Donna F. Hartl

When most people read tax law, they see it as being black and white. But Donna, who has decades of experience dealing with complex tax disputes, reads it as all shades of gray. Drawing on her experience as a Certified Public Accountant, Donna understands the seriousness of tax matters, as well as the sensitive nature of the issues involved. She knows how to navigate the intricacies of the ever-changing laws and regulations and often relies on her creativity to take advantage of areas that aren’t clear. And other than property tax deductions, if it has the word “tax” in it, Donna is your go-to for all things tax, including income tax, sales tax, tobacco and use tax, especially if the IRS is knocking on your door. Donna knows the rules and the system, and understands there is a very definitive and methodical way to deal with the IRS when there is a dispute. She helps clients handle past problematic events and creates plans for their futures. Donna also advises on succession planning, administration and transfer of assets, estate and gift tax returns and minor and adult guardianships.

Services

• Tax Law
• Estate Planning
• Probate & Trust Administration
• Wealth Transfer & Succession Planning
• Probate, Trust & Guardianship Litigation

1. Loyola University Chicago School of Law, J.D.
2. North Central College of Naperville, B.A., Political Science & Accounting

Bar Admissions

1. Illinois

Court Admissions

1. U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
2. U.S. Tax Court
3. U.S. Court of Claims, Washington, D.C.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Named an Illinois Leading Lawyers Network as a Top Lawyer for Tax: Business, Tax: Individual (2021-2024) and Trust/Will/Estate (2021-2024)
• Selected by Leading Lawyers Network as a Top Lawyer for Elder & Estate Planning, Chicago (2020, 2021); Personal Finance (2021); Women Leaders (2023)
• Selected as an Illinois Leading Lawyer, Top-100 Women Business Lawyers (2020)
• Selected by Leading Lawyers Network as a Top-10 Personal Tax Lawyer in Illinois (2019, 2021) 
• Selected as an "Illinois Super Lawyer" by Illinois Super Lawyers magazine

Professional Affiliations

• American Bar Association
• Illinois State Bar Association, Federal Taxation Council member
• Chicago Bar Association
• Chicago Estate Planning Council
• American Institute of CPAs
• Illinois CPA Society