Tax Litigation and Dispute Resolution

The legislative and administrative arena for Canadian taxpayers is complex and constantly changing. When dealing with tax authorities, it is critical to have proper guidance and representation.

Federal and Provincial tax authorities can be intimidating, and the idea of an audit or reassessment is never pleasant. Farris tax litigators advise clients in respect of a wide range of Canadian tax issues, including tax avoidance, real property taxes (speculation tax, PTT and Empty Homes Tax), residence for tax purposes, real estate dispositions, employee and shareholder benefits, taxation of trusts and estates, RRSPs and TFSAs, offshore tax compliance, and GST. Our clients range from private individuals to small businesses to large multi-national corporations.

Our tax lawyers represent clients in all types of CRA and BC Ministry of Finance audits and disputes, and at every stage. We assist with proposals, voluntary disclosures, objections and appeals, and appear regularly on tax matters before the Tax Court of Canada, the Federal Court of Canada, the Federal Court of Appeal, and all levels of courts in British Columbia. In addition to our record of success in court, we are equally adept outside the courtroom and often resolve our clients’ issues through the administrative appeals process or negotiation with tax authorities. Our lawyers also have experience obtaining rectification and recission orders to reverse unintended tax consequences brought about by third party mistakes.