Biography

Kevin Otero advises and represents multinational corporations, financial institutions, and individuals in all aspects of federal and state tax controversy, including audits, investigations, administrative appeals, and tax litigation.

Kevin has led the successful defense of some of the most complex multi-year and multi-issue tax audits in the country and has represented clients in every facet of tax controversy from administrative phases through judicial proceedings. His experience covers an array of international and domestic tax issues, including transfer pricing, financial products, foreign tax credits, renewable energy incentives, complex corporate restructurings, bad debt and worthless stock, tax-free dispositions, valuation disputes, and privilege issues in the tax context

He also represents clients in tax-related internal investigations and civil and criminal tax investigations.Clients across industries benefit from Kevin’s extensive experience negotiating with tax authorities at various levels and his record of success in resolving controversies at various procedural stages, including alternative dispute forums.

Before joining Covington, Kevin served as Senior Tax Counsel & Tax Director of IRS Examinations, Appeals & Litigation for the General Electric Company, where he led the company’s relationship with the Internal Revenue Service and led the defense of tax controversy matters for the company. His time in-house provides clients with unique insights into tax risk management, strategic audit and litigation readiness, and best practices for tax and legal departments.

Kevin speaks regularly on tax controversy topics and is the co-author of chapters in Bloomberg BNA’s Portfolio – Transfer Pricing: The Code, The Regulations, and Selected Case Law, and in LexisNexis’ Practical Guide to U.S. Transfer Pricing. The International Tax Review has consistently recognized Kevin as a leading tax controversy lawyer in the United States.

Outside of his work at Covington, Kevin serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of Prep for Prep (a non-profit focused on bringing educational opportunities to students in underserved communities).