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Mike focuses his practice on commercial law, with a specific emphasis on tax matters. He works with public and privately-held companies on business transactions, including structuring, financing and advising on general corporate matters.
Prior to joining the firm, Mike was General Counsel at an investment management firm with interests in ethanol processing, hotel development and management, and real estate. He also worked as a trial attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division.
May 4, 2022
By Michael S. Raum and David B. Tibbals
Under IRC § 6330, a taxpayer is entitled to a “collection due process” (CDP) hearing before the IRS Appeals Office can take any enforced collection action.
October 1, 2021
One of the largest sources of stress for a taxpayer with significant federal tax debts is whether the IRS can take his or her house. For many taxpayers, the family residence is the most important source of their wealth. In addition, it is not just their house, but their home—a source of happiness and joy and family community. The prospect of losing a home therefore not only threatens financial loss, but it is often emotionally taxing as well.
June 24, 2021
A taxpayer with substantial back taxes has a few options to deal with IRS pressure to get them paid, and while an installment agreement can be a good outcome in some cases, there are many pitfalls to avoid when entering into one.
March 26, 2020
By David B. Tibbals and Michael S. Raum
The IRS announced on March 24 that it has indefinitely suspended nearly all functions and services requiring face-to-face contact with taxpayers.
October 30, 2018
Occasionally, there is a legal or tax issue that continues to raise confusion even after guidance is issued that should resolve it. One of those issues relates to fundraising for youth activities.
March 15, 2018
By Wayne W. Carlson, Michael S. Raum & Elizabeth L. Alvine
North Dakota law broadly prohibits non-compete and non-solicitation provisions in contracts, particularly between employer and employee, but also for anyone entering into such an agreement outside of the employment context. The North Dakota Supreme Court’s recent opinion takes this prohibition one step further
February 6, 2018
In 2015, Congress passed 26 U.S.C. Section 7345, entitled “Revocation or Denial of Passport in Case of Certain Tax Delinquencies.” Although this law was passed in 2015, the IRS did not begin coordinating with the State Department immediately. However, it has announced that it will begin that process in January 2018.
July 21, 2017
By Wayne W. Carlson, Michael S. Raum & Elizabeth L. Alvine
The North Dakota legislature substantially modified the program, reenacting it as the “Angel Investor” tax credit program during the 2017 legislative session.
April 24, 2017
By Wayne W. Carlson, Michael S. Raum & Elizabeth L. Alvine
On April 14, 2017, Governor Burgum signed Senate Bill No. 2223, as passed by the North Dakota legislature, amending key sections of North Dakota’s Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act.
January 18, 2017
By Wayne W. Carlson, Michael S. Raum & Elizabeth L. Alvine
No one wants to be audited, whether by the IRS or the state tax authorities. However, there may be instances in which it is important to make sure that you are actually subject to an audit, in order to ensure that your rights are protected.
November 11, 2016
By Wayne W. Carlson, Michael S. Raum & Elizabeth L. Alvine
The end of the calendar year is a busy time for business lawyers and their clients. Each year we handle a number of transactions that clients want completed before year-end. These matters may include the purchase or sale of business assets, real estate transactions, financings, business formation and a host of other transactions.
September 13, 2016
By Wayne W. Carlson, Michael S. Raum & Elizabeth L. Alvine
When we talk to clients about forming new business entities, one of their primary goals is to shield themselves and other stakeholders from personal liability as much as possible. As a general rule, corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs) and limited liability partnerships (LLPs and LLLPs) are business entities that are separate and distinct from their shareholders or members, which means the owners’ personal liability is limited.
July 6, 2016
By Wayne W. Carlson, Michael S. Raum & Elizabeth L. Alvine
Find out what the recently adopted Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act means for North Dakota business and which changes may surprise those who are used to forming their own LLCs.
