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Craig A. Griffith
Partner
Charleston, WV
Partner
Charleston, WV
As an experienced and respected tax attorney, Craig focuses his practice on developing strategies to maximize profit through tax planning and guidance on available federal, state, and local tax incentives. Craig assists his clients in a variety of industries including oil and natural gas producers, midstream companies, coal, chemical manufacturing, non-profits, gasoline transport companies, retailers, and renewable resource companies.
Successfully argued to the WV Supreme Court that crew quarters used at well sites by certain workers and portable bathroom facilities used at well sites are “directly used” in natural resource production, and thus exempt from sales tax. Read decision.
Advised solar energy companies on state and local tax issues, including incentives.
Successfully argued to the West Virginia State Tax Department on behalf of pipeline company on sales tax exemption.
Provided advice to remote sellers regarding changes to sales tax collection process in West Virginia.
Navigated the offer and compromise process with the West Virginia State Tax Department for reduction in tax liabilities owed by firm clients.
Advised clients on special property tax valuation programs in West Virginia.
Represented taxpayers in federal and state tax controversies, including before the West Virginia Office of Tax Appeals and the Internal Revenue Service.
Advised clients on various state and local taxes, including sales and use tax, income tax, and property tax, and incentives, exemptions and credits, including tax increment financing projects to fund public infrastructure improvements for commercial development.
Represented county commission in negotiation of payment in lieu of taxes agreement and lease for county-owned power plant.
Represented clients in complex appeals of property tax valuations of industrial, commercial, and natural resource properties.
Represented county commissions and developers in conjunction with tax increment financing projects.
Served as counsel for multi-national bank in its challenge of West Virginia’s corporate income tax nexus laws for out-of-state banks.
Represented major online retailer in securing a favorable interpretation of West Virginia’s nexus laws for sales tax purposes.
Served as bond counsel on the issuance of approximately $230 million of bonds for a major hospital expansion.
West Virginia University College of Law, J.D.
WVU College of Business & Economics. B.S.B.A, Accounting
Chambers USA, Tax, 2021-2022
The Best Lawyers in America®, Tax Law, 2019-2023; Charleston, WV Tax Law “Lawyer of the Year,” 2023
Distinguished West Virginian, 2013
West Virginia State Bar
Former Chair, WV Tax Modernization Workgroup
Former Secretary & Board Member, WV Economic Development Authority
West Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants
Independent State and Local Tax Alliance, National Meeting Committee Chairperson, 2018-Current
Charleston Area Alliance Economic Development Committee
Charleston Rotary Club
Charleston Area Tax Group, Program Chairperson, 2016-18
Leadership West Virginia, 2015
Former Second Vice President, Federation of Tax Administrators
Former President, Southeastern Association of Tax Administrators
Former Member, Governing Board, Streamlined Sales Tax Project
