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Tax Advisory Services for Life Sciences Companies

We help life sciences companies build tax strategies around their IP and the R&D processes that generate that IP: maximizing available credits, protecting long-term value, and setting the stage for future growth.

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Clarity for a Rapidly Evolving Industry

In life sciences, tax strategy is closely tied to innovation. From generating tax attributes during the R&D phase to structuring for commercialization, the right approach can drive significant financial advantages. We help life sciences companies maximize federal and state R&D credits, leverage sales and use tax exemptions on qualifying equipment, and structure around IP tax ownership to preserve long-term value.

Whether you're scaling your research, entering new markets, or preparing for a strategic exit, we provide tax guidance that supports discovery, growth, and lasting impact.

A Full-Scope Tax Partner for Life Sciences Companies

From early R&D and fundraising to entity structuring and go-to-market planning, each stage of a life science company’s journey brings important tax considerations. Whether it’s optimizing your R&D credits, navigating international operations, or preparing for an exit, your tax strategy needs to evolve alongside your business.

We provide sophisticated support across the tax lifecycle—helping founders, finance leaders, and investors make informed decisions about how to structure, compensate, and exit. Our services are designed to keep you audit-ready, funder-ready, and future-ready.

Entity Structuring & Investment Planning

Entity structure matters, especially as you raise capital, expand globally, or plan for a liquidity event.

  • Entity Structuring & Jurisdiction Selection: We advise on the setup of U.S. and foreign subsidiaries, SPVs, and R&D-focused entities—aligning structure with financing, operations, and exit strategy.

  • Entity Tax Classification Planning: We guide entity tax classifications and conversions to preserve key tax benefits like QSBS and avoid unintended consequences during raises, reorganizations, or liquidity events.

We help you build the right foundation from the start, reducing long-term risk and aligning structure with strategic goals.

Equity Compensation

We work with founders, CFOs, and boards to align compensation strategy with both business goals and tax obligations.

  • Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs) & Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): We advise on restricted stock and RSU grants, considering vesting schedules, liquidity events, and 83(b) election strategies to align business priorities with timing and tax implications for the grantees. 

  • Nonqualified Stock Options (NSOs) & 409A Compliance: We advise on the structure and timing of NSO grants to align with hiring goals and minimize ordinary income exposure. We also ensure compliance with Section 409A valuation and deferral rules to avoid costly penalties.

  • Incentive Stock Options (ISOs): We help structure ISO grants to support retention and exit strategy goals while meeting the requirements of Section 422.

  • Partnership Profits Interests, Capital Interests, and Options: For partnership and LLC structures, we help you optimize the granting of equity interests through profits interests, capital interests, and options to align incentives while addressing allocation and valuation issues.

Incentive alignment is key in this space—and so is tax compliance.

Transaction Readiness & Exit Planning

Preparing for M&A or a go public transaction? We help you get your house in order.

  • Tax Structuring for Exits: Evaluate sale formats (stock vs. asset), reorganizations, and deferral opportunities to reduce tax exposure and improve after-tax outcomes.

 

  • Pre-Diligence Planning/Sell-Side Diligence: Identify and quantify exposures tied to a variety of federal, state & local, and international tax issues.

 

  • QSBS Gain Exclusion: Evaluate qualification and plan ownership structures to maximize potential exclusion.

Our transaction-focused tax support helps life sciences companies deliver better outcomes at the most critical moments.

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Tax Advocacy and Dispute Resolution

We provide the support you need to respond strategically to tax controversy and help you create and defend a strong position.

  • Audit & Appeals Support: Represent your business in federal, state, or local audits and appeals to work toward favorable outcomes.

  • Penalty Abatements & Other Waiver Requests:  Identify opportunities to reduce or eliminate tax penalties.

We bring technical depth and experience to every engagement, minimizing business disruption and protecting your business.

Schedule a Consultation

Have pressing tax questions? Are you looking to understand how our services can help support you?

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