Thomas M. Atherton

Profile

Thomas Atherton is a partner in the Tax Group and the Business Services Group. With more than 30 years of experience, Mr. Atherton is a leading legal authority on property tax issues, having worked extensively on these matters both in Indiana and Illinois. He has been nationally recognized for his efforts in property tax issues. Most notably, Mr. Atherton was lead counsel in the seminal  Town of St. John vs. State Board of Tax Commissioners case, which resulted in the Indiana Supreme Court striking down the Indiana real property system, producing a complete overhaul of Indiana's property tax system.

Mr. Atherton's practice encompasses all aspects of property tax, including advocating for constitutional safeguards regarding methods of taxation, representing taxpayers in connection with property tax disputes and assisting clients in formulating tax plans. He represents a wide variety of taxpayers, both publicly and privately owned, including utilities, auto plants, steel mills, refineries, manufacturing facilities, commercial properties and multi-family residential developments. Mr. Atherton frequently speaks and writes about property taxes and related issues.

Honors / Awards

1996 Indiana Civil Liberties Union Cooperating Attorney Award

Appearances / Publications

Mr. Atherton speaks frequently on property tax issues, and has participated in many continuing legal education seminars. Some of the organizations to which he has presented include:  the Indiana Property Tax Institute, the National Conference of State Tax Judges, International Association of Assessing Officers, Institute of Professionals in Taxation, American Bar Association, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum, Chicago Tax Club, and the Indiana Chapter of the Appraisal Institute.

Appointments / Memberships

Member: Indianapolis and Indiana State Bar Associations; International Association of Assessing Officers (ad hoc member of legal committee); Indiana Manufacturers Association (Tax Committee); Taxpayers Federation of Illinois Board of Trustees