Michael Sardar, Tax Litigation Attorney in New York
New, NY
Trusted tax litigation attorney serving New York.
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Quick answer
Michael Sardar is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Tax Litigation.
- Based in
- New York, NEW YORK
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Tax Litigation
- Handles Tax Litigation matters from New York, NEW YORK.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Litigation and Controversy - Tax (2026).
About Michael Sardar: Michael Sardar is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Tax Litigation.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael Sardar
Michael concentrates on tax litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Tax Litigation cases in New York
Michael takes tax litigation matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Michael Sardar — Attorney of New York tax litigation experience
Michael Sardar is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Tax Litigation.
Michael Sardar has extensive experience on a wide range of tax controversy and white collar criminal defense matters. Mr. Sardar represents clients in all stages of civil and criminal tax controversies before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), state tax authorities, the Department of Justice, and local prosecutors.
Mr. Sardar also represents and advises taxpayers facing audits and investigations of noncompliance with IRS foreign bank and asset reporting requirements, utilizing his skill, creative thinking, and deep knowledge of the law in this area. In addition, Mr. Sardar has a great deal of experience representing corporate and individual taxpayers making voluntary disclosures of unreported income to the IRS and state tax authorities. He has also represented scores of clients with unreported foreign assets, enabling the repatriation of over half a billion dollars of offshore assets through the IRS Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program, the Streamlined Compliance Procedures, and the IRS’ current Voluntary Disclosure Practice.
Mr. Sardar represents clients in criminal tax investigations, including those involving allegations of willful nondisclosure of foreign bank accounts and under-reporting of income. He also represents clients in various white collar criminal matters, such as customs fraud and bank fraud, and he advises clients in connection with internal investigations regarding corporate and entity noncompliance. Mr. Sardar represents taxpayers in New York State and City residency audits and investigations, including those involving the sourcing of income for multi-state taxpayers, and he has represented clients in connection with tax investigations conducted by the New York State Attorney General’s Office. Mr. Sardar has also advised many nonprofit organizations on federal and state tax issues including general tax exemption and Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT).
Mr. Sardar joined Kostelanetz LLP in 2009 and was named partner in January 2019. Prior to joining Kostelanetz, Mr. Sardar was an attorney with Heller Ehrman LLP, where his practice was focused on transactional tax matters.
Mr. Sardar graduated summa cum laude from Baruch College in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and received his law degree from Cornell University Law School in 2007.
Michael's approach to tax litigation cases
Michael Sardar has extensive experience on a wide range of tax controversy and white collar criminal defense matters. Mr. Sardar represents clients in all stages of civil and criminal tax controversies before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), state tax authorities, the Department of Justice, and local prosecutors. Mr. Sardar also represents and advises taxpayers facing audits and investigations…
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for tax litigation matters across New York.
Credentials
Michael Sardar's legal education and bar admissions
Cornell University
JD · 2007
Baruch College
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Michael studied at JD in Cornell University and — in Baruch College.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed JD in Cornell University and — in Baruch College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael Sardar
Michael has received 6 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation and Controversy - Tax
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation and Controversy - Tax (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation (2026).
Locations
Michael Sardar's office in New York
Michael's primary office is at 250 Greenwich Street, New York, New York, 10007. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael Sardar
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael Sardar — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new tax litigation attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a tax litigation attorney in New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many tax litigation matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in tax litigation practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every tax litigation matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many tax litigation practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael Sardar
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a tax litigation case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some tax litigation attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do tax litigation cases in New York typically take?
Simple tax litigation matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside New York?
Michael is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new tax litigation clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Tax Litigation attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York
Michael handles tax litigation matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified tax litigation attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated tax litigation attorneys in New York
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these tax litigation attorneys in New York handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
