Baker McKenzie Johannesburg

Tax

Ursula Diale-Ali is an associate in Baker McKenzie's Tax Practice Group in Johannesburg. Ursula provides support to the tax practice in advising medium to large corporations in indirect matters, particularly customs, excise and international trade, and value added tax (VAT).

The interplay between VAT and customs has sparked her interest in the regulation of the healthcare, as well as consumer goods and retail (CGR) sectors.

Her role in the Johannesburg Tax Practice Group extends to other industry sectors, enabling her to advise clients on various indirect tax matters and mitigation of tax risks; and represent clients in audits, investigations and disputes with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and/or other regulatory bodies.

Assisted in advising various clients on challenging the imposition of anti-dumping duties in relation to disodium carbonate (soda ash) and motor vehicle windscreens. Advised adidas in a complex customs valuation dispute in South Africa. Advised various clients on customs import and export control issues in South Africa. Advised clients on the importation of goods into various African jurisdictions. Advised a submarine telecommunication company in relation to arbitration proceedings outside of South Africa, relating to a dispute concerning fuel supplies to foreign-going ships and fuel levy refunds under South African legislation. Advised various clients on transfer pricing and customs valuation with regards to year-end adjustments. Assisted in direct and indirect tax controversy, and liaising with the SARS in relation to various matters. Advising a multinational tobacco company on challenging a new tobacco levy in Botswana. Advising various clients in relation to the regulation of Electronic Services Supplies in South Africa. Advised various clients on the restructure of local and foreign investments.* Advised clients on various matters under the jurisdiction of the Master of the High Court in relation to trusts and estates, including estate-reporting, trustee changes, trust deed amendments.* Assisted clients with trust applications.* Assisted in advising client in relation to a deal structure for the importation of booster vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 into South Africa. Assisted and advised clients in relation to applications for tax exemption under the public benefit organization dispensation.*

* Experience obtained prior to joining Baker McKenzie in current role

English, Setswana, isiZulu

The Tax Faculty (Professional Certificate in Estate and Trust Administration) (2021) University of Johannesburg (LLM Commercial Law) (2019) University of Johannesburg (Bachelor of Laws) (2018) University of Johannesburg (Bachelor of Commerce) (2015)