Michael J.Wynne (Mike)

Clients facing a high-stakes tax or escheat controversy, or an issue with no off-the-shelf solution, draw on Mike Wynne's 30-plus years experience in state government, the Big 4, and AmLaw 100 firms. Mike is known to devise results-oriented strategies and innovative, pragmatic solutions.

In recent years Mike permanently enjoined the Cook County non-titled property use tax ordinance, overturned a 30-year policy of taxing compressed natural gas, and set the leading precedent against Illinois personal income tax residency. Mike's cases span the federal, state, and municipal forums and tax types including property tax exemptions in the health care and government contractor industries. Mike also handles multistate tax and escheat audits, voluntary disclosures, and transactional due diligence.

Mike was recognized by Chambers as "renowned for his expertise in False Claims Act work" in Illinois. He obtained dismissals and favorable settlements in Delaware false claims actions to escheat gift cards and testified before the Illinois legislature against the use of qui tam laws for tax enforcement.

Previously Mike led the Midwest SALT practice of a Big 4 firm, was general counsel of the Illinois Department of Revenue, and deputy and acting chief of the Illinois Attorney General's Revenue Litigation Division. He is on the board of trustees of the Taxpayers' Federation of Illinois, is a former chair of the Chicago Bar Association's SALT Committee, and is a frequent speaker before national groups, like COST, IPT, TEI, and UPPO and similar local groups.