Tekla Modebadze

Tekla Modebadze is an internationally trained attorney focused on U.S. tax controversy, white collar defense, and strategic cross-border tax planning. With a practice grounded in both technical precision and practical advocacy, she advises clients at the intersection of tax law, regulatory enforcement, and international compliance.

Tekla has extensive experience representing individuals and businesses before the Internal Revenue Service in all phases of audit, administrative appeals, and collection proceedings. She routinely handles matters involving IRS Criminal Investigations, Department of Justice prosecutions, and U.S. Tax Court litigation. Her background includes complex cases involving expatriation, FBAR enforcement, and multi-jurisdictional tax exposure.

Her deep understanding of the Internal Revenue Code, international tax reporting regimes, and federal criminal procedure enables her to manage sensitive tax disputes with accuracy, discretion, and strategic foresight. Known for her detail-driven approach and global perspective, Tekla works closely with clients navigating high-stakes tax and regulatory challenges in both domestic and international contexts.

Practice Areas Include:

• Federal Tax Controversy & Litigation
• IRS audit representation (examinations, appeals, and U.S. Tax Court)
• IRS Appeals & Protest Letters
• U.S. Tax Court petitions and litigation
• Installment Agreements and Penalty Abatement
• Innocent Spouse Relief petitions
• IRS Passport Revocation defense
• EFIN Revocation proceedings and federal complaints
• White Collar & Criminal Tax Defense
• IRS Criminal Investigations and pre-indictment strategy
• Defense in federal tax crime prosecutions
• Defense of Tax Return Preparers in civil and criminal matters
• Tax Compliance & International Reporting
• Foreign Tax Credit audits and compliance
• Offshore Voluntary Disclosure guidance
• Expatriation tax and compliance counseling
• Strategic Tax Planning & Advisory
• Tax planning
• Start-up tax strategy and entity structuring
• Nonprofit formation and tax-exempt status compliance