Ms. Nicki N. Howard

Nicki N. Howard brings over 20 years of tax law experience to her practice, representing businesses in all jurisdictions of tax - international, federal, state, and local. She assists clients in various tax matters including income, franchise, gross receipts, sales & use, property, real estate, payroll and union negotiation related tax matters. Nicki has worked with several Fortune 500 and smaller companies across multiple industries. She has specific experience in the transportation, supply chain and manufacturing sectors.

Nicki handles the full spectrum of tax controversy work, defending client positions before federal, state, and local tax authorities. She assists businesses with transactional tax planning, helping them structure deals and operations with the goal of maximizing business goals while utilizing optimizing tools within the tax codes. Her work also includes drafting, supporting or defending against state tax legislation affecting multiple industries with a key focus on rail, trucking and manufacturing. Nicki has also assisted her clients in securing millions of dollars in state tax incentives associated with economic and business development.

Previously, Nicki practiced at a major Atlanta law firm, where she focused her practice on international tax structuring and federal deal and mergers & acquisitions matters. She also served as Senior International Tax Counsel for a Fortune 500 manufacturing company, where she developed and maintained international tax structures utilizing U.S. tax treaty agreements. Immediately prior to joining the firm, Howard’s tax practice has centered on round robin deal work, as well as, tax controversy matters at both trial and appellate levels.

Nicki serves as Editor and Contributing Author of the Georgia Limited Liability Company Forms and Practice Manual. She regularly presents on international, federal, and state and local tax topics at conferences hosted by the American Bar Association, Council On State Taxation, Deloitte, Institute for Professionals in Taxation, and other professional organizations. She maintains memberships in the Georgia Bar Association, Florida Bar Association, and American Bar Association, where she serves on the Tax and Business subcommittees.

Experience

In-House Experience

• CSX, 2010-2025

o Assistant General Tax Counsel, 2020-2025

o Senior Tax Counsel, 2010-2020

• Senior International Tax – Outside Counsel, Mohawk Industries, 2009-2010

Internships

• Tax Intern, UPS, 1996-1999

Recognition & Leadership

Professional & Community Involvement

• Member, American Bar Association

o Member, Tax Subcommittee

o Member, Business Subcommittee