Michael J. Wynne (Mike)

Mike Wynne delivers results-oriented strategies and solutions for clients in high-stakes tax and unclaimed property litigation, transactions, and policy issues. Mike draws on nearly 40 years of experience in government litigation and leadership positions, the Big 4, and in private law practice.

Mike permanently enjoined a Cook County non-titled property use tax ordinance, overturned a 30-year policy taxing compressed natural gas as motor fuel, dismissed a Delaware unclaimed property qui tam case, tried qui tam tax cases in Illinois, and litigated the leading nonresident precedent against Illinois personal income taxes. Mike's other controversy matters include unitary combined reporting, tax residency, telecommunications and cloud computing, and charitable property tax exemptions. Mike also represents holders in unclaimed property audits, voluntary disclosures, and in litigation.

Chambers recognized Mike as "renowned for his expertise in False Claims Act work" in Illinois, curtailing dozens of Illinois qui tam cases against wine shippers, and testifying against further such actions before an Illinois legislative committee. Mike is a coauthor of the Bloomberg Tax Management Portfolio 1740-1s, "State Tax and Escheat False Claim and Consumer Class Action Litigation."

Mike has been partner-in-charge of a Big 4 regional state tax practice group, general counsel of the Illinois Department of Revenue, and head of the Revenue Litigation Division of the Illinois Attorney General. He serves on the board of trustees of the Taxpayers' Federation of Illinois, is a former chair of The Chicago Bar Association's SALT Committee, and is a frequent speaker, including for COST (Council on State Taxation), IPT (Institute for Professionals in Taxation), TEI (Tax Executives Institute), UPPO (Unclaimed Property Professionals Organization), and others.