How do I help clients on their tax issues and disputes, white collar matters, and litigation?

Clients appreciate that I provide both the analytical mindset of a certified public accountant and the advocacy of an experienced trial lawyer. Whether resolving a civil tax controversy, defending a criminal tax investigation, or counseling an organization on compliance, I focus first on understanding the facts and then on developing a strategy that protects my clients’ interests and positions them for the best possible outcome. Every matter presents its own nuances, and I believe careful preparation, direct communication and practical guidance make all the difference.

Guiding clients through tax controversies and investigations

Jeff Trevillion represents businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals in complex federal and state tax disputes, white collar matters and litigation. His practice includes defending clients from the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Oklahoma Tax Commission and other federal and state regulatory agencies, He handles a wide range of matters—from sensitive audits and administrative proceedings to civil tax litigation and government investigations.

Helping highly regulated organizations manage risk

Jeff regularly advises clients in highly regulated industries, including healthcare, gaming, cannabis, alcohol and nonprofit organizations. He counsels them on governance, compliance, internal controls and recordkeeping with the philosophy that every business should operate as though its books and records will someday be examined. By encouraging clients to “dot all the I’s and cross all the T’s,” he helps them reduce risk before problems arise and respond effectively when they do.

Preparing every case as though it will go to trial

Drawing on five years of experience as a certified public accountant before entering the legal profession, Jeff understands both the technical mechanics of tax compliance and how financial evidence ultimately plays out in litigation. He covers every matter thoroughly, by gathering all the relevant facts and crafting persuasive narratives, so clients are ready whether a matter resolves through negotiation or proceeds to trial.

Building confidence during difficult situations

Because many clients seek legal counsel only after receiving an audit notice or investigation or enforcement action, Jeff recognizes the importance of providing both strategic guidance and reassurance. Clients frequently describe him as a steady presence who explains complex issues in clear, straightforward terms, helping them understand their options while reducing uncertainty. He also works closely with certified public accountants and other professional advisors, encouraging them to involve experienced tax counsel early whenever an unusual or concerning issue arises.

Experience

  • Resolved client's foreign income tax dispute by full concession before the US Tax Court and subsequently obtained client's attorney's fees from IRS pursuant to 26 USC 7430.
  • Represented multi-state manufacturer and executive in IRS trust fund recovery penalty assessment related to payroll taxes resulting in 75% reduction in penalty.
  • Defended partnership with 30 partners facing maximum penalty for failure to timely file form 1065.
  • Represented medical equipment provider in Oklahoma sales tax dispute related to the exemptions on durable medical equipment resulting in a 70% reduction in sales tax audit assessment.
  • Represented healthcare provider in contract and Medicaid re-imbursement dispute.
  • Represented physicians' group in income tax controversy involving compliance and collection activity.
  • Defended tax preparer in IRS criminal investigation division (CID) investigation.
  • Defended taxpayer federally indicted on charges of filing false tax returns.
  • Represented witness subpoenaed to multi-county grand jury investigation.
  • Defended mental health services providers in concurrent state and federal Medicaid fraud investigations.

Credentials

  • University of Oklahoma College of Law, J.D., 2007
    • A.L. Jeffrey Writing Award
    • Ford Scholar
    • Royce Savage Scholar
  • University of Oklahoma, M.B.A., 2007
  • Langston University, B.B.A., cum laude, 1999

  • Oklahoma
  • Texas
  • U.S. Court of Appeals Tenth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court Northern District Oklahoma
  • U.S. District Court Western District Oklahoma
  • U.S. Tax Court

  • American Bar Association
    • Tax Section – Civil and Criminal Penalties Committee
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
    • Tax Section
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Oklahoma Board of Accountancy
  • Federal Bar Association
    • Tax Section
  • Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma
  • Oklahoma Bar Foundation, President (2021)
  • Oklahoma Bar Association
  • State Bar of Texas
    • Tax Section Leadership Academy
  • Oklahoma City Association of Black Lawyers, Treasurer (2008)
  • Oklahoma County Bar Foundation, President (2017-2019)
  • Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants (2011 – Present)
  • National Bar Association
    • Tax Section
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Honors & Awards

  • Oklahoma Bar Association Presidents Award (2012)
  • Oklahoma Bar Association Golden Gavel Award (2012)
  • Oklahoma Society of CPA's Trailblazer Award (2013)
  • Oklahoma Bar Foundation President's Award (2014)
  • Best Lawyers, Tax Law (2022 - Present)

Publications & Media

  • Panelist, “Criminal Tax Workshop,” ABA National Institute on Criminal Tax Fraud & Tax Controversy, December 13, 2022, Las Vegas, NV
  • Panelist, “A Primer on Collection Alternatives, Including Bankruptcy,” ABA Section of Taxation 2022 Fall Tax Meeting, October 13, 2022

  • Oklahoma Society of CPAs; Primer on IRC 280(E), IRS Examinations & Appeals
  • Oklahoma City Innovation District Workshop Series; Best Tax Practices for Startups