Stephen J. Dunn, experienced Estate Planning, Tax attorney in Troy, MI with 20 reviews
Lawyer credibility
rating system
LCRS
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
Average 39,62
Is this your profile? Claim it for free in just a few minutes!

Stephen J. Dunn

900 Wilshire Drive, Troy, MI

Practices

star star star star star
5.0 / 5
Avvo
5.0
info
Avvo rating
20 Reviews
Data reflects the status as of the latest update. Updates are typically done monthly.

License

License ID number: -

Licensed in: -

Year admitted: -

Education

1991:
Washington University in St. Louis, LL.M - Master of Laws
1985:
Notre Dame Law School, J.D.
1978:
Aquinas College (Grand Rapids, MI), B.S.B.A., cum laude

Last reviews

See All Reviews
Overall rating
star
star star star star star
5.0 20 reviews
Avvo 5.0

Justin

star star star star star
04 Apr, 2022
Stephen is *the* expert on how the US taxes foreign accounts. He has substantial public commentary on questions such as the US filing requirements for UK pension accounts, which shows both (a) that he knows what he's talking about and (b) that he's happy to share his knowledge. I didn't end up needing to hire Stephen, but that's only because he had a quick and easy answer for my situation that he was happy to provide. I would have hired him in a heartbeat if the situation had more complexity, and I plan to do so if the need arises. I would recommend him to anyone paying US taxes who has overseas accounts that they aren't sure how to handle.
Read more Avvo

Ricky

star star star star star
05 Aug, 2021
First consulted with Stephen on the phone and he explained everything during our first conversation and how he would handle my case. Once hired, he dealt with my matter in a timely manner and kept me up to date throughout.
Read more Avvo

Anonymous

star star star star star
26 Dec, 2019
I asked for Steve's help since I wanted my family to be updated on offshore taxes. After seeing all the fear mongering online, I am very glad I made a call to Steve. I did not know at that time that Steve had written a book on offshore taxes, and had been practicing in this field for decades. He assured me that there was no need to worry. There were many people like me who were in this position. He helped us with offshore taxes, which consisted primarily of inheritance. There were many complicated scenarios in the distribution of my inheritance. He was a very careful listener and was very prompt with answering my questions. Steve should be one of the first people you should call if you have issues with offshore tax.
Read more Avvo

Top review highlights

Pros
1
Highly knowledgeable and experienced in tax law, especially in complex areas like foreign accounts and offshore compliance
“Steve should be one of the first people you should call if you have issues with offshore tax.”
2
Provides attentive, accessible, and transparent service throughout the legal process
“Stephen sets the standard for professional services between an attorney and client. From the engagement letter all the way through resolution, Stephen was attentive, accessible and transparent.”
3
Achieves great results in resolving issues and securing favorable outcomes for clients
“Steven dug deep into our problem, and solved the problem quickly, efficiently and with great results.”
4
Demonstrates integrity, compassion, and a genuine concern for clients' best interests
“He is a caring compassionate man who genuinely cares for his clients.”
5
Offers reasonable and fair billing practices
“He allocates his time (billable hours) to our case intelligently and helped with accounting resources that were half the price of any we could found in NYC.”
Cons
As a result of the analysis of reviews about this lawyer, no significant cons were found.

Publications

2021:
Newsmax, Delinquent International Information Return Procedures v. Streamlined Procedures for Foreign Accounts Compliance
2021:
Newsmax, New Law Extends U.S. Government's Reach to Americans' Foreign Financial Accounts
2021:
Newsmax, Advantageous Abandonment of A U.S. Green Card
2020:
Newmax, How U.K. SIPPs, ISAs are Reported for U.S. Tax Purposes
2020:
Newsmax, U.S. Income Taxation of Contributions to SIPPs, ISAs
2020:
Newsmax, IRS Exempts Many U.K. SIPPs from Form 3520, Form 3520-A Filing Requirement
2020:
Newsmax, New Law Imperils Tax Debtors' International Travel
2020:
Newsmax, IRS Relents From Collection Action in Coronavirus Pandemic
2020:
Newsmax, Financial Abuse of Elders
2020:
Newsmax, U.S. Income Taxation of U.K. SIPPs, ISAs
2020:
Newsmax, The Time May Be Tight to Make an Offer in Compromise
2020:
Newsmax, The Time May Be Tight to Make an Offer in Compromise
2020:
Newsmax, Forms 3520 and 3520-A: What You Need to Know
2020:
Newsmax, Importance of International Information Return Submission Procedures
2020:
Newsmax, Taxpayer Wins FBAR Penalty Case
2020:
Newsmax, Why You Should File Your Delinquent Income Tax Returns
2020:
Newsmax, Tax Compliance Concerning Foreign Income, Accounts
2020:
Newsmax, Gifting Property in Anticipation of Reduction of the Federal Estate and Gift Tax Exclusion Amount Is Ill-Advised in Most Cases
2020:
Newsmax, Hunter Biden's Tax Returns
2019:
Newsmax, Taxpayers' Interests in Foreign Financial Accounts Reportable on Form 8938
2019:
Newsmax, Leaner Procedures for Foreign Accounts Compliance
2019:
Newsmax, Financial Accounts Compliance
2019:
Newsmax, Deceased Individuals' FBAR Penalties
2019:
Newsmax, Does It Make Financial Sense to Remarry?
2019:
Newsmax, Streamlined Procedures for Foreign Accounts Compliance
2019:
Newsmax, IRS Cancels Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program
2019:
Newsmax, Offshore Accounts Remain IRS Enforcement Priority
2019:
Newsmax, VDP - The IRS' Updated Voluntary Disclosure Practice
2019:
Newsmax, Accidental Americans Seek to Renounce U.S. Citizenship
2018:
Newsmax, Required Reporting of Foreign Financial Accounts
2018:
Newsmax, A Fond Adieu to OVDP
2018:
Newsmax, New Thinking in Estate Planning for Husband and Wife
2018:
Newsmax, Not So Fast on Medicaid Qualificattion Annuities
2018:
Newsmax, "Obstruction of Justice"--A Hopelessly Flawed Offence
2018:
Newsmax, MSU Sexual Assault Settltments Tax-Free to Victims
2018:
Newsmax, Recent Cases Highlight FBAR Penalty Trends
2018:
Newsmax, Owe Federal Taxes You Can't Currently Pay? Need a Passport? Not to Worry
2018:
Newsmax, Your Accountant's Organizer May Convict You
2018:
Newsmax, Streamlined Procedures for Nonresidents of the United States--Not as Easy as It looks
2018:
Newsmax, Ownwrs of Foreign Corporations Must Beware of Form 5471
2018:
Newsmax, Beware Mysterious IRS Form 926
2018:
Newsmax, Forms 3520 and 3520-A and the Grantor Trust Rules
2018:
Newsmax, The FBAR Filing Requirement
2017:
Newsmax, You May Only Need to File Delinquent FBARs
2017:
Newsmax, Beneficial Ownership, Income Tax, and FBARs
2017:
Newsmax, Beneficial Ownership, Income Tax, and FBARs
2017:
Newsmax, Beyond the Usual Reasons for Planning Your Estate
2017:
Newsmax, Who Is a "U.S. Person" Required to Report Foreign Financial Accounts?
2017:
Newsmax, Reporting Horrors of Foreign Mutual Funds (PFICs)
2017:
Newsmax, Compliance Required of Americans Concerning Foreign Financial Accounts
2017:
Newsmax, OVDP Often a Bad Choice in Foreign Accounts Compliance
2017:
Newsmax, Foreign Accounts? Here's What You Need to Know
2017:
Newsmax, Why You Need an Attorney in Charge of your Foreign Accounts Compliance Case
2017:
Newsmax, Opting Out of the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program
2017:
Newsmax, Tax Evasion Is Most Serious Charge in Indictment of Manafort, Gates
2017:
Thomson Reuters, Foreign Acounts Compliance (Treatise)
2016:
ABA, Section of International Law, Immigration & Nationality Law News, Advise Your Clients Early on Compliance with U.S. Laws Regarding Foreign Financial Accounts
2016:
Bloomberg Law Reports, Status of Intergovernmental Information Sharing Concerning U.S. Persons' Foreign Financial Accounts
2016:
Bloomberg Law Reports, The Use of John Doe Summonses in Identifying U.S. Persons' Accounts
2016:
Bloomberg Law Reports, Beneficial Ownership of a Foreign Financial Account
2016:
Bloomberg Law Reports, Passive Foreign Investment Companies: U.S. Clients Should Consider Tax Compliance
2016:
Bloomberg Law Reports, Who Should Represent U.S. Taxpayers in Foreign Assets Compliance Cases
2016:
Foreign Accounts Compliance, Disclosure of Indian Financial Accounts to U.S. Government
2016:
Foreign Accounts Compliance, Conflicts of Interest in Handling Foreign Financial Accounts Cases
2016:
Thomson Reuters, Foreign Accounts Compliance (Treatise)
2014:
American Bar Association, Criminal Law Section, White Collar Crime Newsletter, Hot Issues In Civil Asset Forfeitures
2014:
Forbes, Whom Should You Use For Help In A Tax Case?
2014:
Forbes, IRS Lowers Bar For Offers In Compromise
2014:
Forbes, The Federal Tax Levy
2014:
Forbes, Handling Smart An IRS Audit
2014:
Forbes, 'Tax Resolution' Firms--Who Are These People?
2014:
Forbes, Careful, Thoughtful Drafting Essential In Estate Planning
2014:
Forbes, Bank Deposits, Structuring, and Asset Forfeitures
2014:
Forbes, Beware Of Swiss Banks Urging Offshore Voluntary Disclosure To IRS
2014:
Forbes, All You Need To Do Is File Your Delinquent FBARs
2014:
Forbes, Foreign Accounts? Don't Rush Into OVDP
2014:
Forbes, Bank Deposits, Structuring, and Asset Forfeitures
2014:
Forbes, To OVDP or Not to OVDP: Compliance Options for Holders of Foreign Accounts
2013:
Forbes, Representation Before the IRS
2013:
Forbes, How to Use a Payroll Service Provider
2013:
Forbes, Nothing Civil About Asset Forfeiture
2013:
Forbes, Dealing with IRS Collection Action
2013:
Forbes, Employees or Independent Contractors?
2013:
Forbes, Tax Reporting for Foreign Financial Assets: A Tale of Two Acts
2013:
Forbes, Bankruptcy Hacks Are Still At It
2013:
Forbes, Ethics In Estate Planning For A Married Couple
2013:
Forbes, The Unified Credit Freeze, Not The Philly Freeze
2013:
Forbes, Estate Plan Funding For Spouses
2013:
Forbes, The Perils Of Joint Ownership
2013:
Forbes, Give Your Property To Charity . . .
2013:
Forbes, . . . But Make Sure It's A Charity
2013:
Forbes, When Will Congress Act Against Tax Resolution Scam Artists?
2013:
Forbes, Fraudulent Tax Returns?
2013:
Forbes, Advice On Using A Financial Advisor
2013:
Forbes, Dealing With A Federal Tax Lien
2013:
Forbes, Relief From IRS Action For Deployed Military Personnel
2013:
Forbes, Why You Really Need A Qualified Retirement Plan
2013:
Forbes, Why Bankruptcy Is Rarely If Ever An Effective Means Of Dealing With A Tax Liability
2013:
Forbes, The Unwitting General Partnership
2013:
Forbes, Year-End Tax Tips For Entrepreneurs
2012:
Forbes, File those Tax Returns
2012:
Forbes, IRS Lowers Bar for Inocent Spouse Relief
2012:
Forbes, Discharge of Indebtedness Income? Really?
2012:
Forbes, Oh Canada! Our Home and Adopted Land
2012:
Forbes, Relinquishing U.S. Citizenship
2012:
Forbes, Financial Advisors for Professional Athletes and Entertainers
2012:
Forbes, Tax Resolution Schemes Persist
2012:
Forbes, Daunting Challenges Await New IRS Commissioner
2012:
Forbes, IRS Expands Availability of Innocent Spouse Relief
2012:
Forbes, Foreign Asset Reporting Update
2012:
Forbes, The Federal Trust Fund Recovery Penalty
2011:
Forbes, IRS' Latest Offshore Accounts Voluntary Disclosure Program Wrong for Many Taxpayers
2011:
Forbes, Joint Tax Return Problematic for Innocent Spouse
2011:
Forbes, Manage Your Credit
2011:
Forbes, Dealing with Identity Theft
2011:
Forbes, New Reporting Requirements for Foreign Financial Assets
2011:
Forbes, Why the McCourt Marital Agreement Failed
2011:
Forbes, Important Points for a Taxpayer in an IRS Audit
2011:
Forbes, Important Points for a Marital Agreement
2011:
Forbes, Officers' Personal Liability for their Company's Unpaid Taxes
2011:
Forbes, Worthless Stock in a Small Business Corporation: Silver Lining in a Dark Cloud
2011:
Forbes, Wmployers Beware of IRS'Illusory Worker Classification Program
2011:
Forbes, So Your Tax Return has been Selected for Audit
2011:
Forbes, Tips for Payroll Outsourcing
2011:
Forbes, Lawyer Charges with Tax Evasion for Paying Personal Expenses from Firm
2011:
Forbes, Caution Urged Concerning Personal Bankruptcies
2011:
Forbes, Many Consumer Bankruptcies Do More Harm than Good
2010:
Forbes, Conflicts of Interest Common in Estate Planning
2010:
Forbes, When the Tax Man Cometh (In Person)
2010:
Forbes, Why Spouses Make Lousy Business Partners
2010:
Forbes, Proof of Why Spouses Make Lousy Business Partners
2010:
Forbes, We Need Tax Relief
2010:
Forbes, Protecting Tax Accrual Workpapers from IRS Summons
2010:
Forbes, Tax Resolution Scams 101
2010:
Forbes, Avoiding Discharge of Indebtedness Income
2010:
Forbes, Mothers Don't Let Your Daughters Grow up to be Innocent Spouses
2010:
Forbes, Estate Planning Overview and Objectives
2010:
Forbes, Tax Resolution Scams Update
2010:
Forbes, You Still Need to Plan Your Estate
2009:
EA Journal, The Troublesome Joint Tax Return
2007:
Journal of Taxation of Investments, Qualified Amended Returns and the Tax Shelter Reporting Requirements
2006:
Michigan Bar Journal, Family Limited Partnerships--Well Advised?
2006:
Journal of Tax Practice & Procedure, Evasion of Payment as Evasion of Tax
2005:
Michigan Bar Journal, Employee Leasing-The Risks for Lessees (with Karen Berkery, Esq.)
1997:
Michigan Bar Journal, The Federal Trust Fund Recovery Penalty
See more

Best lawyers in Troy, MI

See more
Brian F. Garmo, experienced Business, Criminal Defense attorney in Troy, MI with 4 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,12
star star star star star
5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
4 Reviews
star star star star star
23 Jul, 2015 by Saurabh
Brian Garmo….. What to say about Brian! He is not even a great lawyer but, he is an awesome magician who just does some type of magic there in court and everything will come to him in his favor. What he has done for me, it’s unbelievable. He handles his all the cases in a very professional manner and he is very soft talking. Because of his overall effort, all my charges were dismissed simply and for this, I think, a single word “THANK” will not be enough. But as we don’t have much words to say Thanks. I would like to say “Thanks a lot Brian to make me proud that you were my lawyer and to make my life on track….” Please keep it up with your awesome services! You have a very great future!! For others, I would highly recommend Brian. You can have a blindly trust on Brian to make a good decision, what I did! Saurabh
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
15 Apr, 2013 by Tom
I contacted Brian back in December 2012 regarding a debt situation in which I had no available means to pay back in full. I was quite nervous, upset, and depressed over this entire situation. But once I sat down with Brian, he assured me that he would do everything he could to help. He really put my mind at ease by explaining the many options that were available in dealing with this problem, and always kept me abreast of what was happening. Brian was able negotiate a settlement of my $30k+ debt for $3k. Simply outstanding!!!! I cannot thank Brian enough for the great work he performed in handling my case. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone seeking the services of a great lawyer.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
24 Jan, 2009 by Anita
Brian took the time to listen and handled my matter with great care and got me great results.
Read more Avvo
See more
Daniel P. Hilf, experienced Criminal Defense, Immigration attorney in Troy, MI with 20 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,62
star star star star star
5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
20 Reviews
star star star star star
27 Jun, 2022 by Alan
Mr. Hilf provided exceptional service. His knowledge of pending changes to minimum mandatory sentences helped my case tremendously. I had never been in the court system before. He was always kind and patient, while taking the time to make sure I completely understood what was going on. He was always available and a very good listener and advisor. He provided great comfort to me and my family. I recommend him highly.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
12 Apr, 2022 by Raja
From the moment I retained him he started working. Answered ever phone call, and always kept it real with me. He definitely went above and beyond for his client ( me) and most of all he kept me out of JAIL!! This man is the real deal! If you are looking at jail time like I was and let me tell you I have a very bad previous record.. he did it! Thank you so much Dan you are truly a master at your craft!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
29 Jun, 2021 by Robert
I hired an attorney who did everything he could to keep my case from trial. He was negative and didn’t seem to want to help me with my case. That gentleman quit my case and refunded the entirety of my retainer. Daniel was the complete opposite of my previous attorney, with intelligent thoughts and a positive outlook about my case. In the end, Daniel negotiated a very agreeable settlement that satisfied all parties. The judge congratulated him on his efforts in her closing remarks. I highly recommend Daniel Hilf and his extraordinary staff at Hilf and Hilf. After being left high and dry by a worthless high-priced empty shot, Daniel came in and expertly negotiated a great settlement. Bravo!!
Read more Avvo
See more
Taylor Alexandra Jameson, experienced Immigration attorney in Troy, MI with 2 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,06
star star star star star
5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
2 Reviews
star star star star star
05 Mar, 2018 by James
If you are looking for a lawyer for immigration needs, I suggest this experienced professional lawyer. We had consulted a different lawyer previously and he was not nearly as knowledgeable or clear about our specific case. We hired Taylor for immigration proceedings towards a green card for my wife and for green card renewnal consultations. Taylor was very friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable about our specific case as well as how to approach it. We asked her to come with us to the initial interview but everything went off without issues. I highly recommend Taylor. We returned with our children for green card extension consultation and she was extremely patient with our kids. Her office is equipped with toys to keep them occupied, so families need not hesitate to contact her.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
11 Feb, 2017 by Nasib
It's been one of the best experiences having to have Taylor as our Lawyer. Me and my husband both are very grateful to her for her support in our case. The way she delt with our case made us feel very important and took consideration for any condition I had at the time. They offer easy consultations, with quick price quotes whic makes it much easier for the clients like us to watch our budgets plus time. Taylor has genuinely helped us in every step of the way. I'm grateful to Taylor and her whole team to be at our side. Taylor , herself is such a good listener. She makes sure client's Is satisfied and case is moving forward for them. I highly recommend everyone in need to try and get help for the our expert and intelligent lawyer , Taylor !! I'm sure this is more than we could've gotten on our own !!
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer?

Hiring the right lawyer is crucial for the success of your case. Here are some important questions to ask during your initial consultation:

  1. What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case.
  2. How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
    Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses.
  3. Who will be handling my case?
    Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals.
  4. What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?
    Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
  5. What potential outcomes can I expect?
    While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience.
  6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
    Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times.
  7. What is the expected timeline for my case?
    Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish.
  8. Do you have references from past clients?
    Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness.
  9. What challenges do you foresee in my case?
    Understanding potential obstacles helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations.
  10. Are there alternative ways to resolve my legal issue?
    Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.

Can a Lawyer Represent Me in Courts Outside of Troy, Michigan?

Whether a lawyer can represent you in courts outside of your city or state depends on their licensure and the jurisdiction of the court:

  • Within the Same State:
    Lawyers licensed in a particular state can typically practice anywhere within that state, including all cities and counties. They can represent you in both state and federal courts located in that state.
  • Outside of Their Licensed State:
    If your case is in a different state, the lawyer must be licensed in that state to represent you. However, there are exceptions:
    • Pro Hac Vice Admission: An out-of-state lawyer can request special permission to represent a client in a specific case in another state. This requires filing a motion with the court and often working in conjunction with a local attorney.
    • Federal Courts: If your case is in federal court, a lawyer licensed in any state may be able to represent you, provided they are admitted to practice in that particular federal court.
  • International Representation:
    For cases outside the United States, different rules apply, and the lawyer may need to comply with the foreign country's legal requirements or collaborate with local counsel.

It's important to discuss your specific situation with the lawyer to determine if they can represent you in the desired jurisdiction and what steps may be necessary to do so.

How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer

Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:

  • Verify Their License:
    Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. Most state bar websites have an online directory for this purpose.
  • Experience and Specialization:
    Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. Review their website, professional profiles, and case history.
  • Disciplinary Record:
    Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association's records.
  • Client Reviews and Testimonials:
    Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Google, or Yelp to gauge client satisfaction and experiences.
  • Professional Memberships:
    Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field and adherence to high ethical standards.
  • Awards and Recognitions:
    Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation in the legal community.
  • Consultation Assessment:
    Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns.
  • Ask for References:
    A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their abilities and professionalism.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:

  • Relevant Documents:
    Bring all documents related to your case, such as:
    • Contracts or agreements
    • Correspondence (emails, letters, texts)
    • Legal notices or court papers
    • Financial records (if applicable)
    • Evidence (photos, videos, receipts)
  • Written Summary:
    Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and parties involved. This helps the lawyer quickly understand the context.
  • List of Questions:
    Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, fees, or the lawyer's experience.
  • Financial Information:
    If your case involves financial matters, bring relevant documents like pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, or invoices.
  • Contact Information:
    Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case, including their names and contact information.
  • Personal Identification:
    Bring a valid photo ID for verification purposes.
  • Pen and Notebook:
    Take notes during the consultation to remember important points discussed.
  • Budget Constraints:
    Be ready to discuss your budget and any financial limitations so the lawyer can provide appropriate guidance on fees and payment options.
  • Openness and Honesty:
    Be prepared to discuss your case candidly. Full disclosure allows the lawyer to give accurate advice and anticipate potential challenges.
Scroll to top