Transfer Pricing Controversy – The Tax Director’s View

Chris leads the tax controversy team at Airbnb, where his practice is focused on advising the company on complex corporate and international tax issues with a focus on tax controversy based on his experience at a global law firm and the IRS. Chris earned his J.D. and LL.M. in tax from Georgetown University before joining Baker & McKenzie's Palo Alto office, where his practice focused on tax controversy and tax planning with an emphasis on international tax issues. Chris spent the next six years at the IRS, both in the Small Business/Self-Employed (SB/SE) and Large Business and International (LB&I) groups, where he litigated issues including transfer pricing, fraud, and R&D credits, advised exam on technical tax issues, and coordinated tax policy issues with IRS national office. Chris is now Director, Tax Controversy at Airbnb where he leads all US federal audits, SALT and indirect tax audits, tax litigation, and also coordinates the company's global responses and strategy for all non-US tax controversies.

Melissa is the global head of transfer pricing and tax controversy at CBRE. Prior to joining CBRE, Melissa practiced at various law and accounting firms in the area of tax disputes and transfer pricing. She is an economist and has a particular focus on transfer pricing dispute resolution and intangible property. Her recent experience includes negotiating transfer pricing settlements in diverted profits and tax fraud investigations.