through the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization requires exam passage, substantial and broad specialty experience, enhanced continuing education, and favorable evaluation by other attorneys and judges.
Consultation
Start with the facts, the documents, and the decision ahead.
Initial consultations are complimentary and can be conducted in person, by phone, or by secure video conference.
