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Tax planning, structuring and dispute resolution are critical to achieving business success. Clients rely on the Aird & Berlis Tax Group for strategic advice that optimizes outcomes, mitigates risk and supports long-term growth. We get involved early in transaction planning to identify opportunities and prevent issues before they arise.

Our team includes some of Canada’s most respected tax lawyers, recognized nationally and internationally for their expertise in corporate transactions, cross-border structures and succession planning. With one of the largest dedicated tax practices in the country, we deliver exceptional depth, continuity and insight. Our lawyers are consistently ranked among Canada’s top tax advisers and are globally recognized for their leadership in the field.

We provide comprehensive tax advice in regard to reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions, financings, plans of arrangement and private company succession strategies. By working seamlessly with our Corporate, Capital Markets, Real Estate and other practice groups, we ensure that every transaction achieves optimal tax efficiency and sound commercial results.

Our clients include public and private corporations, financial institutions, pension funds, private equity firms, investment funds and multinational enterprises. Many are referred to us through long-standing relationships with more than 200 leading law firms worldwide, who often view Aird & Berlis as their trusted Canadian partner for tax matters. We also advise Fortune 500 companies on complex domestic and cross-border issues, for which our tax and trust and estate law partners have received awards.

We represent clients in a wide range of tax disputes, including audits, advance ruling requests, reassessments and litigation before the Tax Court of Canada, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. Our approach combines technical precision with strategic insight, focusing on achieving timely and cost-effective resolutions.

Beyond serving clients, our lawyers play an active role in shaping the tax profession. They regularly publish in leading Canadian and international journals, edit tax books, speak at major conferences and hold leadership roles in organizations such as the Canadian Tax Foundation, International Bar Association, International Fiscal Association, ABA Foreign Lawyers Forum, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, STEP Canada and International Academy of Estate and Trust Law.

Our lawyers are consistently recognized by directories including Chambers Canada, Chambers Global, Lexpert, The Legal 500 Canada, Lexology Index (formerly Who’s Who Legal), Best Lawyers, ITR World Tax and The Globe and Mail’s Canada’s Best Law Firms list for their expertise, practical approach and commitment to client service. The group also provides timely insights on legislative changes and court decisions that influence the development of Canadian tax law and policy.

The Aird & Berlis Tax Group delivers insight and guidance that extend beyond immediate transactions. Our group is solution- and service-driven. We are known for our creativity in structuring complicated transactions, and our advice helps clients make confident decisions that create lasting value.

Our core services include:

Corporate & Transactional Tax: We design tax-efficient structures for mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations, financings and other complex transactions. Our focus is on maximizing value while minimizing tax exposure. By anticipating potential challenges early, we help clients avoid costly surprises and maintain compliance.

International & Cross-Border Tax: Our team advises Canadian and multinational clients on the tax implications of global operations, investments and transactions. We develop integrated strategies that align with business goals and meet regulatory requirements in multiple jurisdictions. Whether expanding internationally or managing inbound investments, we ensure tax efficiency and risk mitigation across borders.

Tax Dispute Resolution: We represent clients in audits, reassessments, advance ruling applications and litigation before the Tax Court of Canada and appellate courts. Our approach combines deep subject-matter expertise with strategic advocacy to achieve favourable results. From early intervention to courtroom representation, we protect our clients’ interests at every stage.

Tax & Succession Planning: We create tailored tax and succession plans for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, private corporations and charitable organizations. Our services include estate planning, domestic and cross-border trust structures, income-splitting arrangements and wealth-preservation strategies, including the formation of family offices, designed to safeguard assets for future generations. Each plan is customized to reflect personal goals and evolving tax laws. We also offer dedicated estate and trust litigation support.

Specialized Tax Expertise: Our team has extensive experience in mining tax, flow-through shares, debt forgiveness, charities and non-profit organizations, employee compensation and deferred plans as well as specialized taxes such as land transfer tax, HST (indirect tax) and payment in lieu of taxes. We also advise on mutual funds, REITs and real estate investment structures as well as commodity, customs, excise and transfer pricing matters. This specialized knowledge allows us to deliver solutions for highly complex and industry-specific challenges.

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