Mexico

The tax practice of Acedo Santamarina was formed in 2009. The group handles both contentious and non-contentious matters. Additionally, it supports clients through tax audits conducted by both federal and local tax authorities.  The team specializes in several economic sectors including automobiles, clean energy, food and drink producers, telecom, real estate, and industrial engineering.

During the research period, Acedo Santamarina’s tax team has been active in both corporate tax and controversy matters. The firm is currently assisting Garay Componentes Turbulares S.A with tax matters related to VAT refunds. The firm also participated in controversy matters for Leggett and Platt Automotive Group de Mexico. The firm attained a favorable judgement for the client in an administrative appeal against tax assessments issued by the tax administration.

Client feedback

“They are well prepared and create confidence with us.”

Andersen Mexico is a part of the Andersen global network of over 368 offices worldwide. The firm is focused on providing services in litigation, transfer pricing, tax advising, tax compliance, employment and labor, corporate law, and transactional tax. The firm has offices throughout Mexico, located in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Queretaro, Tijuana and a newly opened desk in Monterrey focused on nearshoring. 

During the research period, the Andersen Mexico team served as the lead tax advisors for largest e-commerce platform in Latin America. The firm mainly assists with tax compliance services for the client as they continue to grow in the Latin American region. Due to Mexico’s strong labour and tax reforms, Andersen’s compliance and restructuring services have been on the rise.  

In 2022, Andersen Mexico has been active in recruitment bringing on one new partner and one new manager.  The team welcomes new partner Rodrigo Cervantes who joins from Ramos Cervantes Gomez Ubieta. The firm also welcomes new manager Erling Walter Herrera who joins from a previous position at Generac LATAM.

The seventy-person tax group at Baker McKenzie stands as the largest tax practices in the country. The team is comprised of lawyers, accountants and economists. The firm provides national support for clients by maintaining five offices across the country. Its sector focuses include, oil-and-gas, automotive, manufacturing and financial industries. 

Baker McKenzie continues to provide support for its clients in Mexico. The firm is currently assisting APTIV with tax matters related to the new rules of origins established in the United States, Mexico, Canada agreement.

Basham, Ringe y Correa is a Mexican Based law firm focused on private wealth and high net worth individuals and families. The firm advises on wealth managements and estate planning advice, inheritance proceedings, family law, and dispute resolution. 

During the research cycle, the firm was active in private client matters throughout Mexico. Due to the sensitive nature of these matters they remain confidential. 

Client feedback 

“Basham is streghtening its tax parctice speicfically with respect to private clients.” 

“They are in top of all issues and events that arise from both cases. Their team is expert on the matter and provided very strong legal arguments that support our cases with the authorities.”

The tax practice of Chevez Ruiz Zamarripa has been active in Mexico since 1994. It has provided services to major industrial, commercial and financial groups. The firm has continued to innovate to ensure it can meet the specialized tax needs for all clients. It has incorporated corporate, M&A, compliance and risk prevention, anticorruption, and financial technology practice areas, among many others. 

During the research cycle, the private client practice at Chevez Ruiz Zamarripa has been very active. The firm assisted a family with compliance, as well as estate planning. They also assisted with the implementation of a trust that will ensure the seamless transfer of assets to the next generation. The firm continues to be active in the private wealth sector currently assisting several clients.

Client feedback

“They are market leader.”

“Chevez is one of the best tax consulting firms in Mexico, with very capable individuals and capable of offering a wide array of tax services.”

“Because they have all the skills to attend any litigious matter.”

“It is a firm of lawyers and accountants recognized in the public and private sector. They remain at the top of firms as they maintain high standards of quality and efficiency.”

“Best law firm I have ever worked with, proactive, flexible, attentive and very savvy.”

“The team is incredibly responsive, always available to help. They've gone above and beyond to meet deadlines and provide world-class tax support to us. They are also very technical, but do not lose the commercial/business point of view, so they provide very tailor-made advice using not only technical grounds, but also business insights.”

“Well respected law firm in Mexico. Chevez is probably one of the most influential tax firms in Mexico.”

“Their deliveries are perfect, and the timing and execution are pristine. They are one step ahead to prevent unforeseen events (which actually happened!).  This was outstanding because we were able to react promptly and mitigate adverse consequences.”

“Solution based, Responsive, Knowledgeable, Approachable, Provide options.”

“Very pfofessional and good technical knowledge.” 

Copper Wolf is a Mexican firm focused on providing legal services, tax services and foreign trade services. The firm has locations in the U.S, Mexico city, Monterray, Guadalajara, Torreon, and Queretaro, and provide tax consulting, transfer pricing, tax litigation, and international tax services. The firm’s strengths in the oil and gas, retail, agribusiness, mining, and real estate. 

During the research cycle, the firm was active in the tax litigation arena. The firm is currently representing a Mexican snack manufacturer in an audit procedure valued at over 140,000,000 pesos. The firm is also participating in the development project of the metropolitan area in Guadalajara. The tax team is advising on the project’s tax aspects to reduce tax burdens and establish business agreements between associated parties. 

In 2022, the firm has been very active in recruitment, bringing on 6 new members to the team. The firm welcomes new senior members Diego Elizalde and Mayra Campos who join the team from Grant Thornton. The firm also added new senior members Ricardo Trevino who joins form Deloitte, and Valeria Montemayor who joins from Integrinox. Two new staff members, Gerson Gonzalez and Karla Gonzalez also join the Copper Wolf team.

Client feedback

“They are strategic, proactive and results oriented, always providing sound advise on the matter.”

The tax department of Creel García-Cuéllar Aiza & Enríquez primarily practices in the area of transactional tax, with a particular focus on M&A and financial services. The tax controversy group assists with cross-border, financial and tax treaty-related matters.  Due to the current tax enforcement environment in Mexico, the practice has developed a unique expertise on Preventive Criminal Tax Guidance. Alejandro Santoyo heads the team of 4 partners, 2 counsel, and more than 30 lawyers. 

During the research cycle, Creel Garcia was active in tax matters throughout the region. The firm assisted Inconcert and Convertia, local private equity funds with a multinational presence, with day-to-day tax compliance and transfer pricing matters. The firm also advised Apollo Global Management with their conversion from a debtor in possession facility into Aeromexico S.A.B. The firm assisted with complex  structuring and negotiations gaining Apollo a controlling stake in the airline as it emerges out of bankruptcy.

Client feedback

“It is a law firm dedicated to providing comprehensive legal advice. have an established reputation for providing legal services in a creative, specialized, and timely manner.”

“The practically did the reguation from scratch, so they actually know it by heart.”

Deloitte Mexico is a full-service tax practice, with professionals who act as tax advisors with negotiation abilities. The team provides legal advice that relates to migration services, intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, corporate and tax advisory as well as tax litigation. The firm has experience across a range of industries including oil & gas, financial services, real estate, and manufacturing.

Deloitte Mexico has continued to serve their clients in all their tax needs, corporate tax, indirect tax, and controversy matters. Due to the sensitivity of these matters they remain confidential.

Client feedback

“Because I know the capabilities of all tax controversy partners, pricing and close relationship clients.”

“This is one of the most complete firms in Mexico.”

Founded in 2019, Diaz, Rivera, Lalieu Rosas is a boutique firm focused on transactional tax matters. The practice consists of 18 practitioners and is lead by a team of 4 partners. Clients include start-ups. Family offices, venture capital funds , and private equity funds.  

During the research period, the firm remained active in transactional tax matters throughout Mexico. Due to the nature of these matters, they remain confidential.

EC Rubio is a Mexican-based law firm with offices in Mexico City, Querétaro, Irapuato, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, and Puebla. The firm is focused on providing tax services to national and international companies conducting business in the Mexican market. The firm’s international trade expertise brings is many clients looking for assistance with customs, export program, double taxation treaties and IMMEX program. 

During the research period, the firm continues to participate in many international tax matters for various clients including tax structuring, Tax treaty compliance, and transfer pricing services. Due to the sensitivity of these matters they remain confidential.

Client feedback

“They offer personalized attention, straight-forward advise on discrete issues and great follow-up on matters.”

Élan Zaak is a boutique business consulting firm which specializes in the areas of Valuation, M&A Advisory, Transfer Pricing, Advance Pricing Agreements, Audit Defense, and Consultancy. The firm primarily serves clients in an advisory capacity.  Six partners lead the team of 30 professionals. 

During the research period, Elan Zaak’s transfer pricing practice was active throughout the region. The firm assisted  an alcoholic beverage company with transfer pricing matters to better optimize their intercompany transactions and supply chain model. The firm also assisted Industrias Penoles with transfer pricing matters related to royalty payments. 

Client feedback

“Elan Zaak is very committed with its clients, always available and they are characterized for bringing up to the table intellectual horse power and very impressive analytical and technical skills that differentiate from a common advisor.”

Escalante & Asociados was founded in 2015 and is located in Mexico City and more recently an office in Houston, Texas. They are a boutique firm focused on tax and international trade. The firm specializes in a number of sectors including digital services, real estate, double taxation, capital markets, and project financing. The firm also has a strong knowledge of international trade within the North American region. 

During the research cycle, the firm’s aptitude for foreign trade matters is exemplified with a customs dispute they are handling for Perfi-tubos Steel. The firm is challenging 10 nullity claims against the client for importation of steel from Asia. The importance of this case will affect the entire steel industry of Mexico.

In 2022 the firm was active in recruitment. The team welcomed new partner Jorge Diaz, who joins the team from a previous position at Von Wobeser y Sierra.

The tax team at Galicia provides specialized services in tax consulting, controversy, and litigation. The group works in close collaboration with the firms M&A, and capital markets departments to provide integrated services. The group consists of over twenty professionals, including five partners. Edson Uribe and Denise Lester lead the Tax Controversy and Tax Litigation departments, respectively.  

During the recent research cycle, the Galicia tax team has been active in Tax Controversy matters. The firm engaged in several disputes in various industries such as the telecommunications, automotive, mining and technology industries. Due to the sensitivity of these matters they remain confidential.

In 2022, the firm was active in recruitment bringing on new partner Eduardo Michan. Eduardo joins the firm form a previous position at Deloitte. The firm also added three new senior associates to the team, Ivonne Montano, and Eduardo Espinoza joins the team from Creel, Garcia-Cuellar, and Gabryela Valencia joins form previously working at Del Toro y Valencia.

Client feedback

“They have been developing their tax area in recent years and have attracted interesting talent.”

“The Galicia team led by Edson Uribe are specialists in the Mexican tax system and authorities. They were quick to understand the problem and what strategy was needed to respond.”

Garrigues’ tax department is led by Manuel Llaca, alongside partners Ricardo Fernandez de Arellano and Diego Lopez. The team has been recognized as specialists in the area of tax controversy. The group has expanded in the areas of private equity, and transfer pricing.   

Garrigues’ expertise in the tax controversy market in Mexico is demonstrated over the research period with their participation in over 30 proceedings for gambling company CIRSA. The firm challenges the state local duty aimed at gambling machine owners located in Chihuahua. Although similar resolutions were unfavorable, the firm argued that the duty was unconstitutional and obtained a favorable resolution, setting precedent for the gambling industry. 

Holland & Knight is a global tax practice with 31 offices throughout the world and over 1600 practitioners experienced in every industry. The Mexico City practice provides domestic and international tax services such as consulting, tax and estate planning, transfer pricing and litigation. Key industries for the practice include Energy, Real Estate, Hospitality , oil & Gas, and Financial services.  

During the research period, the tax controversy practice at Holland & Knight Mexico was very active. The firm represented Parques Logisticos del Centro, a Global Asset manager, in an administrative trial related to VAT mechanisms. The firm also acted for FMC Technologies de Mexico in an administrative appeal before the tax authority related to the seizure of equipment needed for their operations. The firm obtained a favorable resolution in which the equipment was returned to the client.

Client feedback

“They have a quite professional tax and controversy areas.”

“They are highly reliable and quite specialized in multinationals.”

“Extremely knowledgeable, reliable, and efficient.”

“Excellent knowledge and service.”

“Excellent and quick response.”

“They are very professional, creative and available when we look for them.” 

The tax practice of Mijares Angoita is led by partners Manuel Tamez, Nora Morales, and Enrique Ramírez. The team’s portfolio of services includes tax advice, tax controversy and litigation, and support in cross-border transactions. The group specializes in the areas of corporate tax, real estate tax, capital gains purchase price allocation, and much more.  

During the research period, the Mijares Angoita tax team was active in transactional matters. They represented Televisa in a landmark transaction to merge with U.S-based telecommunications provider Univision. The $4.8 billion dollar merger aims to broaden business as the premier Spanish media company in the world.

Nader, Hayaux & Goebel is a Mexican based firm with offices in Mexico City and London. The firm is comprised of eighteen partners and over 30 associates. The firm is known for their capabilities within the transactional tax space. The firm frequently handles tax matters for M&A projects, capital market transactions, and complex corporate and finance transactions. They are skilled in broad range of industries including, Hospitality, Energy, Investment funds, Mining, Technology, and Transportation.  

Nader, Hayaux & Goebel’s team’s expertise in transactions is exemplified with their recent work for Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets. The firm assisted with the bidding for the acquisition of Reden Holdings SAS. The complex deal involved demanding timelines, and a sophisticated approach with possible future reforms to consider.

Ritch Mueller is a Mexico based firm founded in 1975, it is multidisciplinary firm that provides services to clients both domestic and internationally. The team is comprised of 25 practitioners with extensive knowledge in tax laws, investment structuring, and tax controversy. The tax team is led by Juan Jose Paullada. 

During the research period, the tax team at Ritch Mueller has been active in a broad range of tax matters. Due to the sensitive nature of these matters they remain confidential. 

Client feedback 

“It is a firm that provides advice with a high degree of specialization and added value through high quality legal products and services.”

Salles Sainz Grant Thornton is made up of more than thirty specialists in the area of tax. The group’s clients range from family businesses to multinational corporations, working either with global Grant Thornton offices or through the firm’s local resources. 

During the research period, Salles Sainz Grant Thornton’s tax group has been active in several Tax Matters. The firm participated in Indirect Tax, Transactional tax and corporate tax matters. Due to the sensitive nature of these matters they remain confidential.

Client feedback

“Quality of the information, Speed at work, Business understanding.”

“Knowledge and experience in transfer pricing, business models.”

Sánchez Devanny Eseverri is Mexican based firm with operations in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Queretaro. The firm focuses on consulting, both nationally and internationally. The firm also has high success litigating cross border tax matters, as well as a private client practice for families and individuals set up structures to fit their needs.  

The Sanchez Devanny team is currently representing Fortinet Mexico, a cyber security company, in an administrative appeal before the tax courts. The complex appeal is in regard to a denied VAT refund and involves the interpretation of the scope establishment of the cybersecurity company. The outcome of this case will determine if Fortinet is to collect on previous and future VAT refunds as well future audits into Fortinet’s legal and tax set up.

Client feedback

“This firm is in the process to become tier 1.”

“They have knowledge and networking required for this project.”

“Highly respected firm in Mexico.” 

The tax practice of SKATT is made up of twelve partners and one hundred and ten collaborators. The firm’s services include tax advisory, tax litigation, international tax, and more. The team’s primary specialization is in the area of general corporate tax. Clients vary across a range of industries including aerospace, real estate, and manufacturing.   

During the research period, the SKATT team assisted on tax matters throughout the region. The firm advised a confections manufacturer on a restructuring project. The team restructured the sale and operating model which involved complex foreign trade and customs aspects. 

In 2022, the firm was active in recruitment hiring four new members to the team. Gerardo Hidalgo, Yeraldin Huerta, and Irery Medina, and joins the tax team at SKATT  as senior Tax practitioners. SKATT also welcomes new Transfer Pricing practitioner Pamela Ruisenor.

Client feedback

“For the quality of the professionals who work in the firm and their level of preparation in tax issues.”

“Highly committed, Trusted advisors, Very good control and track on tax obligations and Tax reporting, High level of communication, High technical skills with high quality support.”

“Strong tax technical expertise, international view, propositive and proactive.”

“Overall tax advisory on the process and compliance aspects related to the legal entity liquidation along with appointment of liquidator.”

“They know very weel the company operation, which it helps with tax reports on time”

“Excellent Expertise and personalized services”

“Responsiveness in advising on tax issues.”

The SMPS Tax Litigation and Consulting Practice assists clients with a diverse range of tax related services in complex transactions. The firm excels in the area of M&A tax issues. The team has knowledge in the areas of corporate finance, which supports their work in the structuring, implementation, and negotiation of transactions. The department is divided between the two teams, consulting and litigation, which are closely integrated.

During the recent research period, SMPS’ team advised Spain-based client Europastry on several matters regarding their Mexican operations. The frim advised the multinational company on structures of operation in pursuit of an optimized strategy. The firm also advised on the tax implications of their imports resulting in an 8% savings monthly. SPMS also assisted Europastry on the implementation of a joint venture with local Mexican vendors, aiming for growth within the Mexican Market. 

In 2022, the firm was active in recruitment, the team is joined by new senior associate Leonardo Gonzalez, who joins from a previous position at Grant Thornton London.

Client feedback

“SMPS is highly responsive and efficient both in advising and execution.”

“They are very good with communication and always on top of the issues they are helping us with.” 

VCG partners is a Mexico-based boutique firm focused on corporate tax and transactional tax matters. The firm advises on M&A, private equity structures, project financing, capital markets, and real estate projects. They firm has advised on projects from a broad range od sectors including retail, crowdfunding, healthcare, education, energy and infrastructure. 

During the research cycle, the VCG team advised Hexagon capital. Hexagon capital is a US based search fund which has raised funds from several countries worldwide for the purpose of investing. VCG assisted with the set up of investment vehicles to acquire a Mexican insurance company as well as the debt financing form Alloy capital.

Client feedback

“Profesional and practical advice.”

“They are very precise and agile. When analyzing a complex structure, everything is understood and considered, even the smallest details.”

“VCG is expert in all kind of sofisticated debt and equity transactions. They posses higuer know how than global firms and provide a personalized high quality service.” 

The Mexico-based tax team of White & Case specializes in providing tax advice to clients in cross-border and domestic M&A, as well as corporate reorganizations. The firm aims to mix boutique expertise with the global reach of White & Case. The local tax department is led by partner Guillermo Aguayo. The team has served clients in many of the most critical sectors of Mexico’s economy, such as in the financial, energy and natural resources markets. 

During the research period, White & case’s prowess in the transactions arena is exemplified as they assist TC Energy, a Canadian global energy company with its Mexican subsidiaries. The matter involved extensive cross border work and multijurisdictional aspects. The firm is also representing Kansas City southern Mexico in a merger with Canadian Pacific Railway as it aims to create the first US-Mexico-Canada railway system. 

In 2022, White & case has been active in recruitment as the firm welcomes two new partners to the team. Elizabeth Gonzalez joins as a local partner from a previous position at Baker & McKenzie. Carlos Martinez also joins as a new partner from a previous position at Creel Abogados. 

BaseFirma is a consultancy firm providing advisory and compliance services in the field of transfer pricing for multinational enterprises active in Mexico and abroad. The team has been active in Mexico for nineteen years. The practice specializes in such industries as tourism, oil & gas, insurance, financial, manufacturing, and distribution, among others. 

Over the recent research period, the practice was able to continue to serve its client base, however, the nature of these matters remains confidential.

Client feedback

“It is a great company to receive services from. They have always a very positive attitude to provide the best service to their clients.”

“Formal, good advisors, punctual, good knowledge.”

QCG Transfer Pricing is a Mexican-based Transfer Pricing boutique. The team is focused on providing premier Transfer pricing services to national and multinational companies in the country. The firm is often called upon for their expertise in Transfer Pricing matters. Transfer Pricing services they provide include compliance, organization, legal support, optimization, and international taxation.  

During the research cycle, the QCG team’s expertise was exemplified with a complex re-structuring for a high-profile oil and gas client. The restructuring involved BEPS compliance as well as considerable knowledge of Mexican transfer pricing legislation.

Client feedback

“They are super proactive and they are the leaders in Mexico in TP practice, They have a key communication with Authorities.”

“They simply stand among the best transfer pricing analysts, as they have a deep understanding on OECD TP Guidelines, as the same have been amended.”

“They try to understan de Value Chain in the organization and what activities should be performed under a Transfer Pricing contract.”

TPC Group is an International Transfer Pricing and Consulting Firm, made up of a network of strategic partners in Latin America, the USA and Spain. The group specializes in transfer pricing consulting; however, they also provide tax planning services to multinational groups. 

During the research cycle, TPC has been active in transfer pricing matter throughout the region, due to the sensitivity of these matters they remain confidential.