Shapiro Croland

Attorneys / Kenneth S. Apfel

Kenneth S. Apfel

Kenneth S. Apfel is the head of the firm’s Taxation Department and the Trusts, Estates and Wealth Management Department and is also a member of the Corporate and Commercial departments. Kenneth provides clients with expertise in all areas of federal taxation including, but not limited to, income tax planning for individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, and limited liability companies; estate and gift tax planning, including the drafting of wills, trusts and other documents relating to comprehensive planning programs; representation of clients before the Internal Revenue Service and the Tax Court in areas of income, estate and gift taxation; drafting and providing advice with respect to qualified retirement plans; and asset protection planning.

Kenneth has served as Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the Essex County Probate Committee, written numerous articles which have been published in Taxation For Lawyers, Taxation for Accountants, Journal of Taxation, New Jersey Tax Lawyer, Estate Planning, and he is the author of the chapter on Trusts presently in West’s Legal Business Forms. He has also lectured extensively before various professional groups, such as the New Jersey Society of CPAs, County CPA Societies, and insurance companies. Kenneth is a Certified Public Accountant and has his Masters in Taxation from NYU Graduate School of Law. Kenneth is a member of both the New Jersey and New York Bars.

Kenneth S. Apfel is the head of the firm’s Taxation Department and the Trusts, Estates and Wealth Management Department and is also a member of the Corporate and Commercial departments. Kenneth provides clients with expertise in all areas of federal taxation including, but not limited to, income tax planning for individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, and limited liability companies; estate and gift tax planning, including the drafting of wills, trusts and other documents relating to comprehensive planning programs; representation of clients before the Internal Revenue Service and the Tax Court in areas of income, estate and gift taxation; drafting and providing advice with respect to qualified retirement plans; and asset protection planning.

Kenneth has served as Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the Essex County Probate Committee, written numerous articles which have been published in Taxation For Lawyers, Taxation for Accountants, Journal of Taxation, New Jersey Tax Lawyer, Estate Planning, and he is the author of the chapter on Trusts presently in West’s Legal Business Forms. He has also lectured extensively before various professional groups, such as the New Jersey Society of CPAs, County CPA Societies, and insurance companies. Kenneth is a Certified Public Accountant and has his Masters in Taxation from NYU Graduate School of Law. Kenneth is a member of both the New Jersey and New York Bars.

  • LL.M (Taxation), New York University School of Law (1978)
  • J.D., Brooklyn Law School (1974)
  • B.S., Syracuse University (1969)

Corporate Law; Closely Held Corporations; Corporate Contracts; Corporate Dissolutions; Corporate Commercial Law; Corporate Finance; Corporate Formation; Corporate Governance; Corporate Income Tax; Corporate Organization; Corporate Partnerships; Corporate Planning; Corporate Reorganization; Corporate Successions; Corporate Tax Controversies; Corporate Tax Planning; Family Corporations; Incorporation; Nonprofit Corporations; Professional Corporations; S Corporations; Small Business Corporations; Federal Estate and Gift Taxation; Federal Income Tax; Federal Tax Controversies; Fiduciary Income Tax; Generation Skipping Tax; Individual Taxation; Inheritance Tax; Like Kind Exchanges; Sales and Use Tax; State Income Tax; Tax Appeals; Tax Audits; Tax Controversies; Tax Evasion; Tax Planning; Trusts and Estates Taxation.

  • State of New Jersey
  • State of New York
  • United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York
  • New Jersey Super Lawyer (2018)New Jersey Super Lawyer (2008 & 2009)

    “AV” Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell (2017-2019)

    Certified Public Accountant, New York, 1975

Has lectured extensively before various professional groups, such as the New Jersey Society of CPAs, County CPA Societies and insurance companies.

 

Articles & Publications

  • Author, Chapter 57 Trusts, New Jersey Legal Forms (1996 through present)
  • Co-Author, Economic Recovery Tax Act, New Jersey Lawyer (Spring 1982)
  • Author, Domestic Relation Law After the Tax Reform Act of 1984, New Jersey Law Journal, (October 18, 1984)
  • Author, West’s Legal Forms – Domestic Relation Forms (1984-1985)
  • Co-Author, Electing Subchapter S Status Under the 1986 Internal Revenue Code, The Journal of Taxation (August, 1987)
  • Co-Author, AMT Increases Advantage of Cross-Purchase Agreement over Redemption Agreements, Taxation for Accountants (December 1989) and Taxation for Lawyers, (January/February 1990)
  • Co-Author, 401(k) Plans Still Flexible Despite Antibias Rules, Taxation for Accountants (July, 1991)
  • Co-Author, Stock Appreciation Rights Offer Flexibility, Benefits, Taxation for Lawyers (January, 1993)
  • Co-Author, Special Use Valuations Covers Business, As Well As Farm, Realty, Estate Planning (March/April, 1993)
  • Former Vice Chairman and Chairman, Essex County Probate Committee (1989 and 1990)
  • Instructor, Federal Income Tax, Fairleigh Dickinson University Graduate School (1985-1990)
  • Member, New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, New Jersey State Bar Association

Ken is the utmost expert in his field. His experience is unparalleled and his attention to detail is unsurpassed. He absolutely protects his clients. I am very proud to know him and would encourage anyone who needs estate and tax legal advice to use him! Steven Goldenberg Senior Mortgage Banker at MCS Mortgage Bankers, Inc. June 30, 2011 -From LinkedIn

Ken Apfel is one of the finest attorneys I have ever worked with. He has provided expert advice on business issues between partners that have provided excellent & promising results. Ken has always been available for legal counsel and follows up until the situation is resolved. David DeOliveira Owner at Chiropractic For Wellness September 7, 2010 -From LinkedIn

Choosing three attributes that best describe Ken’s work is hard because he truly delivers well on all of the choices from Great Results to Creative with in my case, out of the box solutions to what are typically cookie cutter solution problems. You can’t throw out the other attributes Personable,Good value,On Time and High Integrity as he delivers on all of them. Richard Bogen Managing Partner at CI Investors LLC August 26, 2010 -From LinkedIn

Ken has an excellent grasp of the issues surrounding estate planning and has made himself available to my wife and me for follow up questions. He also proactively reached out to his clients this year to discuss the expiration of the estate tax this year. I highly recommend Ken. Paul Livingstone Senior Managing Director at Assured Guaranty August 10, 2010 -From LinkedIn

Ken keeps to the issue, is attentive and to the point. Has a keen business sense that gives him an edge. Has a strong technical skills, and understanding of the circumstances. Explains issues very clearly and is results driven. A good team player. Francis C. De Vito Managing Member at DeVito & Co., LLC August 2, 2010 -From LinkedIn

I have trusted Ken with my business and family legal matters for well over a decade. He continues to represent my business today because I value his legal competency and his judgment. There are several attributes about Ken that make his counsel stand out: he understands the finer points about a small business and what drives entrepreneurs, knows how to bring together a team of specialists to solve problems and has the experience necessary to offer sound legal advice with a practical consideration of alternatives. I highly recommend Ken and his firm. John Fitzgerald Managing Partner Fitzgerald Brunetti International July 30, 2010 -From LinkedIn

I have known Ken for several years and I use him frequently as a source of information. Ken is the “go-to” estate lawyer for our firm for the many tax/estate questions that arise in our matrimonial cases. I also do not hesitate to refer a client who needs his services because Ken is an authority on estate and tax law. He is well respected by the local bar and can solve even the toughest problems for his clients. In the complicated field of tax and estate planning, you need a super lawyer in your corner and that’s why I trust Ken explicitly. Jennifer Bretz Esq. Arons & Solomon P.A. January 30, 2015 -From AVVO.com I have worked with Kenneth Apfel, Esq. on numerous matters involving complex estate litigation matters and related tax/accounting issues and have the utmost respect for his intelligence, knowledge, practicality and ethical approach to problem solving. Victoria Pekerman Attorney at Shapiro & Croland March 16, 2012 -From LinkedIn

Kenneth, was instrumental in helping me rewrite my estate plan. He possesses extensive knowledge, is patient, and willing to explain the more complex concepts. Kenneth makes the process of writing a will and addressing ones estate plans an easy process. I highly recommend Kenneth and his firm.

Alida Reyes Alida Reyes, ABR, SFR, SRES, e-PRO, CNE, PHR LICENSED IN NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY January 11, 2011 -From LinkedIn

Ken is the consummate tax law professional. He brings his extensive experience and energy to bear on challenges, offering innovative solutions while remaining mindful of budgetary issues. I recommend Ken without reservation. Michael Stewart Member at Peri & Stewart, LLC October 18, 2010 -From LinkedIn

Ken’s work is top notch. He is thoughtful, conscientious, creative and extremely knowledgeable in all tax matters. I have not only involved him on matters that I am working on, I have referred him to friends and family as well. I recommend Ken without hesitation. Meridith Bronson Family Law Attorney/Greenbaum Rowe Smith & Davis July 31, 2010 -From LinkedIn Ken is very effective in his ability to efficiently analyze and understand a situation, and follow with a suggested course of action. He also possesses significant knowledge on a broad range of topics. Michael Byl Consultant Asset Management and Financial Services July 30, 2010 -From LinkedIn

Ken is a great resource for my clients. Most businesses do not survive the death of the principle. They may have the wisest insurance program in place, but the benefits may only add to the confusion upon the death of the principle or partner. The clients I have referred to Ken were extremely impressed with his knowledge and skill. Most of my clients actually report sleeping better at night knowing that their directives will help their families and businesses prosper even when they are gone. Ken will keep the IRS and your in-laws out of your pocket. Frank Kennedy Senior Marketing Executive at Scirocco Group July 29, 2010 -From LinkedIn

Kenneth is one of the most professional attorneys I have ever had the pleasure of working with. His attention to the needs and requirements of his clients is second to none. Alberta Ceres-Buda Broker Sales Associate at ERA A.J. Cali Real Estate July 29, 2010 -From LinkedIn

Ken’s detailed knowledge in his area of expertise, matched with his business sense and ability to listen to his clients objectives and concerns ;makes him an outstanding adviser . His ability to execute in a timely, effective manner, working individually and /or with others: delivers results with integrity. Gary Podhaizer Executive Director Business Development:Optical Tura Inc Septemebr 12, 2010 -From LinkedIn I have a law and accounting degree. I engaged Ken Apfel to prepare my parents estate plan and could not have been more pleased with his knowledge, demeanor, and responsiveness. I continue to recommend Ken Apfel to my friends and associates every chance I get. Joseph Slezer Volunteer -From LinkedIn

Ken assisted my wife and I in creating wills that would pass the maximum amount of our estate to our heirs with a minimum of taxation. His knowledge in that area is impressive. He also created Living Wills for us at the same time. He did an outstanding job for us and we were extremely pleased with his work. Gerardo Chirico Owner, GJC Consulting LLC July 29, 2010 -From LinkedIn Ken performed services for my company many times and I was always very satisfied with the work performed by his law firm. Barry Lewisohn Independent Financial Services Professional July 29, 2010 -From LinkedIn

Inquire for references