Douglas W. Charnas

A nationally known corporate and tax attorney, Douglas counsels clients on transactional and corporate issues, with a focus on finding tax-efficient solutions. He also handles tax controversies that arise from state and federal investigations.

Douglas regularly advises companies and nonprofit organizations in a variety of industries, including health care, professional services, restaurants, motor fuels, cannabis and retail on matters involving formation and operations; service and lease agreements; international and domestic operations; succession planning; and corporate structure, formation, governance and reorganization.

When tax controversies arise, Douglas draws on his experience working at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), where he served in several high-level posts. His familiarity with IRS process and personnel helps him identify the right people to contact and the best way to present facts and arguments to get answers for his clients. Douglas also understands the personal stress taxpayers can experience when dealing with the IRS. He strives to take a calming approach to their matters and works to defuse the sometimes-contentious interactions, leveraging his agency experience.

Douglas joined Fox from a national law firm. He formerly worked in the Office of Chief Counsel for the Internal Revenue Service, where he was acting assistant to the Chief Counsel, senior attorney/advisor in the Legislation and Regulation Division, and lead IRS lawyer for the Windfall Profit Tax.

European-American Cultural Foundation, Founding Board Member, Secretary and Treasurer | S&R Evermay Foundation, Board Member, Secretary and Treasurer | United States Tax Court Historical Society, Founding Board Member, President | American Bar Association | Section of Taxation, Member | District of Columbia Bar Association, Section of Taxation, Member | J. Edgar Murdock Inn of Court (U.S. Tax Court), Secretary and Treasurer | Washington, D.C. Subchapter S Study Group, Founding Member

Georgetown University Law Center

LL.M. in Taxation

1983

Case Western Reserve University School of Law

J.D.

1978

Ohio University

A.B., summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa

1975