Practice overview:

Tax authorities continue to innovate, not only opening more enquiries, but also exploring new types of data-led tax audits. As such, multinational organizations continue to spend more time and resources managing tax controversies in both their local and foreign jurisdictions, with a view to both the financial and reputational aspects of a tax dispute. Tax authorities are sharing information about companies and focusing increasingly not just on the technical merit of a tax position but also on implementation. Research suggests that the average length of a tax audit has risen in recent years.

As a result of these trends, organizations and tax authorities are increasingly taking disputes to court and the past 12 months have seen several significant judgements across the region. Deloitte’s tax controversy teams include former tax authority officials, tax specialists, alternative dispute resolution specialists, and in many countries, tax litigation specialists who can assist multinational businesses at all phases of the tax controversy cycle. In the EMEA region, a strong network has been created that is ready to assist multinational enterprises navigate the various procedures and provide strategic guidance in addition to detailed legal analysis. Deloitte controversy specialists assist clients proactively across pre-dispute, dispute, and litigation matters.

Our key service offerings include:

  • Pre-controversy audit readiness and data examination
  • Voluntary disclosures
  • Negotiated settlements
  • Litigation, appeals, and settlement
  • Transfer pricing
  • Tax controversy software tools and support
  • Corporate defense

Recent wins:

  • Corporate defense for a large multinational in the consumer sector against alleged failure to comply with supervisory duties regarding its tax function. The underlying allegations evolved during tax field audits. The defense required combined tax and legal experience and resulted in settlements in favor of the taxpayers.
  • Represented a major media company in a VAT hearing on the VAT rating for electronic newspapers. The win for the taxpayer could have far-reaching effects on the VAT treatment of a range of digital newspapers and other digital publications, benefiting publishers of all sizes.

Awards and recognition:

2021 International Tax Review (ITR) European Tax Awards:

Deloitte in EMEA won 26 awards, including regional awards: EMEA Tax Firm of the Year and EMEA Tax Compliance & Reporting Firm of the Year for the fifth consecutive year. The network received the EMEA Tax Innovator Firm of the Year for the second consecutive time and was also recognized as the EMEA Tax Technology Provider of the Year.

  • National Tax awards: Africa, Austria, Belgium, CEE, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Malta, Switzerland
  • National Transfer Pricing awards: Austria, Baltic States, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Italy, Middle East, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland
  • Impact Deal of the Year: Global Blue – Far Point SPAC
  • Impact Deal of the Year: Liberty Global/Sunrise Communications Group

Recognized Leaders:

Euromoney and International Tax Review – Expert/Leaders guides:

The following leaders across the EMEA region were recognized for their individual abilities, as well as for their in-depth capabilities, experience, and knowledge:

  • 59 leaders in Euromoney’s 2021 Transfer Pricing Experts Guide
  • 69 leaders in ITR’s 2021 Tax Controversy Leaders Guide
  • 88 leaders in ITR’s 2021 Indirect Tax Leaders Guide
  • 96 leaders in ITR’s 2021 Women in Tax Leaders Guide

2021 ITR Indirect Tax Leader Guides:

  • A total of 228 leaders from Deloitte were listed from the EMEA region in the Indirect Tax, Tax Controversy and Women in Tax Leaders guides, respectively.

2021 World Tax and World Transfer Pricing tier rankings:

  • World Tax: Deloitte received 77 tier one and 43 tier two rankings in various practice areas.
  • World Transfer Pricing: Deloitte received 51 tier one rankings in Transfer Pricing.


This document has been prepared solely for the purpose of the 2022 Tax Controversy Leaders guide (EMEA edition) and may not be used for any other purpose. This document and its contents may not be reproduced, redistributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other person in whole or in part without Deloitte’s prior written consent.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte organization”). DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms and related entities are legally separate and independent entities, which cannot obligate or bind each other in respect of third parties. DTTL and each DTTL member firm and related entity is liable only for its own acts and omissions, and not those of each other. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more.

Deloitte provides industry-leading audit and assurance, tax and legal, consulting, financial advisory, and risk advisory services to nearly 90% of the Fortune Global 500® and thousands of private companies. Our professionals deliver measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in capital markets, enable clients to transform and thrive, and lead the way toward a stronger economy, a more equitable society and a sustainable world. Building on its 175-plus year history, Deloitte spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte’s more than 345,000 people worldwide make an impact that matters at www.deloitte.com

This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte organization”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser.

No representations, warranties or undertakings (express or implied) are given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information in this communication, and none of DTTL, its member firms, related entities, employees or agents shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage whatsoever arising directly or indirectly in connection with any person relying on this communication. DTTL and each of its member firms, and their related entities, are legally separate and independent entities.

2021. For information, contact Deloitte Global.