TAX NEWS - June 2010

Ober|Kaler Announces Alliance with Tranto, Stiff & Associates LLC

Former senior IRS officials will focus on federal excise tax issues

Baltimore, MD, June 9, 2010 - The law firm of Ober|Kaler is pleased to announce that it has joined forces with Tranto, Stiff & Associates LLC. (TSA), a specialized tax consulting firm. TSA provides industry and trade associations with excise tax representation in all areas of highway, airport and environmental trust funds, as well as general excise tax advice for both US and international taxpayers.

"Our alliance with TSA offers Ober|Kaler clients unparalled expertise in federal excise tax, a significant and growing concern of companies in the transportation industries," explains Stuart M. Schabes, co-chair of the firm's Tax Group. "We are delighted to have the experience and background of Ricky Stiff and Nick Tranto, two of the most respected authorities in the excise tax arena."

Ricky Stiff's career at the Internal Revenue Service spanned more than 35 years. As chief of the IRS Excise Tax Program he had responsibility for the oversight, policy and procedures for all excise taxes in this country administered by the IRS. He oversaw the collection of more than $55 billion in excise taxes annually, sustaining various federal Trust Funds, including the Highway Trust Fund. Ricky administered annual budgets of more than $70 million and provided leadership to a workforce of more than 500 individuals located in cities across the country.

Nick Tranto spent over 36 years with the IRS. He implemented and directed all excise field operations for strategic planning, examinations, staffing, training, basic excise tax course development, fuel compliance officer training, delivery of inventory pipeline for the general field and fuel territory and Planning and Special Programs. Nick was responsible for all excise policy matters in general excise, which included coordination with Chief Counsel, Treasury, Legislative Affairs, and industry trade associations. In addition, he was responsible for all continuing professional education for excise agents and all technical coordination of field issues.

Together, Ricky Stiff and Nick Tranto will work with Ober|Kaler clients in all phases of federal and state tax counseling, including petroleum-refinery/terminal operator, carrier/vessel operators of taxable and non-taxable fuel, diesel, dyed diesel, gasoline, kerosene, jet fuel, airline transportation, heavy retail truck, coal, foreign insurance, environmental taxes, and other trust fund taxes such as Sports Fishing and Archery. TSA will also provide updates to Ober|Kaler clients on new legislation, pending legislation and current IRS policy, and will assist with an array of IRS examinations, IRS Appeals hearing, pre-trial preparation and general excise tax strategies.