Michael Thompson

Overview

Michael Thompson is a Principal in Ryan’s Houston office, where he leads a team of professionals specializing in the identification, substantiation, and documentation of federal and state research and experimentation (R&E) tax credits. He advises clients across a wide range of industries and represents them through Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and state taxing authority examinations, with a focus on accuracy, defensibility, and consistent outcomes.

With extensive experience in tax controversy and litigation, Michael brings a rigorous, disciplined approach to credit studies and audit defense. His background includes serving as trial counsel in more than 30 research credit matters before the United States Tax Court, United States Court of Federal Claims, and United States District Court. He has played key roles in prominent cases that have helped shape research credit jurisprudence. Michael is recognized for combining deep technical knowledge with practical execution, providing clients with trusted guidance throughout the full life cycle of research credit claims.

Education and Qualifications

Master of Laws, Health Law, University of Houston

Juris Doctor, South Texas College of Law

Bachelor of Arts, History, The University of Texas at Austin

Attorney, Licensed in Texas

(Ryan is not a law firm.)

Experience and Achievements

Principal, R&E Tax Credits, Ryan, Houston office

• Leads teams delivering and defending federal and state research credit claims

• Represents clients through IRS and state examinations

Director, Income Tax, Ryan, Houston office

Senior Director, Research and Experimentation Tax Credits, national tax firm

• Led executive-level teams calculating, delivering, and defending R&E tax credit claims

Attorney, Litigation, law firm

Attorney, Litigation, statewide law firm