About Ellyn Tanenberg

Ellyn Tanenberg is a tax lawyer and CPA with over 20 years of experience helping clients with IRS and state tax controversies, finding creative tax solutions and striving to reach fair and favorable tax settlements. From consulting on tax matters to representing clients before the IRS and state tax authorities, her legal and accounting knowledge has helped many clients save time, money and aggravation.

Please take a moment to browse through this website to learn more about Ms. Tanenberg’s services and how she can help resolve your tax issues. Or, contact her law office directly for a free phone consultation.

“My recommendation for Ellyn Tanenberg is unreserved. If you have tax difficulties, be they federal or state or both, and you sincerely want to solve these difficulties in an equitable, organized manner that will permit you to get a grip on your tax issues — and get back to living your life — I suggest you give Ms. Tanenberg a call.” – From a client

Background And Education

Ms. Tanenberg’s past experience includes clerking for Judges Theodore Tannenwald Jr. and Herbert Chabot at the U.S. Tax Court, Washington, DC. She was a tax accountant at two “Big Five” accounting firms, and has been in private law practice since 1994.

Her education includes a bachelor’s degree with honors in Accounting from the University of Illinois, a master’s degree in Taxation from Georgetown University, and a Juris Doctor from the Washington College of Law at the American University.

Below follows a full listing of her professional and personal accomplishments.

Bar Admissions

  • Pennsylvania, 1992
  • Maryland, 1993
  • District of Columbia, 1995

Education

  • Washington College of Law, The American University. J.D. (1992).
    Received Highest Grade Awards in International Tax and Federal Personal Income Tax. Wrote senior research paper examining the problems of and solutions to transfer pricing abuse in America. Served on Budget Committee of Student Bar Association. Led winning team in international joint venture project. Concurrently enrolled in courses at Georgetown University Law Center (1990-91).
  • Georgetown University. M.S. in Taxation (1987).
  • University of Illinois (Urbana campus). B.S. in Accountancy, with Honors (1970).
    Dean’s List all semesters. James Scholar three years.

Specialties And Certifications

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA), 1982

Employment Positions

  • Ellyn Tanenberg, Attorney at Law, CPA. IRS representation for tax disputes, liens and audits. Personal and business tax planning. International tax consulting. (August 1994-Present)
  • United States Tax Court. Law Clerk for Honorable Theodore Tannenwald, Jr., and Honorable Herbert Chabot. Researched legal issues, prepared memoranda of law and drafted legal opinions for tax cases such as Sun Microsystems, Inc. v. Commissioner. (1993, 1994)
  • United States Department of Justice, Criminal Tax. Legal Intern. Scrutinized financial statements for possible civil tax violations and fraud. Assisted in federal criminal tax prosecution. Completed detailed analysis of business substantiation expenses. (Summer 1990)
  • Touche Ross & Co. Tax Accountant. Prepared tax returns for individuals (U.S. & foreign), partnerships, corporations and exempt organizations. Drafted memoranda involving various subject-matter areas, including 401(k) plans, passive losses and foreign tax issues. (1987-88)

Public Service

  • AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) Tax Counseling for the Elderly. Volunteer Tax-Aide Counselor. Interviewed and advised clients on personal income taxes. Prepared federal and state tax returns of varying complexity. (1993, 1994)
  • Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Division of Trading and Markets. Legal Intern. Responded to requests for regulatory relief under the Commodity Exchange Act. Analyzed Investment Advisers Oversight Act and Joint Report on the Government Securities Market. (1992)
  • Securities and Exchange Commission, Division of Investment Management. Legal Intern. Developed a financial analysis for a geothermal power company. Wrote memorandum examining the fiscal soundness of the company and the industry involved. (1991)
  • The Honorable Christine Nettesheim, U.S. Claims Court. Legal Intern. Drafted substantial portion of opinion on military back pay case. Prepared orders in response to motions. (1989)

Professional Memberships

  • District of Columbia Bar Association, Tax Section
  • Maryland State Bar Association, Tax Section
  • Montgomery County Bar Association, Tax Section
  • Maryland State Bar Association, Tax Controversy Study Group
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Tax Section
  • Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants, Tax Section

In her spare time, Ms. Tanenberg photographs weddings, teaches piano, swims and dotes on her five grandchildren.

Practice Areas

Contact Us

Ellyn B. Tanenberg, Attorney & CPA


1717 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Suite 1025
Washington, DC 20006

Phone: 202-387-7747
Washington Office

Miami, FL:

Phone: 305-350-0575

Silver Spring, MD Office:

Phone: 301-907-0019

National Directory of Registered Tax Return | Preparers & Professionals Ltd. | Ellyn Tanenberg | Certified Public Accountant

Practice Areas

Contact Us

Ellyn B. Tanenberg, Attorney & CPA


1717 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Suite 1025
Washington, DC 20006

Phone: 202-387-7747
Washington Office

Miami, FL:

Phone: 305-350-0575

Silver Spring, MD Office:

Phone: 301-907-0019

National Directory of Registered Tax Return | Preparers & Professionals Ltd. | Ellyn Tanenberg | Certified Public Accountant