Meghan Biss joined Caplin & Drysdale's Exempt Organizations practice group in January 2018 after more than a decade with the Internal Revenue Service. She draws on that experience to help charities, other tax-exempt organizations, and donors navigate IRS processes and achieve their programmatic and philanthropic goals.
Highlights
Serving as the sole technical advisor to the Director of Exempt Organizations at the IRS from 2015 to 2018, she advised on all matters involving tax-exempt organizations, including an overhaul of the application process and enhancements to the data-driven approach to examinations. Ms. Biss played a critical role in drafting administrative policies and procedures implemented pursuant to congressional recommendations and worked closely with the IRS Commissioner’s Office on its report to Congress on these measures, as well as on other projects.
Ms. Biss collaborated with IRS Chief Counsel and the Treasury Department in the development of regulations and guidance on donor-advised funds, supporting organizations, equivalency determinations, and political campaign intervention activities. She worked closely with IRS Division Counsel and the Department of Justice on exempt organization litigation. In addition, Ms. Biss oversaw the implementation of legislation impacting tax-exempt organizations, and she represented Exempt Organizations in interactions with congressional committees, the inspector general’s office, and other federal agencies.
Earlier in her government career, Ms. Biss worked on a broad range of issues, including disaster relief, unrelated business income tax (UBIT), excess benefit transactions, charter schools and private schools, and environmental issues.
Ms. Biss is a frequent speaker on legal matters pertaining to exempt organizations. Before going to law school, Ms. Biss worked in corporate recovery of insurance proceeds for claims arising from environmental contamination.
Admissions & Education
Bar & Court Admissions
- District of Columbia
- Maryland
Education
J.D., American University Washington College of Law, 2007, cum laude, Moot Court Honor Society (ABA National Appellate Advocay Competition Award for National Best Brief)
B.S., Theater Arts, Frostburg State University, 2001
Recognitions & Noteworthy
Honors & Recognitions
- Commissioner’s Award, Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act 529A and Certified Professional Employer Organization (CPEO) Implementation Team, May 2017
- Distinguished Service Award, Tax Exempt and Government Entities, January 2018
Government Service
Senior Technical Advisor to the Director of Exempt Organizations, Internal Revenue Service, 2012-2018
Tax Law Specialist, Internal Revenue Service, 2009-2012
Presidential Management Fellow, Internal Revenue Service, 2007-2009
Special Attorney, Tax Division, Civil Appellate Section, U.S. Department of Justice, 2008
Professional Activities & Affiliations
Other Professional Affiliations
Member, Caplin & Drysdale’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
Member, American Bar Association
