Leading Associates

Firms To Watch: Tax

Victum Legal offers advice on tax planning strategies and compliance to clients including major international companies, under the leadership of firm co-founder Rodrigo Lepervanche.

Tax in Venezuela

Baker & McKenzie, S.C.

Baker & McKenzie, S.C. has a strong track record of advising on an array of wealth management and tax-related services. Team members act as trusted advisers to numerous multinational companies, assisting with tax strategies for their Venezuelan operations and the tax aspects of major transactions, benefitting from the firm’s ability to access a wider global network. In addition, the team advises on the tax treatment of investment structures and asset protection. Tax litigation is also a particular strong suit. Ronald Evans leads the team and is skilled in advising on tax matters relating to cross-border transactions, investments and joint ventures, as well as on tax treaties. Manuel Marín frequently assists mining and oil companies with obtaining tax and customs benefits for projects, while Serviliano Abache Carvajal, who joined the team from his own firm in 2023, advises domestic and multinational entities on tax matters, including providing analysis of the tax consequences arising from different economic activities. Associate David Mongiovi is also a key member of the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ronald Evans


Principaux clients

Minera Loma de Niquel


Grupo Fuller


100% Banco


Bosch Rexroth


Continental de Sistemas y Maquinas


Interamericana de Cables


Principaux dossiers


  • Conducted a study of Minera Loma de Niquel’s situation from a tax perspective, and advised on tax and customs obligations and how to maximise the available tax and customs benefits.
  • Assisted Grupo Fuller with several tax auditing and assessment procedure sconducted by the National Tax Administration for allegedly omitting the payment of income tax and value added tax.
  • Provided comprehensive tax, regulatory and commercial advice to 100% Banco on a complex sale of assets transaction.

D'Empaire

The tax group at D'Empaire has a wealth of experience across all aspects of tax law, handling both international and domestic mandates. The team is skilled in administrative and judicial tax disputes and also has a strong presence in corporate tax matters, assisting a diverse clientele that includes both banks and major corporations with tax issues. The team is particularly active in advising clients in the oil and gas industry on matters including the tax aspects of projects. In the wealth management sphere, the group provides a range of services for high-net-worth families and individuals, including assistance with inheritance planning and business succession planning. Humberto Romero-Muci, whose expertise spans tax, accounting and customs matters, leads the practice. José Valecillos is noted for his advice to major companies, families and individuals on tax and estate planning.

Responsables de la pratique:

Humberto Romero-Muci


Les références

‘The team stands out for its immediate availability whenever required and the high value of its advice on new projects.’

‘José Valecillos is excellent and outstanding.’

‘In my experience of working with D’Empaire, and especially under the direction of Humberto Romero-Muci, I can say with certainty that this firm is distinguished by its ability to provide personalised legal assistance of the highest quality. The proactivity and attention to detail that Humberto and his team bring to each case demonstrates a genuine commitment not only to the clients’ legal needs, but also to their business objectives.’

Principaux clients

Weatherford


Ubii Pagos


Mapfre


Columbus Networks Venezuela


Henkel


Embotelladora Mexicana de Bebidas Refrescantes


Vepica


Grupo Alecon


Mercado Libre


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Weatherford in two tax disputes, one involving municipal taxes and the other relating to an income tax assessment on foreign exchange gains.
  • Represented Colgate-Palmolive in an administrative appeal against an income tax assessment relating to the deduction of FX losses derived from debts with related parties in several jurisdictions.
  • Representing Henkel Tecnologías Venezuela in a judicial tax appeal filed against an income tax assessment.

Lega

The practice at Lega runs the gamut of tax work, from tax advisory and planning to assistance with the tax aspects of corporate transactions and litigation before courts of all levels. In particular, the firm has continued to consolidate its expertise in tax solutions for clients in the banking sector, although it assists a wide range of local and international companies. Nathalie Rodríguez-París specialises in tax consulting and planning, as well as tax issues affecting expatriates and double taxation treaties. Elina Pou is experienced in corporate tax matters and tax litigation. Of counsel Juan Cristóbal Carmona is another key name with expertise in tax issues in both the public and private sectors.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nathalie Rodríguez-París


Principaux clients

Samsung Electronics Latinoamérica


Proyecto Esperanza, subsidiary of US Project Hope


Nestlé de Venezuela


Kyndryl


GPB Neftegaz Services


Eurofarma


Rolex de Venezuela


EF Idiomas en el Extranjero


Port de Bras Active Wear


Aro Casa de Representación


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Samsung Electronics Latinoamérica on the filing of a judicial remedy against a tax assessment regarding non-compliance with VAT filing and payment.
  • Assisting Proyecto Esperanza, a subsidiary of US Project Hope, with day-to-day tax consultation and tax issues affecting expat personnel.
  • Advising on Nestle de Venezuela’s tax matters.

Mendoza, Palacios, Acedo, Borjas, Paez Pumar & Cia.

Mendoza, Palacios, Acedo, Borjas, Paez Pumar & Cia. offers a broad range of tax services, from providing tax advice to domestic and international clients on local and multi-jurisdictional matters to representing clients in tax litigation and administrative procedures before the tax authority - a key area of activity for both María Genoveva Páez Pumar and Juan Castillo Carvajal (who also advises on tax planning and the tax aspects of transactions such as M&A). Manuel Acedo Sucre is well versed in assisting international clients seeking to do business in Venezuela with the application of Venezuelan tax laws and regulations to their specific projects. Diego Lepervanche is experienced in advising on tax matters that relate to the international sanctions on Venezuela, while Francisco Alemán Planchart assists with estate planning, as well as general tax advice. Other notable names include litigation specialist Rosemary Thomas and associate Francesca Rigio.

Responsables de la pratique:

Manuel Acedo Sucre; María Genoveva Páez Pumar; Juan Castillo Carvajal


Principaux clients

Centro Venezolano Americano


Corporación Grupo Químico, Venezolana de Pinturas, Química Industrial and other subsidiaries of Grupo Orbis


Miranda Capital Partners


Laboratorios Elmor


Corporación Solsica


MSD Farmacéutica


Industria Venezolana de Transporte Operativo


Munchener de Venezuela


Grupo Perret


Principaux dossiers


  • Submitted an appeal on behalf of Venezolana de Pinturas and Química Integrada to the local tax court against several decisions of the tax authority concerning differences in income tax.
  • Objected to a tax audit on behalf of Centro Venezolano Americano regarding withholding of value added tax.
  • Advised several local subsidiaries of transnational companies regarding their taxation issues in Venezuela.

Altum Abogados, S.C.

Altum Abogados, S.C. offers both tax consulting and litigation assistance to clients, with years of experience in advising Venezuelan and Latin American corporations on tax issues within the Venezuelan market. Jorge Jraige leads the department and has broad experience in estate planning, tax consulting, and administrative and judicial litigation. Alfonso Porras and associates Ximena Dugarte, who has expertise spanning tax consulting, tax litigation and wealth management, and José Ignacio Arcaya provide support in tax matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jorge Jraige


Les références

‘The team is very capable in a wide range of international tax matters. The partners can quickly grasp the US concepts that are conveyed to them.’

‘Jorge Jraige is the standout partner of the group. When we communicate, he quickly understands the complexities of the issues that I am describing.’

Principaux dossiers


Araquereyna

Araquereyna‘s tax department handles a wide range of matters, from tax consulting to advice on the overlap of tax issues with corporate, regulatory and financial matters. Notably, the practice has assisted with tax planning for several major Venezuelan and multinational companies (as well as advising high-net-worth individuals) and is also experienced in tax litigation. María Carolina Cano, who routinely advises clients on tax and financial planning, leads the team with Gabriel Ruan Santos, an expert in tax litigation, and Ingrid García Pacheco.

Responsables de la pratique:

María Carolina Cano; Gabriel Ruan Santos; Ingrid García Pacheco


Principaux clients

General Motors Venezolana


Microsoft Venezuela


PepsiCo & Empresas Filiales


Chocolates St. Moritz


BDO Columbia


Branza 1800


Centro Medico de Caracas


Mapfre


Industrias Venelin


Industrias Lacteas de Caracas


Kyndryl de Venezuela


Turkish Airlines


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisting General Motors Venezolana and other related entities of the GM Corporation Group regarding all the tax aspects of their operational activities and their compliance with all tax obligations.
  • Advising PepsiCo & Empresas Filiales on all of its national and local tax obligations.
  • Advising Universal Music Venezuela, and other related entities of the U Group, on all tax matters related to the company’s operations.

Dentons

Dentons‘ practice covers international and local taxation, and the team also has a robust skill set in representing clients in tax disputes and audits. In addition, the firm frequently advises on the tax aspects of cross-border business operations for multinational clients from industries such as pharmaceuticals and oil and gas. The team is led by senior counsels Moisés Vallenilla, who focuses on the tax implications of cross-border transactions and investments; Oscar Cunto André, who is experienced in representing clients in tax disputes; and Juan Andrés Osorio, who advises on municipal taxation, income tax and international taxation matters. Associates Rodrigo Farías Díaz and Andreína Requena Herrera are also names to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Moises Vallenilla; Oscar Cunto André; Juan Andrés Osorio


Principaux clients

Rodamientos Rovi


Banco Sofitasa, Banco Universal


Cervecería Regional


Beierdorf


Fondo de Valores Inmobiliarios


Corporación Telemic


Supermetanol


Galanet


Megalabs Venezuela


CRM Financial Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented a pharmaceutical company in a tax audit carried out by the Venezuelan Tax Authority regarding the income tax return of the fiscal year 2019.
  • Advised a beverage company on the tax implications of the acquisition of a note as a collateral for a loan.

InterJuris Abogados

InterJuris Abogados specialises in advising on the tax implications of corporate and financial transactions, and also represent individuals and companies involved in disputes with the tax authorities, financial regulators and municipalities. Team members handle a diverse range of matters, from general tax issues relating to clients’ global business operations and the integration of cross-border corporate structures to the tax implications of corporate restructurings, transfer pricing and tax disputes. Practice head María Leticia Perera advises clients on both international and domestic tax matters. Associate Eleana Salazar Méndez is experienced in reassessment procedures carried out by the Venezuelan national and municipal tax authorities.

Responsables de la pratique:

María Leticia Perera


Les références

‘A solid, well-prepared team with great availability, as well as a focus on the interests of the client’s business. Both partners and associates responded quickly and satisfactorily.’

Principaux dossiers


Travieso Evans Arria Rengel & Paz

Travieso Evans Arria Rengel & Paz' tax team offers advice on both national and international tax matters. The team is skilled in tax litigation, handling both judicial and administrative proceedings, in addition to assisting clients with tax planning, the tax aspects of corporate restructurings and commercial transactions, and the application of tax treaties. Managing partner Eduardo Travieso Uribe advises on the full spectrum of tax and customs matters, while Manuel Iturbe Alarcón routinely represents clients in audits and tax litigation, and Andreína Lusinchi Martínez combines expertise in corporate and tax law to provide clients with comprehensive tax advice. Associate Joseth Nathaniel Almea González is also noted.

Responsables de la pratique:

Eduardo Travieso Uribe; Manuel Iturbe Alarcón; Andreina Lusinchi Martínez


Les références

‘Flexible when negotiating the budget for handling different cases.’

‘The team stands out for its knowledge and mastery of tax law and its application for companies. Their recommendations are in line with the interests of the company, always maintaining ethics and professionalism. They are accurate in their recommendations and immediately available to clarify any questions.’

Principaux clients

Orica Venezuela


Ensign de Venezuela


Ford Motor de Venezuela


Mondelez Corporation


Aggreko International


Equant Venezuela


Oracle


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Papeles Venezolanos on a value added tax audit and tax claim procedure brought by the Venezuelan revenue service (SENIAT) that erroneously determined the non-deductibility of VAT fiscal credits.
  • Represented Mondelez International in an audit conducted by SENIAT.
  • Represented Ensign de Venezuela in the defence of a tax claim report issued as a result of an income tax audit for the 2020 fiscal year.

Palacios, Torres & Korody

Palacios, Torres & Korody provides a range of tax-related services, from tax planning and the tax effects of financing agreements to general consulting and tax litigation. Juan Esteban Korody specialises in tax and regulatory law, while Leonardo Palacios Márquez and José Gregorio Torres handle tax litigation, and Daniel Betancourt focuses on aiding clients with compliance with tax and customs obligations, as well as in litigation before the tax and constitutional courts. Associate Erika Cornilliac is another key name to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Leonardo Palacios Márquez; José Gregorio Torres; Juan Esteban Korody


Les références

‘Flexibility, innovative approach, speed and empathy.’

‘Experience, controlled risk-taking and ability to find solutions.’

‘An excellent and driven team. Always keen to deliver top-tier results.’

Principaux clients

Schlumberger


Eni


Cardon IV


Unilever


Diageo


Telefonica


Sodexo


Empresas Polar


Digitel


Bolsa de Valores de Caracas


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Cardon IV with the preparation and filing of the income tax return.
  • Represented Unilever Venezuela in an important tax claim brought by SENIAT involving value added tax.
  • Engaged by Digitel to assess and review the corporate policies on distribution of dividends and reviewed the tax effects of the dividend distribution resolved for the last fiscal year.

Ponte Andrade & Casanova

Ponte Andrade & Casanova provides a full tax offering, advising domestic companies and international corporations (and their local subsidiaries) on designing tax strategies to lower their tax burden, as well as having broad experience in tax litigation. Ramón Andrade Monagas leads the tax law and estate management team alongside Ignacio Ponte Brandt, who is adept at representing clients in disputes with the tax authorities. Associate Ignacio Andrade Cifuentes provides support in contentious and non-contentious tax matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ignacio Ponte Brandt; Ramon Andrade Monagas


Les références

‘The lawyers who assisted us are very knowledgeable about commercial, tax and labour regulations. This gives them versatility as a team, as they cover all areas of law in a small group of people, which increases the personalisation and creativity of the service.’

‘Ignacio Ponte Brandt is a lawyer with extensive experience, who was very creative in the search for strategies to mitigate risks, while being as efficient as possible from a tax point of view, and responded to all our concerns.’

‘Ignacio  Andrade Cifuentes is a great young tax lawyer who understands the complicated aspects of the business itself, as well as looking at issues from a legal and financial point of view.’

Principaux clients

The Walt Disney Company


Bolsa de Productos e Insumos Agropecuarios de Venezuela


SC Johnson & Son de Venezuela


Toyota de Venezuela


Carelife Venezuela


Asociación de Productores Rurales del Estado Portuguesa


El Dorado P2P


Inversiones Tegnaval


Banesco Banco Universal


Banco Exterior C.A., Banco Universal


Inversiones Flag 1985


Unidad de Medicina Interna Ambulatoria


Inversiones Rambru


Banco Delsur Banco Universal


Comunidad 1001 Ideas


Inversiones Dagaraco


Flavoo


CREG Consulting


Aerocamiones de Venezuela


Apö Café


Agribrands Purina Venezuela


Principaux dossiers


  • Designed a tax strategy for Carelife Venezuela to optimise its group-wide tax structure, as well as conducting due diligence of its fiscal obligations and liabilities.
  • Representing Banco Exterior, C.A. Banco Universal at all stages of tax litigation.
  • Assisted Comunidad 1001 Ideas in the launch of its online marketplace, having analysed the tax implications and reviewing the tax liabilities and obligations of the newly incorporated entity.

SLV Consultores

SLV Consultores‘ tax practice is skilled in advising on the design and implementation of international tax planning strategies for clients in a variety of industry sectors, including pharmaceuticals, health services and real estate. The team also assists clients with the structuring of their local and foreign operations to ensure tax efficiency across European, Latin American and BVI jurisdictions. In the wealth management sphere, the firm frequently advises on tax planning and the formation of family companies, trusts and private interest foundations. Alejandro Silva Ortiz co-leads the team with Burt Hevia, who is based in Mexico.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alejandro Silva Ortiz; Burt Hevia


Les références

‘They are deeply knowledgeable about national and international tax matters, with exceptional strengths in a wide range of treaties to avoid double taxation, and up to date with the most recent developments in the field.’

‘Good international networking to provide comprehensive international tax advice, with strategic alliances with suppliers in the main countries linked to Venezuela.’

Principaux clients

Máh! Brands


Máh! Colombia


Grupo Mah 5454


Escalabeds Group


Cofein (El Pitazo)


Spefar Laboratorios


Farmacia Farmago


Biotecfar


Droguería BLV


Inversiones Lascucorp


Finalven


Abanca


Caixa Geral de Depositos


Grupo Maxi Pet


Corporación KR5


Leanpa


Arcillas Villa Rosa


Soutec Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted on behalf of Biotecfar in a challenge to a fine imposed by the SENIAT.

Sol Caballero & Asociados

Tax and corporate boutique firm Sol Caballero & Asociados has a strong record of advising on corporate tax, tax planning, international tax and transfer pricing, in addition to handling litigation. The firm advises clients across a range of industry sectors, from construction to oil services and distribution. Jesús Sol-Gil is highly experienced in corporate tax, international tax, tax planning and litigation; he co-leads the practice alongside Rosa Caballero, who specialises in corporate tax and tax litigation and audits, handling both administrative and jurisdictional proceedings against the national, state and municipal tax administrations.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jesús Sol-Gil; Rosa Caballero


Les références

‘Jesús Sol-Gil has extensive experience in the tax area.’

‘Sol Caballero is a first-class firm. Jesús Sol’s leadership and track record demonstrate great reliability. Their tax planning advice saves their clients a lot of time and money. They have a highly qualified, motivated and integrated team.’

‘Unlike other firms, Sol Caballero has rigorous management of its cost structure, which leads to savings in fees that passes on to the end-client.’ 

Principaux clients

Hias Venezuela


Constructora Dell Aqua y filiales


Premium de Venezuela


Instituto Clinico La Florida


Laboratorio Leti


Laboratorio Gerven


Brandon Ochoa, Rodríguez & Asociados


Chocolates Zisnella


Cosmeticos Rolda


Pastas Capri


Hospital de Clinicas Caracas


Seegman Abogados


Laser Computers


Valle Arriba Athletic Club


Alpina Productos Alimenticio


Hoet and Partner


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Genven Genéricos Venezolanos in a judicial process before the SENIAT concerning income tax for the fiscal year 2019.
  • Assisted Constructora Dell Aqua and subsidiaries with several tax consultations on income tax, wealth tax and municipal taxes.
  • Assisted Hospital de Clínicas Caracas with advice on income and municipal taxes.