Lisa O. Nelson

Overview

Lisa O. Nelson possesses an extensive background in both federal and state tax controversy matters and is a Certified Specialist in Taxation Law, as designated by the California Board of Legal Specialization. She routinely represents clients facing a wide range of tax issues, including income tax audits, collection actions, international compliance matters, payroll tax disputes, sales tax audits, worker classification audits, and administrative hearings. In addition, Lisa provides sophisticated analysis of complex tax implications for clients considering or undergoing bankruptcy, offering strategic guidance through every stage of the process.

Lisa collaborates with her clients to devise tailored, high-impact strategies aimed at resolving their tax disputes with precision and efficiency.  Through her exceptional communication skills and adept navigation of complex bureaucratic systems—including the Internal Revenue Service, Franchise Tax Board, Employment Development Department, California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, and the Office of Tax Appeals—Lisa consistently secures successful outcomes for her clients. Lisa also is experienced in litigating tax matters before various Courts and tribunals, including but not limited to the U.S. Tax Court, Office of Tax Appeals, U.S. District Court, and U.S. Bankruptcy Courts.

Lisa is dedicated to giving back to the legal community and regularly presents on various tax controversy topics including tax controversy issues that arise within the context of bankruptcy.  She serves as Tax Policy Chair of the California Lawyers Association Women in Tax Committee, and she previously was a Professor at the Dale E. Fowler Chapman School of Law-Chapman University, where she taught Federal Income Tax Research.  Additionally, Lisa previously served as the Chair of the California State Bar Income and Other Taxes Section, as well as the Chair of the Orange County Bar Association Taxation Section, where she was integral in providing education seminars to tax professionals. 

Lisa has been recognized as a Southern California Super Lawyer since 2020 for her work and contributions to the tax legal community.  Before her recognition as a Super Lawyer, Lisa was selected as a Southern California Super Lawyer Rising Star.