Overview

Kenneth W. Parsons is an attorney whose practice focuses on resolving critical tax and business organizational issues for tax-exempt organizations and Native American governments. Based in Holland & Knight's Washington, D.C., office, Mr. Parsons provides tax planning and compliance advice, and regularly represents clients in ruling requests, audits and tax controversies.

Native American Governments

Mr. Parsons represents Native American governments across the country on tax and business structuring issues. His experience includes advising on reporting and withholding obligations, drafting minors' trusts and deferred per capita plans, and tax planning under the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2014. He also provides counsel on numerous other aspects of law with tax implications for Native American governments and their members, including the Kiddie Tax, distributions from trust lands and trust resources, and the tribal expenditure opportunities and compliance requirements under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act's (CARES Act) Coronavirus Relief Fund and the American Rescue Plan's Fiscal Recovery Fund. Mr. Parsons assists tribal governments and casinos through every stage of IRS audits, from effectively responding to Information Document Requests, to negotiating tax liabilities and penalties. He also advises Indian tribal governments on the formation and utilization of Section 17 corporations, tribal authorities and other business structures.

Nonprofit Organizations

Mr. Parsons advises nonprofit organizations on a variety of issues, including obtaining and maintaining tax-exempt status, limitations on lobbying and the unrelated business income tax. His clients include public charities, trade associations and social welfare organizations. He also has experience with acquisitions and other combinations involving tax-exempt organizations.

Energy

Mr. Parsons provides counsel on the tax-related aspects of energy, including fuel taxes, alternative fuel and energy tax credits and nuclear decommissioning funds. His clients include biofuels producers and state-owned power authorities.

Credentials

Education
  • University of Michigan Law School, J.D.
  • New York University School of Law, LL.M., Taxation
  • Tulane University, M.A., Political Science
  • Tulane University, B.A., International Relations and Asian Studies
Bar Admissions/Licenses
  • District of Columbia
  • Illinois
Court Admissions
  • U.S. Tax Court
Memberships
  • Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee (TTAC), Tribal Economies Subcommittee
  • Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee (TTAC), General Welfare Exclusion Subcommittee
  • National Intertribal Tax Alliance, Board Member
Honors & Awards
  • Chambers USA – America's Leading Business Lawyers guide, Native American Law, 2021-2023
  • Holland & Knight Pro Bono All-Star, 2017-2021

Publications

Speaking Engagements

News