Overview

Erik VanderWeyden brings 13 years of innovative tax controversy experience to Ayar Law, where he specializes in resolving complex disputes with the IRS and state tax authorities. His practice focuses on creative approaches to tax resolution, including Offers in Compromise, penalty abatement, and defense against Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP) claims.
With a proven track record of success in high-stakes tax matters, Erik has negotiated multi-million dollar settlements, defended businesses against crippling payroll tax assessments, and secured substantial penalty reductions for clients with international tax exposure. His approach combines technical expertise with strategic thinking to identify unconventional solutions that others might overlook.
Before joining Ayar Law, Erik built a reputation for developing novel legal strategies in tax controversy matters. His cross-disciplinary expertise in tax law and data privacy (as a Certified Information Privacy Manager) gives him unique insights into the increasingly complex intersection of tax compliance and information security.

Published In

Cybersecurity Threats to Critical Infrastructure – Florida Bar Journal (June 2023)

After TransUnion, Lower Courts Grapple with Article III Standing in Data Breach Lawsuits – American Bar Association (April 2022)

Why Law Firms Should Not Pay Ransomware Demands – Law.com (May 2022)

Recognized for Excellence

Best Lawyers in America – Ones to Watch:

Tax Law (2023 to Present)
Tax Law: Litigation & Controversy (2024 to Present)

Areas of Practice

Bar Admissions

Illinois (2012)
Michigan (pending)
U.S. Tax Court
Northern District of Illinois Federal District Court
Eastern District of Michigan Federal District Court (pending)

Professional Associations

American Bar Association Tax Section
Chicago Bar Association (YLS Federal Tax Section Chair)
International Association of Privacy Professionals (Certified Information Privacy Manager – CIPM)

Education

J.D., Michigan State University College of Law (2012)
B.A., Political Science, Michigan State University (2009)

Notable Successes

Erik has achieved remarkable results for clients facing seemingly insurmountable tax challenges:

Negotiated a $36 million individual federal tax liability down to less than $16 million through a strategically crafted Offer in Compromise
Successfully defended a restaurant conglomerate against millions in payroll tax assessments and Trust Fund Recovery Penalties while establishing a manageable payment plan.
Reduced a foreign partnership's tax liability by over $600,000 through innovative penalty abatement strategies

Erik VanderWeyden, JD

Senior Tax Attorney