Christopher L. Nuss

Here at BrownWinick, I am a seasoned tax attorney spending most of my time ensuring that businesses and individuals pay no more tax or penalties to the government than is rightfully and realistically due under the circumstances. I accomplish this for you through properly planning and structuring transactions, assessing and determining appropriate compliance strategies, and strongly advocating for you in audits and controversies. The earlier we engage and I learn about your business, your goals, and your challenges, the more effectively and efficiently I can help you understand the opportunities, the risks, and how best to move forward. Throughout my career, I have primarily advised businesses, from smaller start-ups to larger multi-generational companies, on major aspects of federal and state income tax relative to choice of entity, pass-through taxation, mergers and acquisitions and divestitures, tax credit incentives, nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, sales and use tax, and certain international and foreign matters.

I also serve as the Chair of the firm's Tax Practice Group leading and overseeing other skilled BrownWinick tax and business attorneys as they serve clients and grow in their practices.

My Approach

Tax law can be overwhelming and complicated, and it often plays a critical role in the success of your business and your personal life. With my seasoned experience in a wide-range of taxation issues with varying complexity, I understand the need to be pragmatic in approaching and resolving the issues at hand in a business-like manner. Sometimes realizing tax benefits or avoiding tax risks is the top priority for you, more often though this is an important priority and the business aspects of the transaction must take precedence. So by balancing the applicable risks and benefits, I provide understandable and practical solutions for an appropriate path forward for you and your business. I aim to communicate clearly and regularly in response to any of your day-to-day needs that may arise as well as seeing the longer-term big picture for you.

More About Me

Before joining BrownWinick in 2009, I began practicing tax and nonprofit law in 1999 at the national Polsinelli law firm in Kansas City, then coming “home” to Iowa as my wife (Jodee) and I were starting a family. We now have a teenage son (William) and a young girl (Lauren) who keep us busy with all of their activities and interests. It's a joy to see them grow and a blessing to be back in Iowa.

I have been recognized in Best Lawyers¨ in the Tax Law area. I am also involved in the community by serving on the Board of Directors of Community Support Advocates, a charitable organization serving Central Iowa persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am also a member and on the Board of Directors of the Iowa Taxpayers Association.

Academically, I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1993 with a B.A. in Accounting, while also balancing four plus years of athletic commitments and demands (Go Panthers!), culminating in successfully passing the CPA exam. Upon graduation, I accepted a CPA position at McGladrey & Pullen (now RSM), where I was for two years before heading back to school. This time at the University of Iowa graduating in 1999 with a J.D., with distinction, and an MBA.

My Specialties

• Taxation Income, Sales & Use, Property, Excise, Credits, International/Foreign
• Nonprofits & Tax-Exempt Organizations, including Governmental Entities
• Business & Corporate & Pass-Through Entities
• Mergers & Acquisitions & Divestitures
• Start-Ups