Helping You Understand Tax Regulations

At Smith Schafer Davis LLC, our dedicated team understands that tax matters can be complex, and we are here to provide practical and professional guidance to mitigate tax exposure. Our legal team provides federal and state tax preparation and guidance for individuals, businesses, and estates, as well as tax disputes and charitable planning. 


Unlike most law firms, Smith Schafer Davis has a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) on our legal team. This means we don't just advise on tax strategy — we prepare your returns, identify planning opportunities, and represent you before the IRS and Nebraska Department of Revenue, all under one roof.

Individual

Navigating personal tax obligations requires a keen understanding of the ever-evolving tax landscape. Our team offers comprehensive tax services tailored to individual needs, ensuring compliance while maximizing tax efficiency. From income tax filings to proactive tax planning, we're committed to providing personalized guidance that aligns with your financial goals.

Business Entities

Every business faces unique tax challenges and opportunities. We provide a full spectrum of tax services for business entities of all types and sizes. Our approach is to understand your business thoroughly, enabling us to advise on tax-efficient structures, compliance, and strategic planning to support your company's growth and profitability.

  • Form 1040 (individual income tax)
  • Form 1065 (partnership returns)
  • Form 1120 / 1120-S (corporate / S-corp returns)
  • Form 1041 (trust and estate fiduciary returns)
  • Form 709 (gift tax returns)
  • Form 990 (exempt organization returns)

Estate and Gift Tax

Effective estate and gift tax planning is essential for preserving wealth and supporting its smooth transfer to future generations. Our attorneys create strategies designed to minimize tax liabilities while aligning with each client’s long-term goals and intentions. We also provide guidance on Nebraska inheritance tax matters, including inheritance tax return preparation and planning, to help clients and fiduciaries navigate important state-level obligations.

Federal, State, and Local Tax

We handle tax matters across the federal, state, and local levels, helping clients comply with complex regulations while pursuing opportunities for tax reduction. Our guidance allows clients to manage their tax responsibilities confidently across all jurisdictions.

Tax Disputes

When tax disputes arise, having experienced legal representation can make a significant difference. Smith Schafer Davis LLC represents clients in matters involving the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Nebraska Department of Revenue, including audits, appeals, collection actions, installment agreements, and offers in compromise. Whether the issue involves an individual or business tax matter, our attorneys work to protect your rights and pursue practical, effective resolutions through negotiation or, when necessary, litigation.

Charitable Planning

Charitable planning is a fulfilling way to give back while also considering tax benefits. Our team assists clients in structuring charitable gifts, trusts, and foundations that reflect their philanthropic goals and provide tax-efficient outcomes. We help ensure that your charitable endeavors are both impactful and compliant with tax laws.

Agricultural Tax

Farm and ranch operations often face tax issues that differ from those in other industries. Our firm provides legal guidance on agricultural tax matters to help clients make informed decisions, reduce unnecessary tax burdens, and plan for the future.


  • Depreciation and Section 179 expensing for farm equipment
  • Crop insurance proceeds and income deferral
  • Conservation easement deductions
  • Self-employment tax for farmers
  • Farm income averaging under IRC §1301
  • Like-kind exchange tax treatment for agricultural real estate
  • Excess soil fertility deductions
  • Tax planning and mitigation strategies for farm and ranch operations
  • Strategies for getting land out of corporations (tax implications and structuring for farm families with legacy C-corp entities)

Tax Law – FAQs

  • 1. When should I hire a tax attorney?

    Bring in a tax attorney any time the stakes go beyond preparing a return — when you're starting or selling a business, restructuring an entity, planning a significant gift or estate transfer, navigating a 1031 exchange, dealing with an IRS or Nebraska Department of Revenue audit, responding to a notice of deficiency, or facing potential penalties. The earlier you involve tax counsel, the more options remain on the table.

  • 2. Can a tax attorney help with IRS disputes?

    Yes. We represent clients in audits, appeals, collection matters, penalty abatement requests, and U.S. Tax Court litigation. We also handle disputes with the Nebraska Department of Revenue and other state agencies on income and inheritance tax matters.

  • 3. What is the difference between a CPA and a tax attorney?

    CPAs and tax attorneys both work with the tax code, but their roles differ. CPAs focus on preparing returns, accounting, audits, and ongoing compliance. Tax attorneys focus on tax planning, structuring transactions, interpreting the law, drafting legal documents, and representing clients in disputes. Nolan Schafer is licensed as both an attorney and CPA, which lets our firm coordinate seamlessly with your existing CPA or handle both sides under one roof when that's the better fit.

  • 4. What tax strategies are available for individuals and businesses?

    Effective tax strategy is about structuring decisions before they happen, not reacting after the fact. For individuals, that often includes coordinating retirement account distributions, Roth conversions, charitable giving, capital gains timing, lifetime gifting, and estate and inheritance tax planning. For businesses, it includes choice of entity, owner compensation strategy, accountable plans, depreciation and Section 179 planning, retirement plan design, real estate and 1031 exchange planning, and structuring sales or transitions to minimize tax. The best results come from coordinating these strategies across the year — and across generations — rather than addressing them at filing time.

Call (402) 223-5257 now—we can help with your tax-related needs.