"My first call was to order the aircraft.
My next call will be to Tom Alston."Thomas Buettgenbach runs a successful management and marketing consultancy from San Diego, California. "Business is great. We have the best weather in the world. Life is good," he smiles.
But the former veteran of the celebrated McKinsey and Company has a problem. His roster of clients is spread across the Western United States. They can require his services hundreds of miles from San Diego. "I can be backwards and forwards from a job for days, weeks - even months at a time," he says.
For Buettgenbach, the answer was a six-seater cabin class Beechcraft Duke. Purchased in late mid-2003, he took possession of the aircraft in Arizona. "This was not my first aircraft," he explains. "I have bought several aircraft, including a Falco directly out of England some years ago, and I knew enough to get expert advice on the issues of tax liability for California-based airplane owners."
"I really thought I was going to get nailed for taxes," he recalls. "I'd heard completely different stories from different people about how they'd handled the tax issue. So I looked on the internet for advice, and that's how I began talking with Tom Alston."
"I was talking about a serious five figure liability. I wanted it done right, by an experienced pro."
Buettgenbach's approach to the myriad tax issues involved in the purchase of business aircraft is reflected in his thinking about the aircraft itself.
"The great thing about an airplane like this Beechcraft is I can put down at an airport that's very close to where I want to be," he says. "It's not like taking a commercial aircraft into LAX or SFO and then needing to drive for hours after that. What I've gained is an important time saving, both for me and for my clients."
"Often, a client will want to see a property or a commercial complex they're interested in purchasing. What better way to see a property than from the air? And the Beechcraft gives us an opportunity to talk one-on-one, without distraction, and that's a rare privilege these days."
Buettgenbach is quick to credit Aero & Marine Tax Professionals' Tom Alston for the service he received. "Of course, my case was comparatively small time, but Tom was always accessible. I'd call him up and he'd get back with me quickly. He even gave me a referral to a CPA for other aircraft related tax matters."
In July 2004, Buettgenbach's tax exemption came through. "With step-by-step instructions from Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, we were able to clearly demonstrate that the aircraft was not only purchased for business reasons, but that it came under the 'interstate commerce' exemption provisions."
Anticipating strong business growth through his next decade as a company owner, Thomas Buettgenbach is already planning his next aircraft purchase, ordering a new eight-seat twin-turbofan personal air jet that will be delivered in 2008.
We now have a program in Arizona as well as California!
It's true! We've saved clients literally millions of dollars - I can guarantee you won't find anyone with more knowledge and experience. It pays to plan ahead so future aircraft or vessel acquisitions are properly structured. Plus, if you suspect the status of a purchase made anytime in the past 10 years - I will offer a free analysis of your situation. Go here and simply fill in the appropriate form. Or call me personally at 916-691-9192. - Tom Alston
