Catherine A. Rude
Principal - Tax & Accounting Services
University of San Diego
Catherine A. Rude
Principal - Tax & Accounting Services
Catherine is an accomplished tax professional with extensive experience in communicating
and negotiating with government taxing authorities on behalf of her clients. As the former Managing Director of a local boutique tax law firm, Catherine led a team of attorneys to deliver exceptional client service in tax controversy matters across industries, including disclosures of unreported income and foreign assets, audits of complex transactions, penalty abatement requests and payment negotiations on tax delinquencies. The skills, knowledge, and connections she developed during her years in the legal industry provide helpful insights to JTaylor clients navigating complicated issues in both civil and criminal investigations. She has expertise in dispute resolution and risk mitigation, and a unique ability to foster strong relationships with both clients and colleagues.
Catherine also serves as Clinical Faculty at Texas A&M University School of Law’s Tax Dispute Resolution Clinic, where she teaches law students to help eligible taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS. In her role at A&M, she is dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment and collaborating with industry professionals to help ease the students’ transition into the practice of law.
Though she was raised in Fort Worth, Catherine holds a Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of San Diego, a JD from the University of Washington, a BA in French from the University of Texas and a BA in Theatre from Hawaii Pacific University. Her diverse background is further enriched by her involvement in the arts and community service, having served on the Board of Directors at Circle Theatre and as a volunteer for community organizations like The Welman Project and Kids Who Care. Professionally, Catherine participates in the American Bar Association Tax Section, Tarrant County Bar Association and the Fort Worth Chapter of the Texas Society of CPAs.
Her areas of practice include:
- IRS Audits and Appeals
- IRS Fast Track Mediation
- Foreign asset reporting and disclosures
- Payroll tax disputes
- Trust Fund Recovery Penalty investigations
- State tax controversies
- Criminal investigations
- Strategic planning and communications
- IRS payment negotiations
- Tax lien discharges and releases
- Audit risk analysis
- Penalty abatement
Outside of the office, Catherine is actively involved in the following civic and professional organizations:
- American Bar Association Tax Section
- Tarrant County Bar Association
- Fort Worth Chapter of Texas Society of CPAs
- Board of Directors at Circle Theater
- The Welman Project
- Kids Who Care