Ms. Atkinson focuses her practice on federal, state, local and international taxation and employee benefit matters with emphasis on tax controversy, employment tax issues, and tax and benefits planning. Furthermore, she advises clients on tax compliance measures including cash transaction reporting, cryptocurrency taxation issues, and international reporting requirements.
Ms. Atkinson has extensive experience in tax planning and tax litigation. She handles administrative and judicial controversies, which have included favorable resolution of numerous audits, appeals and collections matters. She has testified before Congress and has spoken to numerous groups including CPAs, attorneys, enrolled agents and judges on a wide variety of issues such as offers in compromise, entity formation, sales and use tax, IRS and state collection issues, and 1031 exchanges. Ms. Atkinson advises clients, including CPAs and other legal professionals, on the mitigation of tax and penalty risks related to tax reporting and compliance.
She advises on deal structuring and the tax issues related to mergers and acquisitions.
Recognitions
- Fellow, American Bar Foundation (2020)
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Richmond Litigation & Controversy - Tax (2008–Present), Litigation & Controversy - Tax "Lawyer of the Year" (2020, 2023); Tax Law (2008–Present); Tax Law "Lawyer of the Year" (2012, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023), Trusts and Estates (2024)
- Virginia Super Lawyers®, Tax (2010–2020)
- Virginia Business magazine, Taxes/Estates/Trusts/Elder Law "Legal Elite" (2011–2012, 2017, 2020-2023)
- Virginia Lawyers Weekly, 2023 Hall of Fame Honoree
- Coastal Virginia Magazine, "Top Lawyer" by Coastal Virginia Magazine (2020)
- Law & Politics magazine, "Top 50 Women Super Lawyers in Virginia" (2012–2013)
- American Bar Association, Tax Section, Pro Bono Award (2002)
Memberships and Activities
- American College of Tax Counsel (ACTC): Fellow
- American Bar Association: Tax Section, Nominating Committee; former Chair, Low Income Taxpayers Committee
- Virginia Bar Association: Past Chair, Taxation Council
- Hampton Roads Tax Forum: Past President
- The Community Tax Law Project: Chair, Advisory Board