Overview

Justin’s practice focuses on matters of federal and state taxation. He frequently advises 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) organizations, including hospitals, foundations, political organizations and trade associations, on federal tax issues related to formation, attaining recognition of exemption, operational structures, transactions and dissolution. In doing so, he helps clients navigate the complex supporting organization rules, comply with rules against private inurement and excess benefits, and develop efficient corporate structures for unrelated business activities.

With respect to state taxation, Justin advises businesses on corporate and transaction structures with an emphasis on Ohio’s sales, use and commercial activity taxes. He is also experienced in matters of state tax controversy. In this capacity, he represents taxpayers under audit by the State of Ohio, as well as taxpayers challenging assessments of tax through the administrative process. He is also well-versed in the economic incentives available through Ohio’s Qualified Energy Project tax abatement program.

In conjunction with his tax practice, Justin also advises both for-profit and nonprofit organizations on matters of corporate governance.

Justin earned his Juris Doctor from the Wake Forest University School of Law. He also earned his Master of Laws in Taxation from the Georgetown University Law Center. While attending Georgetown, Justin was an extern with the Honorable Judge Joseph R. Goeke of the United States Tax Court.

Education

Georgetown University Law Center (LL.M. in Taxation, with Distinction)

Wake Forest University School of Law (J.D., cum laude; Former Staff Member, Wake Forest Journal of Business and Intellectual Property Law)

Wofford College (B.A. in Government, minor in English, magna cum laude; Former Commander (President), Sigma Nu Fraternity)

Distinctions

Listed, Best Lawyers in America (Tax Law) (2021–2023)

Rising Star, Ohio Super Lawyers (Tax: Business) (2021–2023)

Professional Activities

Chair, American Health Law Association Tax and Finance Practice Group

Member, Ohio State Bar Association

Experience

Insights

Presentations & Publications

Publications

Additional Items

  • Author, "Key Changes to Ohio’s Tax Laws" Tax Notes State, August 21, 2023
  • Panelist, “Tax Treatment of Nonprofit Entities," Ohio Tax Conference, August 2023
  • Panelist, "Emerging Tax Issues," American Health Law Association Annual Meeting, June 2023
  • Panelist, "Local Government Tailored Incentives Available Under the Inflation Reduction Act," Northeast Ohio Law Directors Association, May 2023
  • Panelist, "Ohio Legislative Process: How You Can Help Shape Tax Policy and Your Future," Ohio Business Tax Conference, January 2022
  • Chapter Author, "Ohio Sales & Use Tax," ABA Sales and Use Tax Deskbook, 31st ed. 2017-2018; 32nd ed. 2019-2019; 33rd ed. 2019-2022
  • Author, "Schedule B and State-Mandated Disclosure: Americans for Prosperity v. Bonta," AHLA Practice Group Alerts, September 15, 2021
  • Author, "CAT Group Elections: Form Over Fairness?" Tax Notes State, March 22, 2021
  • Co-Author, “Takeaways for Hospitals from the IRS TE/GE Fiscal Year 2021 Program Letter,” AHLA Tax and Finance Practice Group Alerts, November 9, 2020
  • Author, “Supreme Court of Ohio Upholds Centralized Tax Collection,” OMA Leadership Briefing Publication, November 5, 2020
  • Co-author, "The Tax Angles of Ohio’s COVID-19 Response," Tax Notes State, August 3, 2020
  • Co-author, "The Future of Drop-and-Swap Transactions in Ohio Real Estate," Tax Notes State, March 30, 2020
  • Author, "Karvo Paving Co. v. Testa: Defining a Sale and Affiliation," Tax Notes State, December 9, 2019
  • Speaker, "Energy Utilities: Property Taxation and Public Finance Implications," Winter Conference of the County Auditors Association of Ohio, November 2019
  • Author, “Contributor Reporting and Larger Implications for IRS Guidance,” AHLA Practice Group Alerts, October 11, 2019
  • Author, "A Refresh of Ohio’s Sales and Use Tax Code," Tax Notes State, August 19, 2019
  • Co-author, "The Expanding Reach of Ohio’s Commercial Activity Tax," Tax Notes State, May 20, 2019
  • Author, “Updated Application Forms and New Fee Schedule,” AHLA Practice Group Alerts, March 12, 2018
  • Author, "Passthrough Entities and Professional Employer Organizations," Tax Notes State, February 19, 2018
  • Author, “Remote Sellers and Use Tax,” OMA Leadership Briefing Publication, January 19, 2018
  • Co-author, "Ohio Tax Updates, 2017 Edition," Tax Notes State, December 18, 2017
Justin Cook, Bricker Graydon LLP Photo

Justin D. Cook

Partner
  • 100 South Third Street
    Columbus, OH 43215 -4291

Admissions

  • Admitted, State of Ohio
  • Admitted, State of North Carolina
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