Ryan V. Leichsenring

Ryan Leichsenring, a member of the firm's Tax Group, specializes in a wide range of domestic tax matters. His expertise covers federal and state tax laws pertinent to tax-exempt organizations. He advises private foundations and public charities on a wide variety of matters which include structure and formation, securing, maintaining and reinstating tax-exempt status, charitable asset management, information reporting, and planning strategies for unrelated business taxable income. His work focuses on the evolving tax rules specific to the health care industry, and he has represented exempt organizations in IRS private letter rulings and joint ventures with for-profit entities. Ryan also possesses a deep understanding of the educational sector having counseled a range of institutions from independent schools to universities on board governance, fundraising, and charitable expenditure issues. This breadth of knowledge allows him to provide comprehensive legal support to various nonprofit clients.

Ryan's extensive experience with multistate taxation issues, tax planning, enforcement and collection defense, and handling federal and state tax controversies for both individuals and businesses is another key aspect of his practice. Ryan is skilled in representing clients before various taxing agencies, managing audits, and administrative litigation at the federal, state, and local levels. He is particularly noted for his work with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, where his representation spans from informal discussions to proceedings in the Tax and Administrative Appeals Session of the Connecticut Superior Court.  Ryan also works with individuals to plan domicile changes in advance to prepare tax-efficient exit strategies.

In addition to his tax specialization, Ryan assists clients with corporate governance matters. This includes forming business entities, registering with tax and regulatory agencies, and preparing essential governance documents such as conflict of interest policies, spending policies and operating agreements. Ryan advises clients with ongoing board governance matters ranging from advising boards on best practices to managing internal conflicts between directors, officers and other employees. His comprehensive approach ensures that clients are well-structured and compliant with all necessary legal requirements, facilitating smooth business operations and effective governance.

Ryan is also committed to pro bono work, maintaining long-term relationships with charitable organizations formed after the Sandy Hook tragedy. Furthermore, Ryan is an active speaker on tax-related topics sharing his insights on federal and Connecticut state tax issues, partnerships, and limited liability companies.