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Photo of Ruben Sislyan

Ruben Sislyan focuses his practice on California state and local tax controversies at the audit, administrative, and judicial levels. He has broad experience representing Fortune 500 and middle-market companies, closely held businesses, start-ups, families, and individuals in a wide range of state and local taxes, including corporate franchise/income, personal income, sales and use, property, tobacco, and gross receipts and other local taxes.

Ruben helps clients navigate through all stages of California’s complex administrative tax controversy process. He regularly practices before California’s state and local tax agencies and tribunals, including the Franchise Tax Board, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, the State Board of Equalization, the Office of Tax Appeals, and the Los Angeles Office of Finance. Ruben also has experience representing clients in California courts and challenging unlawful taxes.

Two tax measures aimed at addressing transit funding shortfalls in San Francisco and the surrounding region have gathered enough signatures to potentially qualify for the November 3, 2026, ballot. Property owners, commercial tenants, and consumers across five Bay Area counties may wish to monitor developments as certification proceeds and final ballot language takes shape.

Continue Reading 2 Tax Measures, 1 Ballot: San Francisco Parcel Tax, Regional Sales Tax Move Forward

On Feb. 25, 2026, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood introduced the Balanced Update to Incentivize Local Development (BUILD) Act, a legislative package designed to reduce transfer tax rates on large real estate transactions to revitalize stalled housing projects and stimulate economic development. By proposing a significant rollback of