Christopher G. Stevenson
Attorney
Christopher G. Stevenson
Attorney
Phone: 207.253.0515 Fax: 207.772.3627 Email: cstevenson@dwmlaw.com
84 Marginal Way, Suite 600
Portland, ME 04101-2480Assistant: Beth Hollmann Email: EBollmann@dwmlaw.com
About
Chris Stevenson is a tax attorney and Co-Leader of the Business Services practice group, who advises clients on a wide range of federal and state tax compliance issues and tax controversies before taxing authorities. Also a Certified Public Accountant, Chris delivers exceptional value to his clients, who are looking for practical, comprehensible and efficient solutions to complex legal problems.
In his transactional tax practice, Chris frequently advises businesses on the tax aspects of mergers, acquisitions. He also works with nonprofits on organizational and operational compliance with federal tax rules, as well as establishing joint ventures with for profit entities. Chris regularly represents individuals and businesses before the IRS, as well as state taxing authorities. He’s had repeat success in securing waivers of large civil penalties from the IRS, in some cases for assessments in excess of $1,000,000.
Chris regularly advises Tribal Nations on wide-ranging federal, state, and tribal tax matters, including the establishment of tax-qualified general welfare programs, compliance with the ACA, and the implementation of tribal tax ordinances and associated preemption of state tax laws. He has assisted Tribal Nations in issuing tax-exempt tribal economic development bonds to finance expansive economic development projects, and implementing IHS purchased referred care programs under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.
Chris also has extensive experience counseling businesses, nonprofits, Tribal Nations, and public employers on qualified and nonqualified deferred compensation plans, health plans, and other employee benefit arrangements. Chris assists employers in drafting retirement plan and health plan documents, and navigating IRS and DOL retirement plan voluntary correction programs. He’s also a leading expert in Affordable Care Act compliance for large employers, and is frequently invited to present at the local and national levels on tax and employee benefit topics.
Chris enjoys spending time with his family and friends, skiing and playing racquet sports. He also serves on the Advisory Committee for the Maine Tax Forum and as a Little League Baseball Coach.
Education
University of Maine School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2007
University of Vermont, B.S., 2001
Recognition
Best Lawyers USA, Tax Law
New England Super Lawyers, Tax, Employee Benefits, Rising Star
Chambers and Partners, USA Guide, Maine, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation, Band 2
Publications
Maine’s Dynasty Trust Statute: the Product of an Informed Judgment?, Maine Bar Journal
Application of §105(h) Nondiscrimination Rules to Fully Insured Health Plans, National School Board Association Inquiry and Analysis
Memberships
Maine Bar Association
Maine Society of CPAs
Community / Public Service
Maine Tax Forum
Advisory Committee
Little League Baseball Coach
Oceanside Conservation Trust
Former Director and Treasurer
Past Presentations
From May 22, 2024
2024 Compensation and Benefits Summit in New York, presented by National Native American Human Resources Association (NNAHRA)
From October 18, 2024 9:00 am
Maine School Business Officials 11th Annual Law Seminar
From June 3, 2024 9:00 am
Tribal Human Resources Professional (THRP) Certification Summit – June
From May 6, 2024 9:00 am
Tribal Human Resources Professional (THRP) II Certification Summit – May
From February 26, 2024 9:00 am
Tribal Human Resources Professional (THRP) II – February
From November 3, 2023 9:00 am
Maine School Business Officials 10th Annual Law Seminar
From October 7, 2022 9:00 am
Maine School Business Officials 9th Annual Law Seminar
From October 15, 2021 9:00 am
Maine School Business Officials 8th Annual Law Seminar-ZOOM Edition
From October 9, 2020 12:00 pm
Maine School Business Officials 7th Annual Law Seminar
From October 4, 2019 12:00 pm
Maine School Business Officials 6th Annual Law Seminar
From January 10, 2018 9:00 am
How to Survive an IRS Audit
From November 9, 2017 12:00 pm
Maine School Business Officials 4th Annual Law Seminar
From September 6, 2017 12:00 pm