EY Tax Leader Joins McCarter & English In NJ
Michael Puzyk
A former senior manager of EY’s state and local tax group is bringing his expertise in New Jersey tax law to McCarter & English LLP, the firm announced Tuesday.
Partner Michael Puzyk, a nearly 15-year veteran of his previous firm, is joining McCarter in Newark, New Jersey, one of three offices the firm has in the Garden State. The office’s leader, fellow tax attorney Timothy M. Ferges, was appointed to lead McCarter’s tax, employee benefits and private clients practice group.
In a statement, Puzyk called it “the opportunity of a lifetime to be joining some of the most influential tax attorneys in New Jersey.”
Puzyk said he has long admired one of McCarter’s other prominent New Jersey tax attorneys, New Brunswick office managing partner Michael Guariglia, whom he called “well-known to be the go-to tax attorney in the state.”
“I look forward to his mentorship and being able to carry the torch with him at the firm,” Puzyk added. “McCarter & English’s reputation in the Garden State is second-to-none; I’m looking forward to making a positive contribution to the firm and its clients.”
His move comes as New Jersey taxpayers prepare for anticipated corporate income taxation, combined reporting and rules related to taxpayers’ digital footprint. The upcoming changes include the phasing out of the sales and use tax exemption for zero-emission vehicle sales, which the New Jersey Division of Taxation said will begin to be phased out in October.
Puzyk has worked alongside the division on technical matters for years, according to McCarter. He focuses on New Jersey tax matters like income, employment, sales and use, gross receipts, franchise and property taxes.
Puzyk also advises on compliance, financial reporting, and strategic corporate matters such as business restructurings, mergers, acquisitions, and dispositions. His clients come from industries like financial services, manufacturing, life sciences, consumer products and professional services.
“Michael is an asset to our tax and benefits group,” firmwide managing partner Joseph Boccassini said in a statement. “He provides incredible depth of knowledge in New Jersey and state and local tax law, which combined with his business savvy, makes him a strong advocate for his clients and a trusted advisor. We’re thrilled he’s joined our team.”
Puzyk earned his law degree from University of Southern California’s Law School.
“Michael brings a deep understanding of state and local taxation, not just in New Jersey, but nationwide. We’re thrilled he will bring his tremendous skillset to our group and our firm,” Timothy M. Ferges, the chair of McCarter’s tax, employee benefits, trusts, estates and private clients practice group, said in a statement. “Bringing a standout attorney like Michael on board strengthens our already robust tax practice and our capabilities in state and local tax. Michael’s addition underscores our commitment to this practice area and to our clients nationwide.”
—Editing by Marygrace Anderson and Tim Ruel.
