Kaplin S. Jones

Kaplin S. Jones


Varnum LLP

Recognized since 2013

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Practice Areas

Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)

Tax Law

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Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2024 - Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2018 - Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2015 - Tax Law
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Kaplin concentrates his corporate practice on advising clients regarding choice of entity and transactional tax planning; structuring tax-free reorganizations and like-kind property exchanges; setting up and advising tax-exempt and nonprofit corporations; handling IRS audits and appeals hearings; commencing and settling tax litigation; formulating and drafting tax opinions; and preparing IRS ruling requests. Kaplin negotiates and structures the following types of transactions: asset and property acquisitions; stock purchases and sales; cash mergers, spin-offs, and tax-free reorganizations; leveraged buyouts and stock redemptions.

He has formed hundreds of limited liability companies, partnerships, and joint ventures; structured mergers and conversions of such entities; and advised regarding tax planning, buyout provisions, option arrangements, shareholder agreements, and management and split-up issues. He consults regarding nonqualified compensation planning; drafts nonqualified and incentive stock options; develops and drafts plans involving stock appreciation rights, phantom stock, and unrestricted stock; analyzes "golden parachute" problems; prepares employment agreements and bonus formulas; and consults regarding rabbi trusts, key man insurance and other nonqualified benefits.

Location
  • Bridgewater Place, Suite 1700
    333 Bridge Street, NW
    Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Education
  • Brigham Young University, J.D., graduated 1981
  • Brigham Young University, BS, graduated 1978
  • Brigham Young University, BA, graduated 1977
Bar Admissions
  • Michigan, State Bar of Michigan
  • Utah, Utah State Bar
  • District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar
Affiliations
  • American Bar Association - Member
  • District of Columbia Bar - Member
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association - Member
  • Grand Rapids Public Museum Friends Foundation - Counsel
  • Grand Valley State University, Master of Science in Taxation Program - Advisory Board Member
  • State Bar of Michigan - Taxation Section; Tax Council, 1998 - 2000
  • Utah State Bar - Member

Varnum LLP
Headquarters: Grand Rapids, Michigan

97 The Best Lawyers in America® awards

20 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America awards

Best Law Firms Badge Visit Website View Firm Profile

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2024 - Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2018 - Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2015 - Tax Law
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Grand Rapids (2024)
  • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Grand Rapids (2021)
  • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Grand Rapids (2018)
  • Tax Law, Grand Rapids (2015)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
  • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
  • Tax Law
Awards:
  • Martindale-Hubbell Rating, AV® Preeminent™

Publications

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