Paul A. Channo

Experience & Achievements

Youngest ever to pass the U.S.
Tax Court Practitioner Examination

1 of 14 people nationwide
to pass the 2025 examination

Passed the rigorous exam
on his first attempt

One of about 300 USTCPs in
the United States

One of two USTCPs
in Michigan

The first Chaldean Catholic USTCP
in the United States

Paul Channo

is a United States Tax Court Practitioner (USTCP), one of fewer than 300 in the country, licensed to represent taxpayers directly before the U.S. Tax Court.

While these achievements are significant, Paul believes they matter most because of what they let him do for the people who trust him with their financial future, physicians, real estate investors, and business owners alike.

Paul didn’t set out to practice in Tax Court. He pursued the United States Tax Court Practitioner designation because he saw too many clients whose CPAs would build a sound strategy, then have nothing to offer if the IRS pushed back on it. As a USTCP, Paul closes that gap. He can represent taxpayers directly before the U.S. Tax Court, defend the strategies he builds, and take on tax controversies himself rather than referring clients out when things get contested. For his clients, that means the person planning their taxes is the same person who shows up if the IRS disagrees.

Paul Channo with U.S. Tax Court Senior Judge Mark V. Holmes

Background & Values

Paul graduated from Oakland University with a double major in Electrical and Computer Engineering and spent his early career as an aerospace engineer & project manager working on fuel control unit redesign for commercial jet engines. That background shows how he approaches tax planning today, methodical, detail-driven, and unwilling to accept “that’s just how it’s done” as an answer.

As a tax planning strategist, Paul believes strong advisory relationships come down to trust, accessibility, and genuine partnership. Clients notice this and value his ability to simplify complicated concepts, communicate clearly, and develop strategies tailored to their unique circumstances and long-term goals. Rather than treating taxes as a once-a-year task, Paul anticipates and plans for the tax implications that comes with every business decision, investment, or growth opportunity, helping clients keep more of their hard-earned money and build toward long-term success, legally, morally, and ethically.

As a Chaldean Catholic professional, Paul’s faith is central to who he is, and it shapes the integrity and care he brings to every client relationship.

Outside of work, Paul stays active and has a passion for soccer, traveling, and experiencing new cultures. He brings that same curiosity into his client relationships, always learning, always looking for opportunities.

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