John Michael Goralka

PRO

John Michael Goralka

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 37 years

Business Lawyer at Sacramento, CA
Practice Areas: Business, Estate Planning, Tax ... +2 more

4470 Duckhorn Drive, Sacramento, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

About John

Biography

Advanced tax planning for high-income earners, high-net-worth individuals and families, and lottery winners. Minimizing income tax, capital gains tax, and estate tax

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Business 20%

Business transactions including mergers, acquisitions and business sales. We successfully represented both buyers and sellers of both large and small businesses. Business transactions are tax sensitive and careful planning is needed to provide the best result from a tax, business and liability protection perspective.

20%
Corporate and Incorporation 20%

The selection of the appropriate entity is influenced by many factors including tax and other objectives. We can guide you through the selection of the best entity to minimize tax and protect your assets. We assist with the selection, formation and steps needed to keep your entity in good standing. We can utilize other state or foreign entities when appropriate to better protect your assets from claims or lawsuits.

20%
Estate Planning 20%

Estate planning including asset protection, elder law and medi-cal protection planning as well as advanced estate planning techniques to minimize or avoid estate tax

20%
Tax 20%

Tax litigation with the IRS, FTB, EDD and Board of Equalization to defend against income, franchise, corporate, sales and payroll taxes.

20%
Trusts 20%

Using revocable and irrevocable trusts for asset protection, medi-cal protection and advanced estate tax planing to minimize or avoid estate and transfer taxes.

20%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Licenses

Licensed in California for 37 years

State: California

Acquired: 1988

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Goralka Law Firm, PC

4470 Duckhorn Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95834

goralkalawfirm.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find John online.

John Michael Goralka's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

61 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | Tax

Posted by Ed and Paula | January 03, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Tax

Lawyer Extraordinaire

Initially we chose John Goralka to create our Trusts based on his expertise as a certified specialist in both estate planning and taxation, his prestigious accomplishments, and his stellar testimonials. Almost immediately we realized Johns' dedication to patiently listening to our needs and the c...ompassion he shared towards us and for his profession. John was able to protect our daughter from losing her government benefits while still receiving her inheritance. He and his team worked tirelessly and extremely well together. Each team member was on the same page and took ownership for their areas of expertise. Ed and Paula Grateful Clients

John Goralka

Replied last June 02, 2022

Ed and Paula, We are happy to hear that we did a good job for you and your family and thank you for your kind words about the dedication, patience and tireless work our team puts in for clients.

Posted by Carolyn | May 14, 2015 | Tax

2014 Taxes/ Family Trust & Estate Planning

I attended a Living Trust Seminar where John M. Goralko was the Speaker. I was so impressed with the way John was so knowledgeable, informative and easy to understand, that I had to make an appointment ASAP!! He helped complete my 2014 Taxes which was rather complicated and updated my Family Trust ...and Estate Planning which had not been done for 22 years. Whenever I thought to make changes, John would make suggestions and NEVER showed signs of impatience. He has not disappointed me in any way. He was always polite, extremely knowledgeable and his staff was also excellent to work with. I have recommended him to family and friends. I would highly recommend John and his staff to anyone who needs a great Lawyer.

John Goralka

Replied last June 02, 2022

Carolyn, We are fortunate that our firm can assist clients with both taxes and estate planning. Often, if not almost always, those two topics go hand-in-hand as you've experienced. Our goal is to help clients understand their options, the pros and cons of various decisions and offer patience along the way as you make your decisions. Thank you for recommending us to your family and friends.

Posted by Heather | October 12, 2014 | Tax

Excellent Service!

I received excellent service and much needed advice as I went through the process of creating my Trust. I highly recommend John Goralka for your Trust and Estate Tax Planning needs! You won't be disappointed.

John Goralka

Replied last June 02, 2022

Heather, We appreciate you for choosing our firm for your Trust and for recommending us to others.

Posted by Alan | August 10, 2014 | Tax

A positive experience!

Like most people we have put off writing our trust for years and have checked out many lawyers over that period of time until we went to a presentation by John. It was clear by his presentation that he knew trusts and he knew taxes. John also knew how to explain the entire process and consequences ...in understandable terms that also showed that he enjoyed what he was doing and took pride in the outcome. The office staff, like John were professional in a very friendly way and handled our trust in a very timely manner. Because of a upcoming trip out of the country, John went above and beyond when he met us on a Sunday for almost 4 hours in order to complete our trust prior to our departure date. A positive experience with a positive outcome!

John Goralka

Replied last June 02, 2022

Alan, Thank you for your positive review. Many people put off getting their trust done or updated, because until you meet with an experienced attorney, it can feel like a major undertaking. We're happy that you made the decision to get your trust done, and now you can rest a little easier.

Posted by Mike | June 18, 2014 | Tax

Difficult tax case and tax audit

While representing me during a very long and difficult tax case with the State of California and audit with the IRS, John was always very professional, thorough and competent in the areas of State and Federal tax law and procedures. He put all his expertise and energy into my case to affect a positiv...e outcome. In addition, Mr. Goralka always represented himself with the utmost integrity and honesty whether with other counsel, judges, or with outside experts and witnesses. While a tax audit and tax court case can also be emotionally challenging, John did a very fine job of assisting with the practical aspects of managing my disposition and emotions through some otherwise difficult times. In the end, he was able to reach a favorable settlement for me, often knowing what was best for me, even if I was not always aware what was best for myself. I would recommend Mr. Goralka and am available to speak to any prospective client that would like more information.

John Goralka

Replied last June 02, 2022

Mike, Thank you for writing your review and for sharing your experience with your tax audit. Dealing with the IRS and the State of California on an audit can emotionally challenging but getting through it with expert help is definitely the way to go. Thank you for recommending our firm to others.

See All Client Reviews

John Michael Goralka's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse John
John Paul Costello headshot
John Costello

Tax lawyer | Jan 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known John Goralka for 3 years and in that time, I have come to know him as a lawyer of the highest integrity and competence. John is a certified tax specialist which is a very rare designation to achieve. I also use John as a lawyer on my personal tax matters."

Craig Cox Weaver headshot
Craig Weaver

Probate lawyer | Dec 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had the pleasure of working on a number of cases with Mr. Goralka. He is a consummate professional and I believe he has the unique distinction of being the only attorney in Northern California to be a certified specialist by the State Bar Board of Legal Specialization in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law and Taxation Law. John genuinely cares for his clients and provides specially tailored services to meet each client’s individual needs. I have referred many clients to John and will continue to do so. John Goralka is a lawyer that you can trust."

Douglass S Lodmell headshot
Douglass Lodmell

Estate planning lawyer | Jul 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I wholeheartedly endorse John. I have worked with him as co-counsel and am delighted with the care and expertise he provides to clients. Mr. Goralka is a trusted and experienced attorney in the Sacramento area. Whether you are in need of a simple update to your existing planning, or have complex estate and business planning needs, John will provide you with excellent advice, service and support."

Kristin M. Kaminski headshot
Kristin Kaminski

Estate planning lawyer | Jul 13

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"John is an excellent attorney. His attention to detail and commitment to his clients and practice is outstanding. He is extremely knowledgeable in the field and takes the time to fully analyze each matter, no matter how unique and complex, he is presented. John and the whole law firm exhibit true professionalism with every client. I endorse this lawyer."

Alyssa T. Nguyen headshot
Alyssa Nguyen

Estate planning lawyer | Aug 14

Relationship: Co-worker

"I highly recommend John for all estate planning, business planning and transactions, and tax litigation matters. John is the only certified specialist in both taxation and estate planning, probate and trust administration in the Sacramento area, and he is the most qualified attorney to assist you with these matters. John is extremely knowledgeable in his practice areas and delivers only the best work product for his clients. I have worked with John for over 10 years and continue to learn from him every day. He is a great colleague, friend, and mentor."

Stephen George Wanderer headshot
Stephen Wanderer

Business lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"John Goralka is an experienced, knowledgeable and skilled attorney. He is an expert in business and estate planning matters, with a specialty in taxation law. I have personally worked with John on numerous complex litigation matters concerning business, real estate, trust, breach of contract, corporate, insurance and partnership law. In one case, John’s corporate client was sued by the Insurance Commissioner of the State of Pennsylvania for a large sum of money. John was able to get the case resolved with his client paying nothing. I would not hesitate to recommend John Goralka."

Keith Wesley McBride headshot
Keith McBride

Tax lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have referred clients to him and they reported back to me that they were very satisfied with the work he did for them. I have also worked with John on business matters where I needed and relied upon his tax expertise."

John Joseph Rueda headshot
John Rueda

Estate planning lawyer | Oct 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He has helped several of my clients with their tax and estate planning issues. He is very competent and knowlegeable in these matters."

Soohyun King headshot
Soohyun King

Business lawyer | Oct 09

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"After more than two decades of practice, John has the knowledge and the experience to negotiate the toughest business sales and purchases and to establish the most tax-advantageous business model that works hand in hand with each individual client's needs. His State Bar certifications as a specialist in tax and estate planning, trust and probate laws enables him to present his clients with the "big picture" solution that extends beyond just their business needs."

Pamela Ann Samantha Jones headshot
Pamela Jones

Estate planning lawyer | Sep 20

Relationship: Co-worker

"John provides each client with an estate plan that is tailored to the client's unique circumstances. John is an expert in state and federal tax matters. This tax expertise, combined with John's extensive knowledge and experience in assset protection and business matters ranks John head and shoulders above other lawyers who provide estate planning services."

View All Endorsements
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Thomas Craven

Estate planning lawyer

John Paul Costello headshot
John Costello

Intellectual property lawyer

Craig Cox Weaver headshot
Craig Weaver

Family lawyer

Leland John Ellison headshot
Leland Ellison

Mediation lawyer

Keith Wesley McBride headshot
Keith McBride

Securities offerings lawyer

Stephen George Wanderer headshot
Stephen Wanderer

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer

John Joseph Rueda headshot
John Rueda

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer

Soohyun King headshot
Soohyun King

Business lawyer

Pamela Ann Samantha Jones headshot
Pamela Jones

Tax lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Top taxation attorney in the United States, Premier Tax Planners

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Blue Star Wealth Professional, Blue Star

2022

Approved Educator, California Certificated Financial Planning Board

2022

Approved Educator, California Department of Insurance

2022

Avvo Rating 10.0, Avvo

2022

Distinguished Client Service Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2022

Northern California SuperLawywer for Tax and Business, SuperLawyers

2022

Top Lawyer for Business and Corporate Law, Sacramento Magazine

2022

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2022

Northern California SuperLawyer for Estate Planning and Probate, SuperLawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Five Star Estate Planning Attorney Award, Five Star Professional

2010

Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trusts and Probate, State Bar of California

1994

Certified Specialist in Taxation, State Bar of California

1988

Making the Most Outstanding Contribution to Legal Scholarship, Corpus Juris Secundum

1985

Making the Most Outstanding Contribution to Legal Scholarship, Corpus Juris Secundum

N/A

Passed the California Certified Public Accountants' (CPA’s) Exam, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

N/A

Academic Achievement, Traynor Society

N/A

Torts, American Jurisprudence

N/A

Outstanding Tax Student Award, Prentice-Hall

N/A

Business Planning, American Jurisprudence

Work Experience

1996 - Present

President, The Goralka Law Firm

1983 - 1986

Hearing Officer, California Franchise Tax Board

1979 - 1983

Income Tax Auditor, California Franchise Tax Board

Associations

2015 - Present

California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform

Member

2013 - Present

Sacramento Estate Planning Council

Education Chair

1988 - Present

Order of the Coif

Member

Sacramento County Bar Association

Member

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Member

WealthCounsel

Member

2012 - 2013

Sacramento Estate Planning Council

Member, Board of Directors

Sample of Legal Cases

Experienced Tax Audit Representation Success Story

Helped the client save $2.75 million in estate taxes

Tax Savings Plan for Lottery Winner

Client received millions of dollars in tax savings and deductions

See More Legal Cases

Education

N/A

McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, Sacramento, California

LL.M - Master of Laws

N/A

McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, Sacramento, California

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

University of Sacramento

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2008

Fundamental Probate Procedures and Practices

Inventory and Appraisal

2008

Family Limited Partnerships in Estate Planning and Asset Protection

Sort Through the Complex Rules Regarding the Taxation of Family Limited Partnerships

2008

Family Limited Partnerships in Estate Planning and Asset Protection

Maximize the Use of Family Limited Partnerships in Estate Planning

2008

Estate Planning Basics

Basic Taxes You Need to be Aware Of

2008

Estate Planning Basics

Charitable Planning

2008

Estate Planning Basics

Estate and Gift Taxes

2008

Estate and Gift Taxes

Estate, Gift and GST Taxes

2004

The Probate Process for California Paralegals: From Start to Finish

The Probate Process for California Paralegals: From Start to Finish

2003

The Probate Process for California Paralegals: From Start to Finish

The Probate Process for California Paralegals: From Start to Finish

1993

A Practical Guide to Estate Administration in California

A Practical Guide to Estate Administration in California

1992

California Tax Lawyer

Can the Service Partner Finally Go Back To Work?

1992

A Practical Guide to Estate Administration in California

A Practical Guide to Estate Administration in California

Publications

2016

Penton: Wealth Management Estate Planning for an Aging Population

2016

Bank Investment Consultant Best Ways to Help Clients' Values Live On

2016

Private Wealth An Estate Tax Time Bomb

2016

1992

California Tax Lawyer Can the Service Partner Finally Go Back To Work?

Languages

English

Activity

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