Rebecca A.
Miller

With so many interests and a love of learning, pinning down a college track was no easy task for Rebecca Miller. While earning dual degrees in political science and sociology, a course in federal income taxation sparked her interest in tax law and estate planning.

 

That spark grew into a law practice that includes estate planning, trust and estate administration, guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, and taxation. “I feel fortunate to practice what interests me at a company I love,” she says.

 

Rebecca welcomes sophisticated, challenging work. “There is no set template, as each client’s needs are unique,” she says.

 

In client relations, Rebecca’s diverse background proves to be an exceptional asset, especially in estate administration work. “Post-death administration is difficult for clients,” she says. “They have lost a family member or a friend and the added stress of the probate process can feel overwhelming. I try to make the process less burdensome for my clients by taking time to explain the process and keep them up-to-date with our progress as we move forward.”

 

On the other hand, she has the opportunity to help clients be proactive in wealth transfer. “Estate planning is like the happy law,” she says. “Clients tell me what they want, and I get to use my knowledge to achieve that for them.”

 

Timely, competent, and approachable, Rebecca is also an excellent communicator. Helping clients understand what they are signing, and the procedure and process behind each document are top priorities. “I always explain to my clients what is in front of them, and I find that clients are appreciative of the effort and the time I take to make sure that the final product accurately reflects their wishes.”

 

Rebecca also shares tax and estate planning information through public speaking engagements and blog writing. She served as co-chair for the Iowa State Bar Association’s Spring Tax Institute and participates in activities with Polk County Women Attorneys. She also offers pro bono tax advice to nonprofit organizations.

 

Outside of work, the busy mom of three enjoys the great outdoors by camping, hiking, and biking.

 

 “Iowa Inheritance Tax”
Iowa Society of CPAs (ISCPA), August 5, 2021 (speaker)

 

“Iowa Inheritance Tax Returns (Iowa Form 706)”
Iowa State Bar Association – Spring Tax, June 16, 2020 (speaker)

 

“Cryptocurrency Update”
Iowa State Bar Association - Bloethe Tax School, December 6, 2019 (speaker)

 

“Virtual Currency Basics”
Iowa State Bar Association, September 19, 2019 (speaker)

 

“Estate Planning for Farmers and Ranchers”
National Business Institute seminar, Des Moines, Iowa, August 15, 2019 (speaker)

 

“Probate Boot Camp”
National Business Institute,  April 23, 2019 (speaker)

 

“Recent Tax Law Changes”
Polk County Women Attorneys Luncheon, Des Moines, January 31, 2018 (speaker)

 

“IRS Form 1023 and 1024 Procedures (and Problems)”
National Business Institute Seminar, Tax Exempt Organizations Boot Camp, Des Moines, November 6, 2017 (speaker)

 

"Cryptocurrency Basics”
Iowa State Bar Association - Bloethe Tax School  December 6, 2017 (speaker)

 

“IRS Form 990 and UBIT/UBTI Compliance and Mistakes”
National Business Institute Seminar, Tax Exempt Organizations Boot Camp, Des Moines, November 6, 2017 (co-speaker)

 

"Small Business 101”
Iowa Center for Economic Success, May 12, 2017 (speaker)

 

“Form 990: Key Compliance Points and Disclosure Considerations,” Tax Exempt Organizations From Start to Finish, National Business Institute, November 2015

 

 

American Bar Association


Iowa State Bar Association

  • Bloethe Tax School (Committee Member) 
  • Taxation Section Council (Chair, 2022-2023)


Polk County Bar Association


Iowa State Bar Review School, Inc.

Treasurer/Director, 2013–2016

 

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch

  • Tax Law, 2023-2024
  • Trusts and Estates, 2023-2024

 

Journal of Agricultural Law
Research Editor, 2008–2009

 

National Association of Women Lawyers
Outstanding Law Student Award, 2009

 

 

Overview

With so many interests and a love of learning, pinning down a college track was no easy task for Rebecca Miller. While earning dual degrees in political science and sociology, a course in federal income taxation sparked her interest in tax law and estate planning.

 

That spark grew into a law practice that includes estate planning, trust and estate administration, guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, and taxation. “I feel fortunate to practice what interests me at a company I love,” she says.

 

Rebecca welcomes sophisticated, challenging work. “There is no set template, as each client’s needs are unique,” she says.

 

In client relations, Rebecca’s diverse background proves to be an exceptional asset, especially in estate administration work. “Post-death administration is difficult for clients,” she says. “They have lost a family member or a friend and the added stress of the probate process can feel overwhelming. I try to make the process less burdensome for my clients by taking time to explain the process and keep them up-to-date with our progress as we move forward.”

 

On the other hand, she has the opportunity to help clients be proactive in wealth transfer. “Estate planning is like the happy law,” she says. “Clients tell me what they want, and I get to use my knowledge to achieve that for them.”

 

Timely, competent, and approachable, Rebecca is also an excellent communicator. Helping clients understand what they are signing, and the procedure and process behind each document are top priorities. “I always explain to my clients what is in front of them, and I find that clients are appreciative of the effort and the time I take to make sure that the final product accurately reflects their wishes.”

 

Rebecca also shares tax and estate planning information through public speaking engagements and blog writing. She served as co-chair for the Iowa State Bar Association’s Spring Tax Institute and participates in activities with Polk County Women Attorneys. She also offers pro bono tax advice to nonprofit organizations.

 

Outside of work, the busy mom of three enjoys the great outdoors by camping, hiking, and biking.

 

SPEECHES & PUBLICATIONS

 “Iowa Inheritance Tax”
Iowa Society of CPAs (ISCPA), August 5, 2021 (speaker)

 

“Iowa Inheritance Tax Returns (Iowa Form 706)”
Iowa State Bar Association – Spring Tax, June 16, 2020 (speaker)

 

“Cryptocurrency Update”
Iowa State Bar Association - Bloethe Tax School, December 6, 2019 (speaker)

 

“Virtual Currency Basics”
Iowa State Bar Association, September 19, 2019 (speaker)

 

“Estate Planning for Farmers and Ranchers”
National Business Institute seminar, Des Moines, Iowa, August 15, 2019 (speaker)

 

“Probate Boot Camp”
National Business Institute,  April 23, 2019 (speaker)

 

“Recent Tax Law Changes”
Polk County Women Attorneys Luncheon, Des Moines, January 31, 2018 (speaker)

 

“IRS Form 1023 and 1024 Procedures (and Problems)”
National Business Institute Seminar, Tax Exempt Organizations Boot Camp, Des Moines, November 6, 2017 (speaker)

 

"Cryptocurrency Basics”
Iowa State Bar Association - Bloethe Tax School  December 6, 2017 (speaker)

 

“IRS Form 990 and UBIT/UBTI Compliance and Mistakes”
National Business Institute Seminar, Tax Exempt Organizations Boot Camp, Des Moines, November 6, 2017 (co-speaker)

 

"Small Business 101”
Iowa Center for Economic Success, May 12, 2017 (speaker)

 

“Form 990: Key Compliance Points and Disclosure Considerations,” Tax Exempt Organizations From Start to Finish, National Business Institute, November 2015

 

 

PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS

American Bar Association


Iowa State Bar Association

  • Bloethe Tax School (Committee Member) 
  • Taxation Section Council (Chair, 2022-2023)


Polk County Bar Association


Iowa State Bar Review School, Inc.

Treasurer/Director, 2013–2016

 

RECOGNITION

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch

  • Tax Law, 2023-2024
  • Trusts and Estates, 2023-2024

 

Journal of Agricultural Law
Research Editor, 2008–2009

 

National Association of Women Lawyers
Outstanding Law Student Award, 2009