Department profile
Baker Botts L.L.P.

Tax: State & Local

USA Guide 2026 : Texas

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Baker Botts L.L.P.

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About

Provided by Baker Botts L.L.P.

Baker Botts’ Tax lawyers advise individuals and corporations on complex U.S. federal income tax matters, offering practical, tailored guidance on tax planning and transactions involving mergers and acquisitions and capital markets. The team works closely with clients and the firm’s transactional lawyers to structure efficient, business‑focused solutions and is experienced in addressing novel and sophisticated tax issues through creative and technically rigorous analysis.

The firm’s State and Local Tax team provides comprehensive planning and controversy services across the full range of state and local tax regimes. With extensive nationwide experience, the group advises on multistate issues such as unitary combination, apportionment, and nexus, and handles income, franchise, sales and use, property, and excise taxes, as well as unclaimed property and economic development incentives. Dedicated exclusively to state and local tax matters, the nationally recognized team remains at the forefront of evolving laws, policies, and enforcement priorities to address the issues most critical to clients.

To learn more about our practice, visit: www.bakerbotts.com/services/practice-areas/tax

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Tax: State & Local - Texas

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Baker Botts LLP has an eminent practice held in high regard for advising on the full range of domestic and international tax structuring matters and high-value corporate transactions. It regularly provides counsel on state and local tax, as well as sensitive controversy and litigation issues. The team has a wealth of experience in advising clients in the energy industry. The firm is particularly active providing guidance on the structuring of partnerships and royalty trust IPOs, and continues to advise clients on the effects of tax reforms.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Baker Botts LLP assisted Cheniere Energy with three sales tax audits concerning their multi-billion dollar LNG processing plant.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team at Baker Botts takes the time to understand the nuances of our business and to formulate a strategy to achieve a successful resolution to complex legal matters.

    Tax: State & Local respondentUSA

  • The team's level of awareness allows it to anticipate challenges, provide timely guidance and bring practical solutions to the table.

    Tax: State & Local respondentUSA

  • Baker Botts carves through complexity efficiently, advises on alternatives and guides to excellent results.

    Tax: State & Local respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Ben Geslison
    Ben Geslison

    Ben Geslison

    Ben Geslison is noted for the strength of his practice advising clients on SALT controversy matters. He frequently guides clients through tax audits and provides representation in trials before both state and federal appellate courts.

    • Ben’s ability to write thorough and effective legal arguments in briefs is wonderful.

      Tax: State & Local respondentUSA

    • Ben brings a level of professionalism to his work that makes him a valuable extension of our business on complex tax matters.

      Tax: State & Local respondentUSA

    • He is consistently the person with the answer when questions arise, and his depth of knowledge is matched by his ability to explain complex issues clearly and practically.

      Tax: State & Local respondentUSA
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  • Renn Neilson
    Renn Neilson

    Renn Neilson

    Renn Neilson, chair of the firm's SALT practice, is praised for his work, which sees him often handle property-related matters and audits for clients in sectors such as energy and finance. He is also highly experienced at handling complex litigation matters.

    • Renn is good at educating and explaining his legal analysis, to help us achieve a better outcome then originally envisioned.

      Tax: State & Local respondentUSA

    • Renn is as knowledgeable and client-focused as they come. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking tax guidance in the State of Texas.

      Tax: State & Local respondentUSA

    • His contributions in discussions reflect a solid understanding of Texas tax issues.

      Tax: State & Local respondentUSA
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  • John Porter
    John Porter

    John Porter

    John Porter is a Houston-based litigator who offers a wealth of expertise in tax controversy issues. His client base includes a number of leading corporates and HNW individuals, who call upon his strong pedigree in disputes. He is held in particularly high esteem for his wealth of expertise in gift tax matters.

    • John's strengths are his technical expertise dealing with complex tax situations, understanding beforehand what to expect and how to mitigate things. It's really great to work with him.

      Tax: State & Local respondentUSA

    • He is really forward-thinking and very responsive.

      Tax: State & Local respondentUSA
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  • Stephen Marcus
    Stephen Marcus

    Stephen Marcus

    Stephen Marcus is head of Baker Botts' tax department and is respected for his work handling matters such as tax planning and tax structuring. He regularly works with clients from the energy and real estate sectors.

    • Steve makes the complex simple and leads teams extremely well.

      Tax: State & Local respondentUSA

    • Steve is able to advise on the most complex matters with efficiency and practicality in order to provide actionable recommendations to both create value and mitigate risk.

      Tax: State & Local respondentUSA
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  • Mike Bresson
    Mike Bresson

    Mike Bresson

    Mike Bresson is best known for advising on the tax aspects of major corporate transactions and is head of the firm's Energy Capital Markets Tax practice. He offers particular expertise in matters concerning the energy sector.

    • Mike is considered an expert in the Houston area and consistently holds that standard in all matters.

      Tax: State & Local respondentUSA

    • Mike was very helpful in fleshing out and thinking through a matter.

      Tax: State & Local respondentUSA
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  • Derek Green
    Derek Green

    Derek Green

    Derek Green is particularly adept in international tax matters, including issues associated with M&A. He often represents companies involved in energy and related technology.

    • He is very technically solid.

      Tax: State & Local respondentUSA

    • Derek is really creative and has great ability.

      Tax: State & Local respondentUSA

    • Derek Green has strong expertise in oil and gas and US tax law. He is a strong problem-solver and strong on mergers and acquisitions.

      Tax: State & Local respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Baker Botts L.L.P. (7)

Texas

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