Michael J. Terres
The best tax advice helps people make confident decisions and keep their business moving forward.
Contact: P /612.604.6656E /[email protected]
Administrative Contact: Erin O'Brien P /612.604.6631E /[email protected]
Education
University of St. Thomas School of Law, J.D., 2023
University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, M.B.A, Accounting & Finance Focus, 2023
University of St. Thomas, B.S., Business Economics, 2019
Bar Admissions
Minnesota
U.S. Tax Court
My Approach
Tax touches nearly every business decision, and I enjoy helping clients navigate the moving pieces that come with each transaction. Whether it’s structuring a merger, planning for an ownership transition, or advising on the formation of a new venture, I focus on finding practical, efficient solutions that make sense both legally and practically. My goal is always to help clients move forward with clarity and confidence.
With a background in business and economics, I bring a numbers-driven perspective to my work. I like digging into the details; understanding how tax implications flow through a deal, and how each choice affects the bottom line. At the same time, I never lose sight of the big picture. Every client, transaction, and challenge is different, and I take pride in tailoring my advice to fit each situation.
I approach every engagement with curiosity, not just about the law, but about the people and businesses behind it. I want to understand what drives my clients’ goals so that my advice supports where they want to go, now and in the long term.
Outside of work, I enjoy exploring new restaurants and walking around the cities’ lakes with my wife and our dog. I’m also an avid Twins, Vikings, and Timberwolves fan, patiently waiting for a championship to celebrate.
Practice Areas
Practicing Tax Planning & Transactions
My Experience
I advise clients on complex federal tax issues that arise in structuring and executing business transactions. My practice includes tax planning for mergers and acquisitions, investment fund transactions, joint ventures, and restructurings. I work closely with clients to develop efficient and practical tax strategies tailored to their business objectives, whether in domestic or cross-border contexts. I also have significant experience with tax credits and incentives, including the Research and Development Tax Credit.
I also represent private equity and hedge fund sponsors on fund formation, structuring, and operational tax matters, including sponsor-, manager-, and fund-level considerations related to investments, acquisitions, and restructurings. In addition, I counsel clients on the taxation of debt instruments, cross-border investment structuring, and other sophisticated U.S. and international tax issues.
Representative Matters
- Advised a privately held company on tax matters in its $240 million sale to a foreign company.
- Advised a financial services provider on tax matters in its merger with another provider.
- Advised publicly traded companies in their calculation, documentation, and claiming of the Research and Development Tax Credit.
- Advised public and private companies on tax implications of debt instrument transactions including forgivable loans and convertible notes.