John D. Flinchbaugh

John Flinchbaugh is the head of the CGA Law Firm’s Tax Law practice. He earned his Master’s in Taxation from Villanova University in 1993 and has more than 30 years of experience in advising clients on business and tax matters.  Coupling this knowledge with his experience in business law, higher-end estate planning and real estate matters, John is able to serve his clients’ interests.  He also draws on the firm’s resources in family law, employment law, bankruptcy and litigation to ensure his clients have a full range of services for nearly any situation they may face throughout their lives. 

John has a simple philosophy - there is no such thing as a “typical” client.  His approach is practical - develop a thorough understanding of the client’s goals and circumstances, then make them fully aware of the options available to them.  He recognizes that the decisions his clients face are deeply personal.  Whether it is a matter of estate planning, succession of a business or purchase of real estate, he crafts solutions designed to minimize tax burdens and future conflict between parties and families.

John provides counsel in all aspects of estate and gift tax planning, as well as income tax matters involving trusts and estates.  He assists fiduciaries with administrative duties, such as preparing and submitting accountings and transferring assets. For his higher-end estate planning clients, John develops strategies which transfer significant wealth at reduced transfer tax costs, such as structured annual gifting programs, keeping trusts, qualified personal residence trusts and intra-family sales. His experience includes:  

•    Administration of estates and post-mortem tax planning
•    Drafting of wills, powers of appointment, advance directives and other related documents
•    Charitable trust arrangements and other irrevocable trusts
•    Creation of revocable living trusts
•    Formation of family limited partnerships and limited liability companies
•    Formation of business entities

Additionally, John specializes in working with small and medium – sized companies and professional clients to provide business succession planning in the acquisition and disposition of businesses.