Tax
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 416 865 0040About
Provided by Torys LLP
Whether on a transaction, discrete tax matter or dispute, we bring sophisticated thinking and creative tax advice that progresses clients’ business objectives.
We know how to help clients avoid the problems that can stall a deal or impede its success. When a transaction is complicated by multijurisdictional cash, operations, financing opportunities and targets, we collaborate with clients to find creative solutions for the situation at hand.
A substantial portion of our work is multijurisdictional. With full-service tax capabilities in our Canadian and New York offices, we have regular exposure to evolving tax structures on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border, naturally facilitating effective cross-border counsel.
We have broad experience in dealing with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and all phases of tax controversy—from the planning and implementation of specific transactions to tax filings, audits, assessments, litigation and appeals.
In the audit process, we help clients develop sound disclosure strategies and marshal compelling advocacy and messaging. We also assist clients in the review of existing transactions and provide advice regarding the likelihood of success on audit. When assessments are issued, we help prepare notices of objection and submissions to relevant government authorities, as well as provide advice for statutory audits and, where necessary, we engage in litigation at all levels of court.
Chambers Review
Torys possesses a solid tax team with strong capabilities in the financial services sector. Its Toronto, Montréal and Calgary-based tax lawyers regularly advise on the tax aspects of prominent transactions handled by the firm's standout corporate practice. The firm is also known for its large tax advisory group, including its robust cross-border tax planning expertise bolstered by its New York office. It is additionally well regarded for its strength in tax controversy and litigation.
Work Highlights
- Torys was the tax counsel for TotalEnergies on the CAD4.03 billion sale of its midstream commitments in the Surmont oil sands project.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The firm provides excellent service and responsiveness."
"Torys provides terrific advice. Its lawyers are very strong communicators and are thorough in their work. We are very pleased with them."
"The Torys tax team has a wide variety of expertise at all levels to support our business needs."
"The firm provides excellent service and responsiveness."
"Torys provides terrific advice. Its lawyers are very strong communicators and are thorough in their work. We are very pleased with them."
"The Torys tax team has a wide variety of expertise at all levels to support our business needs."
Notable Practitioners
Jerald Wortsman enjoys an outstanding reputation in the Canadian tax market. He is particularly noted for his strong relationships across the financial services sector, from high-street banks to a host of private investors, including REITs and pension funds. Based in Toronto, he is the head of the firm's tax practice.
"Jerald Wortsmanis able to walk you through the relevant matters that need to be addressed."
"He provides first-rate guidance on some of the most technically demanding areas of tax law."
"His ability to provide straightforward solutions is unmatched."
Corrado Cardarelli provides counsel on tax structures and reorganisations, as well as commercial transactions. He is based in Toronto.
"Corrado Cardarelli is a very strong technical lawyer with an easy, approachable manner."
"He is humble and provides detailed yet practical advice. He's great to work with."
Martha MacDonald handles a range of tax disputes, including those relating to transfer pricing, for clients including financial institutions. She leads the firm's tax controversy practice from Toronto.
"Martha MacDonald is a trusted adviser on many of our most complex tax litigation matters. She is a terrific advocate."
"Her advice for dealing with CRA audits and inquiries is practical, reasonable and effective."
"Martha is a very strong tax litigator with creative ideas."
Gwen Watson impresses for her role as lead tax adviser on a number of transformative agreements, including acquisitions and corporate reorganisations. She is based in Toronto.
"Gwen Watson can provide trusted and on-the-spot analysis with confidence."
Toronto-based John Tobin advises on acquisitions, reorganisations and securities transactions, as well as contentious mandates concerning the interpretation of tax regulations.
Andrew Wong regularly leads on tax aspects of complex transactions. He is experienced in handling deals such as M&A.
Calgary-based Craig Maurice acts as a tax adviser across a range of different transactions, including acquisitions, investments and project finance, as well as corporate restructuring.
Patrick Reynaud is an up-and-coming practitioner who assists clients with tax litigation and wider tax controversy matters.
"I have really appreciated Patrick Reynaud's partnership, responsiveness, creativity and flexibility."
"He is practical and client-oriented."
Ranked Lawyers at
Torys LLP
Nationwide - Canada
Members
Provided by Torys LLP