Tax

Pérez Bustamante & Ponce

Pérez Bustamante & Ponce acts for major local companies, including several players from the oil and gas, mining, financial, renewable energy, automotive, telecoms, food and beverage and pharma sectors, in tax planning and structuring, as well as administrative claims and judicial proceedings. Tax litigation is, indeed, a key area of strength for the group, which excels in cassation and constitutional tax actions. Practice head Juan Gabriel Reyes is a reference for tax planning and structuring matters in Ecuador. Carmen Simone-Lasso is a name to note for tax, customs and international trade matters, while Juan Francisco Carrasco-Velasco stands out for his experience in corporate tax issues and litigation before the tax authorities and judicial courts. Director Gianella Gallegos-Santos regularly assists with the challenging of tax assessments and tax refund applications, and Jeanette Jarrín focuses on tax planning and double taxation avoidance agreements.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'The most outstanding thing is the service. The constant collaboration is great, and they are there when you need them.'
‘The team has experience in various fields, which allows it to provide global advice on a specific topic.'
‘Juan Francisco Carrasco has supported us in several litigations before the tax authorities. His experience in legal processes has allowed us to achieve positive results in several issues associated with audit processes carried out by the tax authority in Ecuador.'
‘Juan Gabriel Reyes is recognised for his empathetic approach, extensive knowledge of law and business, and his outstanding availability to answer client queries.'
'Juan Francisco Carrasco stands out for his dedication and leadership capacity, reflecting the culture of excellence that characterises the firm and significantly differentiates it from others in the sector.'
‘The firm has provided us with a comprehensive service in all the legal and tax requirements that we have required of them over the years of service. I believe an important differentiator is the integrity of the offering provided. They have even sometimes coordinated with legal firms in other countries, where internally and externally they have been recognised as very diligent and experts.'
‘The agility of responses, deep expertise of local practice, broad understanding of international regulations and extensive network of contacts in different instances, make them particularly assertive and effective. The main partner of the tax area, Juan Gabriel Reyes, has been a key player in legal, administrative and even commercial matters to support us in our needs and decision-making. It is a very integrated team.'
‘Juan Gabriel Reyes, as the team's lead partner, has a set of skills that are unique and have made them our reference firm. The ability to go in-depth into issues of financial implication, to consult and discuss with attorneys from different jurisdictions stands out above any other firm I have worked with.'

Key clients

General Motors
Alcon Laboratories
Grupo Intercorp (Promart)
Otecel
Techint
Grupo Cobra (Spain)
Grupo Motta Internacional
Lundin
Holcim
Avianca Colombia

Work highlights

Representing Avianca Colombia in a mediation process that seeks a refund of the withholding tax that was triggered by the payment of services rendered to Avianca Ecuador.
Represented Telefonica in a case in which the tax authority issued a VAT assessment for 2013 and demanded payment of VAT allegedly not charged by Otecel on transfers of telephones.