Anthony "Skip" Smith
Contact
ssmith@clarknuber.com
425.454.4919
Numbers
8Years as a youth sports league coach and board member
4 Kids, with wife Monica
1Grandson
16Countries visited while supposedly studying in Sweden
2Border terriers, Woody and Bella
After years of a leadership role in youth sports, nothing at work can rock Skip’s boat. He thrives on stress and cites high-pressure, high-volume mergers and acquisitions as his favorite assignment. Skip’s clients return again and again for the value he provides—in terms of both the money he saves them and the confidence they gain from his skills and advice. He is a principal in the firm’s tax practice and helps clients with a wide variety of tax compliance and general business issues.
According to Skip, his highly motivated and intelligent colleagues make his work fun, even when it isn’t easy. When the day is done, he unwinds at the gym, on his bike, at one of his kids’ many sporting events—or even with a bit of fly fishing.
Summary
Practice Emphasis
- Strategic planning concerning mergers, acquisitions, and transition planning. Skip works extensively with business owners and attorneys helping deals come together with due diligence, negotiations, and structuring the deal.
- Tax planning for closely held businesses and their owners; heavy emphasis with S corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships and C corporations.
Proven Results
- Helped close multiple M&A transactions ranging in value from $2 million to $160 million.
- Helped negotiate and implement strategies for structuring business combinations resulting in an after-tax savings for of over a million dollars.
- Implemented specific strategies for S Corporation owners saving over $180,000 in built-in gains taxes.
- Negotiated successful private letter rulings with the IRS for business combinations resulting in significant tax savings.
- Represented clients in various IRS audits with no change results.
Education
- University of Washington, B.A., Business Administration, Finance
Activities
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants

