About

Provided by CMS

The core focus of our Tax department consists in providing advice to businesses and entrepreneurs; in addition, our firm also advises a number of high net worth individuals and families on tax issues, including wealth structuring and estate planning and relocation. Our team is composed of experienced experts who handle all aspects of tax law and tackle complex issues for domestic and international clients in an area of law renowned for its complexity and constant change.

We advise private, public and institutional clients on Swiss and international tax planning, corporate tax, cross-border migrations and restructuring, among others, and represent clients in tax controversy matters, including transfer pricing agreements. Our lawyers also advise tax-exempt and non-profit organisations on a wide range of matters, including formation and structuring, and obtaining exemption determinations from the competent authorities.

Some members of our Tax group have years of work in both private practice and in government and have extensive tax-related administrative and policy experience. The co-head of our Tax team in Geneva, Sarah Busca Bonvin, has formerly held high positions with the Geneva Tax administration, where, for 15 years, she was responsible for the tax rulings as Director of the tax affairs before being appointed as Deputy Director-General.

The firm has also developed specific competencies in the area of VAT and custom duties.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Tax - Switzerland

3
Band 3

What the Team is Known For

CMS often assists clients with the tax consequences of transactions, restructurings and financing matters. Team members have further experience in income tax mandates, tax exemption queries and tax audits. The law firm is also well versed in representing clients in contentious matters before the Swiss authorities.

Work Highlights

  • CMS advised Crown Packaging on the tax elements of its acquisition of Helvetia Packaging.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Andrio Orler
2
Andrio Orler
2
Band 2
Andrio Orler assists clients with the tax aspects of real estate transactions and corporate reorganisations. In addition, he acts on tax exemption questions.

He is very knowledgeable in this area and also very reachable, especially when time is of the essence.

Andrio Orler's advice is always pertinent, wise and deep. I involve him in all decision-making processes at the first stages.

David Hürlimann
4
David Hürlimann
Head of Tax
4
Band 4
David Hürlimann assists clients with corporate income tax matters, the tax aspects of refinancing projects and tax audits.

David Hürlimann has a deep understanding of our business model, which enables him to provide well-balanced advice.

David Hürlimann had a good understanding of the deal structure and the ability to highlight possible options.

Sarah Busca-Bonvin
5
Sarah Busca-Bonvin
5
Band 5

Sarah Busca-Bonvin offers significant experience advising clients on corporate tax matters and employee-related tax issues.

We had a very positive experience working with Sarah Busca-Bonvin. We trust her as a lawyer; she is very responsive and provides solid advice.

I think Sarah Busca-Bonvin is doing an excellent job.

Ranked Lawyers at
CMS

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Switzerland

Tax

Andrio Orler
2
Andrio Orler
2
Band 2
David Hürlimann
4
David Hürlimann
Head of Tax
4
Band 4
Sarah Busca-Bonvin
5
Sarah Busca-Bonvin
5
Band 5

Members

Provided by CMS

Alexandre Conus

Andrio Orler

Andrio Orler

Head of Department

Baran Yilmaz

Darshana Virag

David Hürlimann

David Hürlimann

Head of Department

David Schuler

Dominik Penkov

Fabien Liégeois

Fabienne von Moos

Gregory von Gunten

Jens Lehmann

Julien Witzig

Krystel Paschoud

Mark Cagienard

Patrick Bertschy

Sarah Busca-Bonvin

Tanja Schaub

Industries

Provided by CMS

Banks

Charities / Not for Profit

Consumer Product Manufacturing

Energy

Financial Services

Food & Drink Producers

Health Care

Insurance

Mining & Metals

Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences

Private Clients / Individuals

Real Estate

Real Estate Finance

Retail