Gewolb_Joshua_2022_Roc_WebReady

Joshua E. Gewolb

Partner

Josh Gewolb brings a personal and practical approach to his representation of for-profit and nonprofit clients. He began his career as a traditional federal tax lawyer at Debevoise & Plimpton, LLP, but in over a decade at Harter Secrest & Emery, his broad technical knowledge and experience and his pragmatic focus have resulted in the expansion of his practice areas. In his diverse practice, he provides a wide range of legal advice to a spectrum of clients, from individuals to small local enterprises to large publicly-traded corporations and nonprofit entities.

Nonprofit Organizations
Josh advises myriad nonprofit organizations, including small start-ups and large national foundations, on complex nonprofit and tax law issues. He often works at the nexus of tax and nonprofit law, providing valuable counsel on the unique issues presented by mergers, acquisitions, and strategic affiliations involving nonprofit organizations. Josh has a special expertise in the area of private foundations and serves corporate and family foundations nationwide. He develops close relationships with his nonprofit clients and many think of him as not just a lawyer, but as a member of the team helping to enhance their mission and effectuate their vision.

Tax Matters
Josh combines the intellectual approach associated with a large traditional tax practice with the practical problem-solving approach required for smaller entities, including helping clients resolve audits/controversies as quickly and efficiently as possible. Josh also looks at tax through the lens of state tax planning and guides clients through the unique issues presented by state tax law.

Corporations, Individuals, and Professionals
Josh provides general corporate counsel to a wide range of clients, including emerging companies and design and other professionals. Josh’s practice frequently intersects with the trusts and estates practice, particularly as that practice relates to individuals associated with the organizations he counsels.

Thought Leadership
Josh’s comments on the historic 2017 tax reform were featured in The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg Tax Daily Tax Report. He authors a column on tax matters, a blog on exempt organizations, and participates frequently in bar association reports. He is deeply engaged in current events in the law and has presented at the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, and at numerous local events.

PROFESSIONAL & CIVIC AFFILIATIONS

  • Member, Board of Directors, The Hub 585
  • Member, Nonprofit New York, Government Relations Council
  • Member, Board of Directors, Main Street Arts
  • Member, Board of Directors, Greater Rochester Summer Learning Association
  • Member, New York State Bar Association Not-for-Profit Corporations Law Committee
  • Member, New York State Bar Association Tax Section Executive Committee
  • Co-Chair, New York State Bar Association Committee on New York State Taxes
  • Member, Impact Investing Legal Working Group (IILWG) 2017 and 2019 Conference Planning Committees
  • Former Member, Board of Directors, Jewish Senior Life
  • Former Secretary, Board of Directors, Pathstone Development Corporation
  • Former Chair, Monroe County Bar Association Tax Section

HONORS & AWARDS

  • Named as Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in Rochester, NY for Tax Law (2023), Tax Law (2021) and Tax Law (2018)
  • Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® for Nonprofit / Charities Law; Tax Law
  • Selected to the 2017 Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Stars list

NEWS

PRESENTATIONS

  • “Qualified Opportunity Zones,” Monroe County Bar Association’s 55th Annual Tax Institute, November 20, 2020
  • “Qualified Opportunity Zones,” Monroe County Bar Association’s 54th Annual Tax Institute, November 22, 2019
  • “Opportunities for Impact: How Grantmakers Can Leverage Opportunity Zones,” 2019 NY Funders Alliance Conference, Albany, NY, September 10, 2019
  • Guest Lecturer, “The Law of Higher Education,” Cornell Law School, March 21, 2019
  • “Get in the Zone: Leveraging Mutual Business Opportunity through Opportunity Fund Investments,” Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, January 30, 2019
  • “Current Complex Investment Issues,” ABA Tax Section 2019 Midyear Tax Meeting, January 18, 2019
  • “Hot Topics for Exempt Organizations: 2018 in Review,” 2018 Not-for-Profit Educational Seminar presented by The Bonadio Group, Tarrytown, NY, December 12, 2018
  • “Hot Topics for Exempt Organizations: 2018 in Review,” 2018 Not-for-Profit Educational Seminar presented by The Bonadio Group, Albany, NY, December 5, 2018
  • “Hot Topics for Exempt Organizations: 2018 in Review,” 2018 Not-for-Profit Educational Seminar presented by The Bonadio Group, Rochester, NY, December 3, 2018
  • “Local Opportunities for Opportunity Zones,” presented by NAIOP: Commercial Real Estate Development Association Upstate New York Chapter, November 30, 2018
  • “Not-for-Profit Legal Update: What policies does my organizations really need to adopt?” The Buffalo Club, November 28, 2018
  • “Entity Selection and Qualified Business Income Deduction After the TCJA,” Monroe County Bar Association’s 53rd Annual Tax Institute, November 16, 2018
  • “Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)Tax Reform for Exempt Organizations: 10 Things You Need to Know” webinar, June 20, 2018 and September 25, 2018
  • “Tax Reform for Exempt Organizations: 10 Things You Need to Know” webinar, June 14, 2018
  • “Tax Reforms Impact of Higher Education,” Albany College & University Spring Educational Breakfast Series presented by The Bonadio Group, June 11, 2018
  • “Tax Reforms Impact of Higher Education,” Central New York Higher Education Symposium presented by The Bonadio Group, June 4, 2018
  • “Tax Reforms Impact of Higher Education,” Rochester College & University Spring Educational Breakfast Series, presented by The Bonadio Group and the Upstate New York College Collaborative, May 21, 2018
  • “Tax Law Update,” Monroe County Bar Association, February 28, 2018
  • “Tax Reform: What You Need to Know Seminar,” HSE, Rochester, New York, February 13, 2018
  • “Tax Reform: What You Need to Know Seminar,” Buffalo Club, Buffalo, New York, January 30, 2018
  • “The Effects of Pending Federal Tax Legislation on State and Local Taxation,” New York State Bar Association Tax Section Meeting, January 23, 2018
  • “From Basics to Hot Topics,” New York State Bar Association’s New York Not-for-Profit Organizations Practice Symposium, November 30, 2017
  • “Non-Profit Unrelated Business Income Tax,” Monroe County Bar Association’s 52nd Annual Tax Institute, November 17, 2017
  • Panelist, “Enough About Tax Reform: What Else Is Going on in New York” New York State Bar Association Tax Section Summer Meeting, July 22, 2017
  • “2016 Amendments to the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law,” New York State Bar Association 2017 Annual Meeting, January 2017
  • “Tax Considerations in Choosing an Entity,” Monroe County Bar Association, January 2017
  • “At Risk Rules and Passive Activity Losses (PAL),” Monroe County Bar Association’s 51st Annual Tax Institute, November 2016
  • Steps to Avoid an Audit,” Eyes on the Future, Greater Rochester Enterprise, September 2016
  • “Recent Amendments to Non-Profit Revitalization Act (NPRA),” New York State Bar Association, Business Law Section Spring Meeting, May 2016
  • Workshop on Taxes for Small Businesses, Volunteer Legal Services Project, December 2015
  • “Ensuring Compliance with the Terms of Tax Exempt Status and Putting Vital Policies in Place (Part VI),” National Business Institute Seminar: Form 990: What the IRS is Looking For,” November 2015
  • “Partnership Accounting Concepts for Business Lawyers,” Monroe County Bar Association, May 2015
  • “Foreign Reporting Rules,” 48th Annual Tax Institute, Monroe County Bar Association, November 2014
  • “Choice of Entity,” Business Law Topics Relevant to Pro Bono Matters, Monroe County Bar Association, September 2014
  • “Introduction to New York’s Not-For-Profit Law,” Business Law Section Fall Meeting, New York State Bar Association, September 2014
  • “Establishing Tax-Exempt Status within the IRS” and “Unrelated Business Taxable Income (UBTI),” National Business Institute Seminar: Tax Exempt Organizations from Start to Finish, June 2014
  • “Pay for Success: Social Impact Bonds and Other Vehicles,” Grantmakers Forum of New York, May 2014
  • “New York’s Nonprofit Revitalization Act of 2013,” NYSBA’s Business Law Section, Committee on Continuing Legal Education, March 2014
  • “The Nonprofit Revitalization Act of 2013,” Monroe County Bar Association, February 2014
  • “A Tempest in a Teapot? Lessons for Tax Exempt Organizations from the IRS ‘Tea Party’,” 48th Annual Tax Institute, Monroe County Bar Association, November 2013
  • “Overview of Major Corporate Transactions” and “Charitable Planning (Unique Asset Considerations),” Advising and Operating the NY Not-for-Profit Organization, New York State Bar Association, November 2013
  • “Tax Considerations in Mergers and Acquisitions,” Mergers & Acquisitions Seminar, Monroe County Bar Association, June 2013
  • “Proposed Revisions to the New York Not-for-Profit Law,” Spring Meeting of the NYSBA’s Business Law Section, Corporations Law Committee, May 2013
  • “Restructuring and Terminating Exempt Organizations: Procedures and Pitfalls,” National Business Institute, December 2012
  • “Everything You Always Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask About Circular 230,” 47th Annual Tax Institute, Monroe County Bar Association, November 2012
  • “Tax Considerations in Choosing an Entity,” Business Law Nuts & Bolts – Formations, Monroe County Bar Association, October 2012
  • “Ten Things Your Internet Business Needs to Know About New York Sales Tax,” HSE Webinars, June 2012
  • “Federal Tax Update,” 46th Annual Tax Institute, Monroe County Bar Association, November 2011
  • “Particular Types of Not-for-Profit Organizations,” Operating the NY Not-for-Profit Organization, New York State Bar Association, November 2011
  • “Hot Topics in New York State Sales Tax,” Monroe County Bar Association, June 2011
  • “Business Law: Choosing an Entity & Formations,” Monroe County Bar Association, December 2010
  • “Safe Harbor Partnership Agreements: Dissecting the Boilerplate,” 45th Annual Tax Institute, Monroe County Bar Association, November 2010
  • “At Risk Rules,” 44th Annual Tax Institute, Monroe County Bar Association, November 2009
  • “Steps to Avoid an Audit”, Eyes on the Future, Greater Rochester Enterprise, September 2016

PRACTICE AREAS

ADMISSIONS

  • New York

EDUCATION

  • University of Michigan Law School, J.D., magna cum laude
  • Harvard University, B.A., cum laude

Josh Gewolb brings a personal and practical approach to his representation of for-profit and nonprofit clients. He began his career as a traditional federal tax lawyer at Debevoise & Plimpton, LLP, but in over a decade at Harter Secrest & Emery, his broad technical knowledge and experience and his pragmatic focus have resulted in the expansion of his practice areas. In his diverse practice, he provides a wide range of legal advice to a spectrum of clients, from individuals to small local enterprises to large publicly-traded corporations and nonprofit entities.

Nonprofit Organizations
Josh advises myriad nonprofit organizations, including small start-ups and large national foundations, on complex nonprofit and tax law issues. He often works at the nexus of tax and nonprofit law, providing valuable counsel on the unique issues presented by mergers, acquisitions, and strategic affiliations involving nonprofit organizations. Josh has a special expertise in the area of private foundations and serves corporate and family foundations nationwide. He develops close relationships with his nonprofit clients and many think of him as not just a lawyer, but as a member of the team helping to enhance their mission and effectuate their vision.

Tax Matters
Josh combines the intellectual approach associated with a large traditional tax practice with the practical problem-solving approach required for smaller entities, including helping clients resolve audits/controversies as quickly and efficiently as possible. Josh also looks at tax through the lens of state tax planning and guides clients through the unique issues presented by state tax law.

Corporations, Individuals, and Professionals
Josh provides general corporate counsel to a wide range of clients, including emerging companies and design and other professionals. Josh’s practice frequently intersects with the trusts and estates practice, particularly as that practice relates to individuals associated with the organizations he counsels.

Thought Leadership
Josh’s comments on the historic 2017 tax reform were featured in The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg Tax Daily Tax Report. He authors a column on tax matters, a blog on exempt organizations, and participates frequently in bar association reports. He is deeply engaged in current events in the law and has presented at the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, and at numerous local events.

PROFESSIONAL & CIVIC AFFILIATIONS

  • Member, Board of Directors, The Hub 585
  • Member, Nonprofit New York, Government Relations Council
  • Member, Board of Directors, Main Street Arts
  • Member, Board of Directors, Greater Rochester Summer Learning Association
  • Member, New York State Bar Association Not-for-Profit Corporations Law Committee
  • Member, New York State Bar Association Tax Section Executive Committee
  • Co-Chair, New York State Bar Association Committee on New York State Taxes
  • Member, Impact Investing Legal Working Group (IILWG) 2017 and 2019 Conference Planning Committees
  • Former Member, Board of Directors, Jewish Senior Life
  • Former Secretary, Board of Directors, Pathstone Development Corporation
  • Former Chair, Monroe County Bar Association Tax Section

HONORS & AWARDS

  • Named as Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in Rochester, NY for Tax Law (2023), Tax Law (2021) and Tax Law (2018)
  • Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® for Nonprofit / Charities Law; Tax Law
  • Selected to the 2017 Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Stars list

NEWS

PRESENTATIONS

  • “Qualified Opportunity Zones,” Monroe County Bar Association’s 55th Annual Tax Institute, November 20, 2020
  • “Qualified Opportunity Zones,” Monroe County Bar Association’s 54th Annual Tax Institute, November 22, 2019
  • “Opportunities for Impact: How Grantmakers Can Leverage Opportunity Zones,” 2019 NY Funders Alliance Conference, Albany, NY, September 10, 2019
  • Guest Lecturer, “The Law of Higher Education,” Cornell Law School, March 21, 2019
  • “Get in the Zone: Leveraging Mutual Business Opportunity through Opportunity Fund Investments,” Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, January 30, 2019
  • “Current Complex Investment Issues,” ABA Tax Section 2019 Midyear Tax Meeting, January 18, 2019
  • “Hot Topics for Exempt Organizations: 2018 in Review,” 2018 Not-for-Profit Educational Seminar presented by The Bonadio Group, Tarrytown, NY, December 12, 2018
  • “Hot Topics for Exempt Organizations: 2018 in Review,” 2018 Not-for-Profit Educational Seminar presented by The Bonadio Group, Albany, NY, December 5, 2018
  • “Hot Topics for Exempt Organizations: 2018 in Review,” 2018 Not-for-Profit Educational Seminar presented by The Bonadio Group, Rochester, NY, December 3, 2018
  • “Local Opportunities for Opportunity Zones,” presented by NAIOP: Commercial Real Estate Development Association Upstate New York Chapter, November 30, 2018
  • “Not-for-Profit Legal Update: What policies does my organizations really need to adopt?” The Buffalo Club, November 28, 2018
  • “Entity Selection and Qualified Business Income Deduction After the TCJA,” Monroe County Bar Association’s 53rd Annual Tax Institute, November 16, 2018
  • “Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)Tax Reform for Exempt Organizations: 10 Things You Need to Know” webinar, June 20, 2018 and September 25, 2018
  • “Tax Reform for Exempt Organizations: 10 Things You Need to Know” webinar, June 14, 2018
  • “Tax Reforms Impact of Higher Education,” Albany College & University Spring Educational Breakfast Series presented by The Bonadio Group, June 11, 2018
  • “Tax Reforms Impact of Higher Education,” Central New York Higher Education Symposium presented by The Bonadio Group, June 4, 2018
  • “Tax Reforms Impact of Higher Education,” Rochester College & University Spring Educational Breakfast Series, presented by The Bonadio Group and the Upstate New York College Collaborative, May 21, 2018
  • “Tax Law Update,” Monroe County Bar Association, February 28, 2018
  • “Tax Reform: What You Need to Know Seminar,” HSE, Rochester, New York, February 13, 2018
  • “Tax Reform: What You Need to Know Seminar,” Buffalo Club, Buffalo, New York, January 30, 2018
  • “The Effects of Pending Federal Tax Legislation on State and Local Taxation,” New York State Bar Association Tax Section Meeting, January 23, 2018
  • “From Basics to Hot Topics,” New York State Bar Association’s New York Not-for-Profit Organizations Practice Symposium, November 30, 2017
  • “Non-Profit Unrelated Business Income Tax,” Monroe County Bar Association’s 52nd Annual Tax Institute, November 17, 2017
  • Panelist, “Enough About Tax Reform: What Else Is Going on in New York” New York State Bar Association Tax Section Summer Meeting, July 22, 2017
  • “2016 Amendments to the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law,” New York State Bar Association 2017 Annual Meeting, January 2017
  • “Tax Considerations in Choosing an Entity,” Monroe County Bar Association, January 2017
  • “At Risk Rules and Passive Activity Losses (PAL),” Monroe County Bar Association’s 51st Annual Tax Institute, November 2016
  • Steps to Avoid an Audit,” Eyes on the Future, Greater Rochester Enterprise, September 2016
  • “Recent Amendments to Non-Profit Revitalization Act (NPRA),” New York State Bar Association, Business Law Section Spring Meeting, May 2016
  • Workshop on Taxes for Small Businesses, Volunteer Legal Services Project, December 2015
  • “Ensuring Compliance with the Terms of Tax Exempt Status and Putting Vital Policies in Place (Part VI),” National Business Institute Seminar: Form 990: What the IRS is Looking For,” November 2015
  • “Partnership Accounting Concepts for Business Lawyers,” Monroe County Bar Association, May 2015
  • “Foreign Reporting Rules,” 48th Annual Tax Institute, Monroe County Bar Association, November 2014
  • “Choice of Entity,” Business Law Topics Relevant to Pro Bono Matters, Monroe County Bar Association, September 2014
  • “Introduction to New York’s Not-For-Profit Law,” Business Law Section Fall Meeting, New York State Bar Association, September 2014
  • “Establishing Tax-Exempt Status within the IRS” and “Unrelated Business Taxable Income (UBTI),” National Business Institute Seminar: Tax Exempt Organizations from Start to Finish, June 2014
  • “Pay for Success: Social Impact Bonds and Other Vehicles,” Grantmakers Forum of New York, May 2014
  • “New York’s Nonprofit Revitalization Act of 2013,” NYSBA’s Business Law Section, Committee on Continuing Legal Education, March 2014
  • “The Nonprofit Revitalization Act of 2013,” Monroe County Bar Association, February 2014
  • “A Tempest in a Teapot? Lessons for Tax Exempt Organizations from the IRS ‘Tea Party’,” 48th Annual Tax Institute, Monroe County Bar Association, November 2013
  • “Overview of Major Corporate Transactions” and “Charitable Planning (Unique Asset Considerations),” Advising and Operating the NY Not-for-Profit Organization, New York State Bar Association, November 2013
  • “Tax Considerations in Mergers and Acquisitions,” Mergers & Acquisitions Seminar, Monroe County Bar Association, June 2013
  • “Proposed Revisions to the New York Not-for-Profit Law,” Spring Meeting of the NYSBA’s Business Law Section, Corporations Law Committee, May 2013
  • “Restructuring and Terminating Exempt Organizations: Procedures and Pitfalls,” National Business Institute, December 2012
  • “Everything You Always Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask About Circular 230,” 47th Annual Tax Institute, Monroe County Bar Association, November 2012
  • “Tax Considerations in Choosing an Entity,” Business Law Nuts & Bolts – Formations, Monroe County Bar Association, October 2012
  • “Ten Things Your Internet Business Needs to Know About New York Sales Tax,” HSE Webinars, June 2012
  • “Federal Tax Update,” 46th Annual Tax Institute, Monroe County Bar Association, November 2011
  • “Particular Types of Not-for-Profit Organizations,” Operating the NY Not-for-Profit Organization, New York State Bar Association, November 2011
  • “Hot Topics in New York State Sales Tax,” Monroe County Bar Association, June 2011
  • “Business Law: Choosing an Entity & Formations,” Monroe County Bar Association, December 2010
  • “Safe Harbor Partnership Agreements: Dissecting the Boilerplate,” 45th Annual Tax Institute, Monroe County Bar Association, November 2010
  • “At Risk Rules,” 44th Annual Tax Institute, Monroe County Bar Association, November 2009
  • “Steps to Avoid an Audit”, Eyes on the Future, Greater Rochester Enterprise, September 2016

PRACTICE AREAS

ADMISSIONS

  • New York

EDUCATION

  • University of Michigan Law School, J.D., magna cum laude
  • Harvard University, B.A., cum laude
Gewolb_Joshua_2022_Roc_WebReady
Joshua E. Gewolb