Business Details
31 Years
experience
Trusted Tax & Estate Planning Attorneys in Bellevue, WA
Since 1995, Betts Austin has provided specialized legal counsel in tax and estate planning across the Pacific Northwest. Our team of attorneys brings over a century of combined experience in estate planning, probate law, business transactions, and federal/state tax matters. We serve closely held businesses, high-net-worth individuals, and families, offering tailored solutions for taxable and non-taxable estates. Our attorneys hold advanced tax law degrees from prestigious institutions, including the University of Florida and University of Washington. We prioritize strategic tax minimization while maintaining compliance with evolving legal standards. Our practice extends to business formations, mergers and acquisitions, and aviation tax law through specialized affiliations.We maintain offices in Bellevue and Bellingham, offering personalized consultations to develop client-specific legal strategies. Our commitment to technical excellence is demonstrated through active participation in professional organizations like the Seattle Estate Planning Council and Washington Society of CPAs. We combine deep technical knowledge with practical business insights to deliver cost-effective legal solutions. Our attorneys have served in leadership roles in legal education, municipal governance, and professional associations, reinforcing our community engagement and institutional expertise.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Business Mergers
Tax Controversies
Trust Administration
Aviation Taxation
Business Formations
Gift Tax Returns
Real Estate Excise Tax
Tax-Free Reorganizations
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of specialized tax law expertise with advanced LL.M. degrees
- Our team maintains active affiliations with aviation law specialists
- We provide personalized estate planning for taxable and non-taxable estates
- Our attorneys have served on professional association boards and faculties
- We combine legal and business administration expertise from multiple disciplines
Services
Estate Planning
We design comprehensive estate plans for taxable and non-taxable estates, focusing on tax minimization and asset protection. Our services include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. We specialize in creating succession plans for business owners that align with personal estate objectives.
Business Mergers
Our firm structures tax-efficient business acquisitions and reorganizations, handling complex federal income tax considerations. We draft asset purchase agreements, stock purchase agreements, and tax-free reorganization plans while prioritizing clients' long-term business interests.
Tax Controversies
We represent clients before federal and state tax authorities in income tax, estate tax, and property tax matters. Our services cover audit representation, appeals, and litigation for sales tax, excise taxes, and other state/local tax issues.
Probate Administration
We assist with estate and trust administration, including tax return preparation and asset distribution. Our services cover Washington state estate tax returns, federal estate tax filings, and nonjudicial agreement negotiations during probate proceedings.
Aviation Taxation
Through our affiliation with Aero Law Group, we advise on tax implications for business aircraft ownership. Services include depreciation strategies, sales tax planning, and excise tax compliance for commercial and private aircraft transactions.
People
Timothy L. Austin
Attorney
Specializes in estate planning and tax law with 40+ years experience. Former naval officer, CPA, and law professor. Holds LL.M. in Taxation from University of Florida and serves on professional tax committees.
Cindy J. Stakset
Attorney
Focuses on estate planning and tax matters with 20+ years experience. Former editor of Washington Law Review and Order of the Coif member. Holds LL.M. in Taxation from University of Washington.
Richard B. Austin
Attorney
Handles estate planning and business law since 2019. Former Sports and Entertainment Law Society president. Graduated from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and University of Washington business school.
William H. Johnson
Attorney
Manages Bellingham office with tax law expertise. Holds LL.M. in Taxation from University of Florida. Collaborates with Bellevue team on complex estate and business planning matters.
Questions
What estate planning services do you offer?
We create customized wills, trusts, healthcare directives, and tax minimization strategies for individuals and business owners across the Pacific Northwest.
Do you handle business tax matters?
Yes, we advise on business formations, mergers and acquisitions, and represent clients in tax controversies before federal and state authorities.
Are your attorneys specialized in tax law?
All attorneys hold advanced tax law degrees, including LL.M. credentials from University of Florida and University of Washington.
Do you offer aviation tax services?
Through our affiliation with Aero Law Group, we provide specialized tax planning for business aircraft ownership and operations.
What are your office locations?
We maintain offices in Bellevue's central business district and Bellingham, serving clients throughout the Pacific Northwest region.
