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Overview

Joseph practices in taxation, with specific experience in state and local contested matters, litigation and planning.

He has successfully represented all types and sizes of taxpayers, including airlines, railroads, telecommunication companies, IT firms, corn and ethanol producers, seed and other agribusinesses, healthcare providers, manufacturers, developers, property managers, local businesses and individuals. Joseph’s representation of taxpayers has covered property tax, sales and use tax, transfer tax, and franchise and income tax disputes with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, other states’ departments of revenue and local assessing authorities.

Joseph is an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Business, where he teaches all four courses required of students to obtain a Graduate Certificate in State and Local Taxation: Property Taxation, Multistate Income Taxation, Sales and Use Taxation, and Managing Audits. Joseph is the principal author of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Bar Association’s Property Tax Deskbook, and is a frequent speaker and writer on all matters of state and local taxation.

Industry

Services

Recognition

  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Litigation and Controversy - Tax, 2013-2023; Tax Law, 2023
  • Super Lawyers, Corporate Counsel Edition, 2009
  • Wisconsin Super Lawyers, 2008-2012; 2021
  • Professional Education Systems Institute, LLCDedication to Excellence Award - Continuing Professional Education
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent

Education

  • J.D., University of Iowa College of Law
  • Marquette University

Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Federal Claims
  • U.S. Tax Court

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • State Bar of Wisconsin
  • American Bar Association, State and Local Tax Committee
  • Institute of Professionals in Taxation
  • Milwaukee Bar Association
  • Milwaukee Tax Club, Past Chair
  • Wisconsin State and Local Tax, Inc.
  • Association of Assessing Officers
  • National Association of Property Tax Attorneys, Board Member
Experience
  • Represented landscaping companies in defense of Wisconsin sales/use tax audits.
  • Advised corn and ethanol producer on obtaining various state and local tax exemptions.
  • Represented a taxpayer in defense of a Wisconsin sales/use tax assessment, in which the Department alleged that the taxpayer’s simulcasts were taxable telecommunication and/or cable television services.
  • Counseled agribusiness on reducing its property tax burden.
  • Represented taxpayers in drafting property tax and sales/use tax statutory exemption language.
  • Represented telecommunication and air carrier companies in defense of property tax assessments.
  • Advised ripeners and wholesalers of produce on obtaining manufacturing classification and exemptions for sales and use and property tax purposes.
  • Represented a taxpayer in successful litigation to obtain manufacturing classification and property tax exemption for its produce ripening activities.
  • Represented a marine construction contractor in defense of Wisconsin income/franchise and sales/use tax assessments involving statutory interpretation and exemption issues.
  • Advised manufacturer of vitamins and supplements in multistate franchise and income tax matters.
  • Counseled an oil company on reducing its property tax assessment by several million dollars.
  • Represented taxpayer in Alabama tax tribunal in connection with sales tax issues relating to the distinction between taxable goods versus nontaxable services.
  • Advised taxpayers on efforts to obtain informal private letter rulings on various sales/use tax issues.
  • Represented taxpayers in general sales/use and property tax planning.
  • Testified before state Legislature on status of, and alternatives to, Wisconsin’s personal property tax system.
  • Testified before state Legislature on merits of enacting law requiring property tax exemption applications.
  • Represented and advised clients on multistate income/franchise and sales/use tax compliance, including nexus determinations, corporate registrations, voluntary disclosure and amnesty programs.
  • Represented construction companies in defense of sales/use tax audits.
  • Advised clients in negotiating and finalizing direct purchase agreements with tax-exempt entities to allow for the tax-free purchase of construction materials.
  • Secured exemptions from property taxes and/or negotiated payments-in-lieu-of-taxes.
  • Represented taxpayers in audits and contested tax matters involving income, property, sales/use, and transfer fee taxes.
Legal Updates | April 21, 2020
2019 Wisconsin Act 185: Property Tax Provisions
Legal Updates | July 11, 2018
U.S. Supreme Court's Decision on Sales Tax Has Big Implications

In South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., et al., the U.S. Supreme Court recently overruled long-standing precedent on what is necessary to create “nexus” to collect sales or use tax on sales into a particular state. 

Media Mentions | October 2020
Best Lawyers® 2021: The Midwest Issue
News Releases | August 15, 2019
Husch Blackwell Places 143 Lawyers in 2020 BL Rankings' Best Lawyers in America®

The firm has eight "Lawyers of the Year" and 11 attorneys appearing on the list for the first time.

News Releases | August 15, 2018
Husch Blackwell Places 143 Lawyers in 2019 BL Rankings' Best Lawyers in America®

The Best Lawyers in America® has listed 143 Husch Blackwell attorneys in its 2019 directory. The firm has eight "Lawyers of the Year" and five attorneys appearing on the list for the first time.

Community Leadership
  • Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Southeast Wisconsin, Board Member
  • United Performing Arts Fund, Secretary
  • United Performing Arts Fund, Board of Directors
  • United Performing Arts Fund, Chair, Education & Outreach Committee
  • United Performing Arts Fund, Past Employee Campaign Coordinator
  • United Way, Past Employee Campaign Coordinator
  • Christ King Parish and Grade School, Athletic Director, 2004-2007
  • Jesuit Retreat House, Retreat Coordinator, 2007-2008
  • Tosa Kickers Soccer Association, Coach, 2003-present
  • Bel Canto Chorus, Board Member
  • Cultural Alliance, Board Member
  • Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Board of Trustees