Avoiding Double Taxation and Non- Compliance Penalties Among Key Benefits to Gowlings Clients
Ottawa (May 31, 2005) – In a bold move to further broaden the definition of "full service", Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP (Gowlings), Canada's second largest national law firm, announced today that it has established a new Transfer Pricing and Competent Authority (TPCA) Group as part of its National Tax Practice. The group, based in Ottawa, is comprised of four former Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) transfer pricing experts.
Every year, the cross border trade of billions of dollars in goods, intangibles and services between related parties of multinational corporations raises transfer pricing issues. Strategic planning in the area of transfer pricing could mean the difference between government-imposed allocations of an organization's profits, rather than the lower cost solutions proposed by a company. The choice of experienced transfer pricing advisors is critical to effective tax planning and implementation.
"With the increased focus on compliance issues and tighter governance practices, multinational corporations based or working in Canada are looking for guidance and counsel around transfer pricing and competent authority as part of both their tax planning and business growth strategies," said Gowlings National Managing Partner Scott Jolliffe. "Given our existing strengths in both these areas, it was a natural progression to help provide that added expertise to our clients. The Gowlings TPCA Group can help companies develop a strategic approach to transfer pricing that will mitigate fiscal burdens such as double taxation and non-compliance penalties."
Gowlings' TPCA Group is comprised of four senior analysts who collectively bring more than 50 years experience working at CRA and 20 years focusing specifically in the area of transfer pricing and competent authority. The team is headed by Dale Hill, Tax Services Partner, who most recently spearheaded the development of a strategy to facilitate relationships between Canada's Competent Authority Services Division and Tax Service Offices.
In addition to working with Gowlings' clients, the TPCA Group will extend their services to professional services firms where industry regulations such as those arising from Sarbanes-Oxley may preclude the combination of both tax planning and audit work.
"We are fortunate to have recruited some of the top talent in this specialized area of taxation," said Gowlings Ottawa Office Managing Partner Martin Mason. "Members of the transfer pricing team have a deep understanding of the CRA, and can develop and implement tax strategies that will achieve the greatest advantage for our clients."
About Gowlings
Gowlings has a history of bringing innovative service offerings to clients, working to redefine the relationships corporations have with their legal counsel. In 2003, Gowlings added a specialized group of forensic accountants headed by former RCMP Head Norm Inkster, providing additional insights and strategies to businesses' legal and business operations.
With a history dating back more than 100 years, Gowlings is a leading Canadian business law firm with 700 professionals across offices in Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Hamilton, Waterloo Region, Calgary, Vancouver and Moscow. Characterized by national strength and regional focus, the Firm is a recognized leader in business law, advocacy and intellectual property law, offering expertise across a broad range of industries and in virtually every area of law. Gowlings provides legal and consulting services to clients in Canada and around the world.