Tom Cullinan Email & Phone Number

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Tom Cullinan is a Shareholder in the Firm's Atlanta office. Tom joined the Firm from the IRS, where he served as the Counselor to the IRS Commissioner and then as the acting IRS Chief of Staff. While at the IRS, Tom was a member of the Commissioner’s core leadership team, and he advised the IRS Commissioner on the most critical issues facing the agency, including the IRS strategic plan and budget, staffing, internal operations, enforcement of tax laws and service to taxpayers. He was particularly involved in high-level enforcement issues. Among other things, Tom either conceived or helped launch the Office of Fraud Enforcement, the Office of Promoter Investigations, and the Joint Strategic Emerging Issues Team, all of which should be key IRS enforcement tools in the coming years. Tom also helped implement various policies pertaining to cryptocurrencies and served as an invited IRS representative to several Financial Stability Oversight Council meetings regarding cryptocurrencies.Before joining the IRS, Tom spent twenty years as a tax attorney representing taxpayers in tax controversy matters. He has represented hundreds of taxpayers, including low-income individuals in pro bono matters, high net-worth individuals, partnerships, trusts and estates and corporations in IRS audits, administrative appeals and litigation, on a wide variety of tax issues often with significant amounts at issue. Tom works in the Firm’s tax controversy practice where he draws on both his extensive background representing taxpayers and his deep knowledge of the IRS organization, operations, and procedures.

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Washington Dc

Worked with the IRS Commissioner and other IRS senior leaders to develop policies and strategies, address cross-functional issues, and drive initiatives critical to tax administration. Monitored implementation of IRS strategic priorities and ensured that program activities were coordinated among the appropriate IRS senior leaders. Ensured effective relationships between the IRS and certain oversight bodies such as the Department of Treasury, the Taxpayer Advocate Service, and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Provided technical expertise regarding tax administration policy, long range objectives and internal administration. Responsible for final approval of all congressional correspondence prior to Commissioner signature. Served as a senior advisor and expert consultant to the Commissioner on sensitive, controversial, and significant matters, including taxpayer and employee issues. Managed approximately 100 employees, including programmatic activities (e.g., Executive Secretariat and Commissioner’s Front Office).

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Advise the Commissioner on the most significant issues facing the IRS, including its strategic plan and budget, IT modernization, staffing, implementation of tax reform, internal operations, enforcement of the tax laws and providing good service to taxpayers. Coordinated with Congress, the Department of Justice, and the Treasury Department regarding matters critical to achieving the IRS’ mission of serving the American public. Responsible for implementing the Commissioner’s decisions on high priority issues relating to tax administration and coordinating with the IRS’ Division Commissioners and operational offices to achieve the Commissioner’s objectives.

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Helped develop tax controversy practice that became recognized as one of the premier practices of its kind in the United States. Led dozens of client-service teams in representing numerous U.S multinational corporations, partnerships, and high net-worth individuals in all phases of tax controversy, including IRS audits, appeals and tax litigation. Frequent speaker and author on tax-related issues (approximately 60 presentations and 15 published articles).

Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Syracuse, New York, United States

Staff accountant. Prepared returns and worked on audits, compilations and reviews.

J.D., Law

Activities and Societies: Order of the Coif; Associate Editor, Vanderbilt Law Review; Moot Court Board

Master'S Degree, Taxation

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Accounting