Robert Bloink, Esq., LL.M.

About the Author

Robert Bloink, Esq., LL.M.

Robert Bloink is a professor of tax for the Graduate Program of International Tax and Financial Services, Thomas Jefferson School of Law.

Previously, he served as Senior Attorney in the IRS Office of Chief Counsel, Large and Mid-Sized Business Division, where he litigated many cases in the U.S. Tax Court, served as Liaison Counsel for the Offshore Compliance Technical Assistance Program, coordinated examination programs audit teams on the development of issues for large corporate taxpayers, and taught continuing education seminars to Senior Revenue Agents involved in Large Case Exams. In his governmental capacity, Mr. Bloink became recognized as an expert in the taxation of financial structured products and was responsible for the IRS’ first FSA addressing variable forward contracts. Mr. Bloink’s core competencies led to his involvement in prosecuting some of the biggest corporate tax shelters in the history or our country.

 

Mr. Bloink's insurance practice incorporates sophisticated wealth transfer techniques, as well as counseling institutions in the context of their insurance portfolios and other mortality based exposures. 

• Will 2013 See the Demise of Donor-Advised Funds?

  By William H. Byrnes, Esq., Robert Bloink, Esq., LL.M.  |  July 5, 2012

  Charitable deductions are a hot topic in this year’s tax reform debates, but donor-advised funds have been singled out for potential elimination in 2013.

• Whole Life Policies: Tapping Cash Value as Alternative to Equity Investing

  By William H. Byrnes, Esq., Robert Bloink, Esq., LL.M.  |  July 3, 2012

  Whole life insurance has taken the spotlight as investors seek secure alternatives to rocky equity markets. An advisor’s guidance can be critical in determining whether a whole life policy is a smart investment for any given client.

• Taking Back Control: Living Wills and Beyond

  By Robert Bloink, Esq., LL.M., William H. Byrnes, Esq.  |  June 21, 2012

  On the surface, living wills might seem as if they allow your clients to control the course of their medical treatment if they become incapacitated. In reality, the living will might provide a false sense of security.

• Unintended Consequences of the HIT: Eliminating Health Coverage in Small Businesses

  By William H. Byrnes, Esq., Robert Bloink, Esq., LL.M.  |  June 13, 2012

  The new health care reform legislation contains a tax that could spell the end of employer-sponsored health coverage for many small-business employees.

• Post-Retirement Health Care: A Quarter-Million-Dollar Dilemma

  By Robert Bloink, Esq., LL.M., William H. Byrnes, Esq.  |  May 25, 2012

  Many of your clients retiring this year are likely to incur about $240,000 per couple in out-of-pocket health care expenses during retirement. How do you advise them to cover these expenses on a fixed income?

• Don’t Risk It: Hybrid Policies Can Reduce the Risks in Long-Term Care

  By Robert Bloink, Esq., LL.M., William H. Byrnes, Esq.  |  May 18, 2012

  You can help these clients avoid overpaying for long-term care by using a life insurance policy to provide coverage in the event that long-term care is needed, while simultaneously preserving your client’s estate if the need for care does not arise.

• Will Wandry Forever Eliminate IRS Valuation Arguments?

  By William H. Byrnes, Esq., Robert Bloink, Esq., LL.M.  |  May 10, 2012

  Valuing minority interests in a family-owned business can present a significant challenge to owners looking to take advantage of today’s high gift tax exclusion.

• Double Down on Tax Benefits With HSAs

  By Robert Bloink, Esq., LL.M., William H. Byrnes, Esq.  |  May 3, 2012

  In today’s uncertain tax environment, health savings can be as important as an actual retirement account to your client’s financial security.

• When Should Clients Start Claiming Social Security Benefits?

  By William H. Byrnes, Esq., Robert Bloink, Esq., LL.M.  |  April 27, 2012

  Claim right away or wait? Your advice to clients can make all the difference. Here’s what to consider.

• Overfunded Roth IRAs: Shelter for the Upper Middle Class?

  By Robert Bloink, Esq., LL.M., William H. Byrnes, Esq.  |  April 19, 2012

  The impending 3.8% tax on investment income scheduled to become effective in 2013 may have your upper-middle-class clients scrambling to find ways to reinvest their funds.