Hone Maxwell LLP

In the complex and ever-changing world of taxation and business law, navigating compliance, resolving disputes, and planning for growth can be daunting for individuals and businesses alike. This challenge is magnified when dealing with international aspects, where different jurisdictions and intricate regulations come into play. For Californians, whether you're a local business expanding overseas, an individual with foreign assets, or facing a challenging IRS audit, finding legal counsel with specialized expertise in both domestic and international tax and business law is crucial. This is precisely where Hone Maxwell LLP, with an office in San Francisco, offers invaluable and highly specialized legal support.

Hone Maxwell LLP is a distinguished law firm that provides a full spectrum of federal, international, state, and local tax law services, alongside comprehensive corporate and transactional guidance. Founded in 2012 by partners Aubrey Hone and Josh Maxwell, the firm brings a unique blend of tax, accounting, and legal expertise. They are particularly renowned for their work in tax controversy, international tax compliance (including FATCA and FBAR), and assisting clients with cross-border business and investment. With a commitment to personalized, responsive client service and a deep understanding of the intricacies of tax and business law, Hone Maxwell LLP serves a diverse clientele in the U.S. and abroad. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Hone Maxwell LLP, detailing their specialized services, strategic location, and the key features that make them an excellent choice for Californians seeking expert tax and business legal advice.

Hone Maxwell LLP maintains a key office in California at 870 Market Street, Suite 588, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA. This address places the firm in a vibrant and historically significant area of downtown San Francisco, easily accessible for clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and other parts of California. The office on the 5th floor provides a professional and private setting for discussing sensitive tax and business matters.

The firm's location on Market Street ensures exceptional accessibility via San Francisco's comprehensive public transportation network. Numerous Muni (San Francisco Municipal Railway) bus lines and Muni Metro light rail stations are directly at or within a very short walk from the office, including connections to virtually every part of the city. More importantly for Californians traveling from outside the city, the office is strategically positioned near major BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) stations (Powell Street Station is practically at the doorstep), allowing for highly efficient commutes from the East Bay, North Bay, and Peninsula regions. This makes it convenient for clients to access their specialized legal services without the stress of navigating downtown traffic and parking. While commercial parking garages are available in the surrounding area for those who prefer to drive, the excellent public transit options significantly enhance the ease of visiting Hone Maxwell LLP. This central and well-connected location underscores the firm's commitment to serving a broad client base across California.

Hone Maxwell LLP offers a focused yet comprehensive range of legal services primarily centered on tax law, both domestic and international, and related business and corporate matters. Their attorneys leverage their backgrounds in accounting and finance to provide uniquely detailed and strategic advice.

• International Tax & Business: The firm assists domestic and international clients with the full spectrum of cross-border tax and business law issues. This includes:
  • U.S. International Compliance: Guiding clients through complex U.S. tax laws related to foreign assets and income, such as FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) and FBARs (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) and GILTI (Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income).
  • International Estate & Asset Planning: Advising on the tax consequences and planning considerations for international assets, investments, and transactions.
  • Taxation of Foreigners: Ensuring compliance for foreigners with U.S. income and assets.
  • International Counsel: Providing legal assistance for all areas of cross-border business and investment.
  • Entering the U.S. Business Market: Counseling foreign businesses on acquiring or expanding operations in the U.S., including structuring, compliance, and ongoing obligations.
• Tax Controversy: Hone Maxwell LLP represents individuals and businesses in disputes with federal, international, state, and local taxing agencies. This practice area includes:
  • Tax Audits: Representing clients during IRS audits and appeals, as well as audits by California state taxing agencies (Franchise Tax Board (FTB), Employment Development Department (EDD), and Board of Equalization (BOE)).
  • Tax Debts: Negotiating settlements (Offers in Compromise), installment agreements, and resolving tax levies and liens to provide tax debt relief.
  • Tax Problems: Addressing issues like unfiled tax returns, tax notices, and penalty abatements.
  • Criminal Tax: Providing defense against accusations of tax evasion, tax fraud, and false tax returns, including IRS criminal investigations and prosecutions.
  • Amnesty Programs & Noncompliance Options: Guiding taxpayers through various IRS programs for delinquent reporting and payment, such as Voluntary Disclosures and Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures.
  • Trust Fund Recovery Penalty: Assisting individuals facing this penalty.
  • IRS Whistleblower Claims: Providing legal support for whistleblowers.
• Corporate and Transactional Law: The firm offers a broad array of services for businesses, including:
  • Incorporation and business formation.
  • Contract negotiation and structuring.
  • Due diligence for business acquisitions.
  • Counseling throughout all stages of business acquisition and formation.
• State Tax Law: Ensuring compliance with California income tax, sales tax, and payroll tax laws, and representing clients in state tax audits and controversies.

Hone Maxwell LLP is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore its expertise and client-focused approach in the specialized fields of tax and business law:

• Deep Tax and Accounting Expertise: Both founding partners, Aubrey Hone and Josh Maxwell, have backgrounds in accounting and are highly experienced tax attorneys. Josh Maxwell is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). This unique combination allows the firm to offer detailed, nuanced services that look beyond just the legal aspects to the underlying financial realities of their clients' situations.
• Specialization in International Tax: A significant highlight is the firm's profound expertise in international tax law and compliance. They are leading authorities on FATCA compliance, FBAR reporting, and guiding individuals and businesses through the complexities of cross-border transactions and investments, especially for clients with ties to Asia and Mexico.
• Proven Track Record in Tax Controversy: The firm has a strong record of successfully resolving tax problems for clients, whether stemming from mistakes or alleged misconduct. This includes navigating IRS criminal investigations, offshore voluntary disclosures, audits, appeals, and collections matters with both federal and California state taxing agencies.
• Bilingual and Culturally Competent Service: Hone Maxwell LLP prides itself on delivering personalized, responsive client service in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. This multilingual capability and cultural understanding are invaluable for their diverse international clientele, particularly those with connections to Mexico and Asian markets.
• Global Presence and Relationships: Beyond their San Francisco office, the firm has offices in San Diego, Tijuana (Mexico), and Singapore. This physical presence and strong relationships with accounting firms and legal colleagues in these regions demonstrate their commitment to serving clients engaged in international business.
• Recognized by "Best Lawyers in America" and "Super Lawyers": Managing Partner Josh Maxwell was named to the "2025 Best Lawyers in America" list for his tax law practice and has been recognized as a "San Diego Super Lawyer." These accolades are significant peer recognitions of his professional excellence and high level of competence.
• Thought Leadership and Publications: The attorneys at Hone Maxwell LLP are prolific writers and sought-after speakers on tax law updates, contributing to leading publications like Tax Notes and engaging in seminars globally. This indicates their active role in shaping discourse and staying at the forefront of legal developments.
• Client-Centric and Relationship-Focused: The firm was founded on the principle that relationships and experience matter. They prioritize building strong connections with clients, partners, and communities to understand unique situations and deliver solutions that minimize risk and promote growth.

In the highly specialized and complex field of tax and business law, especially with an international focus, law firms like Hone Maxwell LLP typically do not offer general public "promotions or special offers" in the traditional sense. The services they provide are highly tailored to individual and business needs, and their fees reflect the intricate nature and high value of the counsel provided.

However, it is a standard professional practice for firms of this caliber to engage in initial consultations with prospective clients. While the provided information does not explicitly state that Hone Maxwell LLP offers a free initial consultation, it is common for individuals and businesses seeking their expertise to have a preliminary discussion. This initial contact is crucial for Californians to:

• Discuss the specifics of their tax controversy, international tax compliance issue, or business transactional needs.
• Receive an initial assessment of their situation and potential legal strategies.
• Understand the firm's approach and how their specialized expertise can apply to the client's unique circumstances.
• Inquire about the firm's fee structure and how costs will be managed for their specific legal matter.

Prospective clients are strongly encouraged to contact Hone Maxwell LLP directly via phone to schedule such a consultation and gain clarity on their options and the firm's service model. This direct communication is the most effective way to ascertain how the firm can assist with their specific and often sensitive tax or business law requirements.

For individuals and businesses in California and globally seeking highly specialized legal counsel in federal, international, state, and local tax law, as well as corporate and transactional matters, Hone Maxwell LLP can be reached through their San Francisco office:

Address: 870 Market St #588, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA

Phone: (415) 765-1754

Mobile Phone: +1 415-765-1754

It is advisable to contact the firm during standard business hours to schedule a consultation or to make inquiries regarding their specialized legal services. Their accessible San Francisco location, combined with offices in San Diego, Tijuana, and Singapore, reflects their broad reach and commitment to serving a diverse client base.

For Californians navigating the complexities of tax law, particularly those with international dimensions, or businesses engaging in cross-border transactions, Hone Maxwell LLP stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly advantageous legal resource. The firm’s profound specialization, combined with a client-focused approach, makes it an ideal choice for local residents and businesses.

Firstly, the firm’s deep expertise in both domestic and international tax law is a critical asset for Californians. In a state with a significant number of international businesses, residents with foreign assets, and complex state tax regulations, having attorneys who are masters of areas like FATCA, FBAR, and state tax controversies is invaluable. The partners' backgrounds in accounting further enhance their ability to provide comprehensive and financially astute legal advice, helping clients proactively plan and react effectively to challenging tax situations. For locals, this means peace of mind knowing their intricate tax matters are handled by highly qualified specialists.

Secondly, Hone Maxwell LLP's proven track record in tax controversy, including defense against IRS criminal investigations, audits, and collections, provides a crucial layer of security. Californians facing a tax dispute with federal or state agencies can rely on the firm's experience to navigate these often stressful and high-stakes situations, working towards favorable resolutions whether through negotiation, offers in compromise, or litigation. Their knowledge of various IRS amnesty programs further assists those seeking to correct past non-compliance.

Furthermore, the firm’s multilingual capabilities (English, Spanish, Mandarin) and global presence, particularly their strong ties to Mexico and Asia, make them exceptionally well-suited for California’s diverse population and economy. This cultural competence and international reach mean that clients with cross-border business or personal financial interests receive not just legal advice, but advice that understands and respects cultural nuances and international business practices.

Finally, the firm's commitment to personalized and responsive client service ensures that Californians receive the individualized attention their unique situations demand. The accessible San Francisco location further solidifies their role as a convenient and trusted local partner for anyone needing expert guidance in the intricate world of tax and business law. Hone Maxwell LLP truly offers a sophisticated and practical approach to legal challenges for the California community.