Education
  • University of Virginia, J.D., 1987, Editor-in-Chief, Virginia Tax Review, 1986-87; Recipient, Daniel Caplin Tax Award, 1987
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A., 1982
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Bar & Court Admissions
  • North Carolina

Robert W. Saunders

Photo of Robert W. Saunders
Partner
2000 Renaissance Plaza
230 North Elm Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
T: (336) 271-2561
F: (336) 232-9161
E:

1600 Wells Fargo Capitol Center
150 Fayetteville Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
T: (919) 839-0300
F: (919) 839-0304

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Bob Saunders has a general corporate and tax practice, with a particular focus on tax-exempt organizations, tax-exempt financing and state and local tax planning. His representation of exempt organizations (including charities, trade associations, social welfare organizations and social clubs) range from formation and operation to merger or dissolution. He serves as general counsel for exempt organizations and has advised them on tax and governance issues including intermediate sanctions, unrelated business income, and the use of for-profit subsidiaries and single member limited liability companies. Bob also represents exempt organizations in federal and state tax audits.

With respect to tax exempt financing, Bob has served as bond counsel to numerous financings by the North Carolina Agricultural Finance Authority, as well as underwriter's counsel, issuer's counsel, borrower's counsel and special tax counsel for other clients in bond financings. He represents closely held businesses (including medical and other professional practices), serving as their general counsel and providing advice to business owners regarding estate planning, business succession and state and local tax compliance, such as the sales and use tax. He frequently speaks on these issues, including annual participation in the Practice Management Conference for the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians.

Honors & Awards

  • Recognized as one of The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White) in Non-Profit/Charities Law and Tax Law

Past Experience

  • Served as staff attorney to the Associate Chief Counsel (Litigation) of the Internal Revenue Service

Professional & Community Activities

  • Adjunct Lecturer of Nonprofit Law, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  • Chair, Nonprofit Organizations Committee, Business Law Section, North Carolina Bar Association, 2011--
  • Member, Carrboro Economic Sustainability Commission, 2010--
  • Member, Carrboro Arts Committee, 2009-2010
  • Leadership North Carolina Class XVI, 2008-2009
  • United Arts Council Representative - The Sternberger Commission, 2003--
  • Board Secretary, Greensboro Public Library Foundation, 2002--
  • Member, North Carolina Rules Review Commission, 2001--
  • Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, 1997
  • RTP Rotary Club, 1996-1999
  • North Carolina Bar Association Commission on the Status of Women in the Legal Profession, 1990-92
  • Board of Directors, Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, 1989-92
  • Board of Trustees, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1980-81

Articles

  • Co-author of the North Carolina Chapter, ABA Property Tax Handbook, (2003-2009)
  • Co-author of the North Carolina Chapter, ABA Sales and Use Tax Handbook (2003-2004)

Seminars & Speaking Engagements