Tax | Europe

The firm has an impressive multidisciplinary practice with a strong international network. The tax team works closely with the firm's market-leading banking, capital markets and corporate teams on the tax treatment of capital markets instruments or new financial products, as well as on the tax structuring of M&A transactions. It also advises corporate clients on tax matters relating to debt restructurings and refinancings. Additionally, the law firm represents clients in tax inspections and tax litigation, as well as assisting with matters involving customs duties and tax treaties. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

Arteo is a respected group with a strong offering in tax litigation, including claims that taxes are unconstitutional. It is frequently mandated by clients in the financial and real estate sectors. The team is noted for its expertise in handling transfer pricing, tax deductibility and withholding tax matters. The law firm also provides tax assistance with M&A deals and restructurings.

Linklaters remains a market-leading team with a strong network and significant international tax planning capabilities. It assists with the tax structuring of M&A deals, real estate projects, stock options and investment fund matters. The law firm advises on the availability of tax incentives for research and development activities. It represents clients in tax investigations, such as excessive profit and fraud investigations, as well as in litigation against the Belgian tax authorities. Additionally, Linklaters acts on transfer pricing and VAT matters.

Baker McKenzie has a solid team acting on a broad range of tax mandates. The law firm assists with the tax structuring of investment funds on behalf of Belgian asset managers and public investment companies. It offers considerable expertise in representing international clients, benefiting from a strong network of offices to advise on the tax planning of cross-border transactions or re-domiciling. The team designs transfer pricing models and defends companies in related audits. It also represents clients in administrative or civil proceedings seeking to appeal decisions made by the Belgian tax authorities. Baker McKenzie acts for clients on dividend tax and double taxation.

Freshfields has a strong team advising on complex international tax matters. It assists with a range of matters pertaining to M&A deals and the post-merger integration of acquisition targets. The law firm attracts attention for its experience in the tax structuring of corporate reorganisations and transformations, as well as the structuring of capital increases. The tax department collaborates closely with the firm's strong state aid team to advise on high-profile cases that challenge the European Commission's view on excess profit rulings.

Loyens & Loeff has an experienced tax team offering expertise in complex tax mandates. The law firm represents clients in contentious tax matters, including corporate income tax disputes and tax audits. The Belgian office coordinates with colleagues in Luxembourg to advise on the taxation of investment funds. It acts on the tax aspects of cross-border corporate restructurings. Loyens & Loeff houses a strong indirect tax practice, including assisting with VAT. The team handles advisory mandates linked to withholding tax and transfer pricing matters.

Stibbe acts for a diverse range of clients, including companies in the telecommunications and real estate sectors, on tax structuring matters. It advises on tax matters relating to cross-border transactions, the establishment of investment funds and the structuring of private equity investments. The team assists public sector clients with the introduction of new pieces of tax legislation. The law firm also advises on indirect taxation, with experience in tax disputes over the payment of VAT. Stibbe represents clients in transfer pricing matters.

Tiberghien is a tax-focused boutique advising on the entire spectrum of tax matters. It acts for an enviable range of domestic clients on the tax aspects of restructurings. The team handles the tax structuring of acquisitions, as well as tax disputes. The law firm also assists with standalone advisory mandates on behalf of clients seeking to ensure compliance with rules on transfer pricing, VAT, income tax and withholding tax.

Clifford Chance houses a well-respected practice with a significant focus on the real estate sector. The tax team works alongside the firm's real estate team to assist asset managers and industrial companies with the tax implications of real estate investments or development projects. It collaborates closely with the firm's M&A group to advise on the taxation of cross-border transactions. The law firm also represents clients in litigation relating to the alleged breach of anti-abuse rules.

Eubelius advises companies or their management teams on the tax treatment of M&A and real estate transactions, as well as corporate restructurings. It offers notable expertise in the specific regulatory regimes for REITs or REIFs. The team also handles tax litigation and tax investigations relating to companies' liability for direct or indirect taxes. The tax department works with the firm's competition team on appeals against the European Commission's excess profit decision. The law firm assists with the tax aspects of capital markets transactions and the establishment of investment funds.