Cobalt has an international reach and is adept at working on cross-border tax restructuring matters, with a specialism in the technology and real estate sectors. Standout matters from 2022 and 2023 include tax litigation before the Supreme Court. Practice head Egon Talur balances a diverse tax practice, which includes tax audit proceedings as well as advice on day-to-day tax matters. Specialist counsel Karli Kütt, who advises on indirect tax and customs duties, among other areas, is also noted.
Tax in Estonia
Cobalt
Practice head(s):
Egon Talur
Other key lawyers:
Tõnu Kolts; Karli Kütt
Testimonials
‘The team has good knowledge of Estonian tax, and they are always flexible for their client.’
‘Egon Talur and Karli Kütt are the best in the field of tax that we have experienced in Estonia.’
Key clients
Otto Maja OÜ
Bolt Operations OÜ
Dexatel OÜ
Kasperwiki Laevaomanikud OÜ
Kaamos Group OÜ
Green Marine AS
Salv Technologies OÜ
Mindvalley Inc. / Mindvalley OÜ
CybExer Technologies OÜ
Saint-Gobain Glass Estonia SE
Veriff OÜ
Helmes AS
Electric Beast Global OÜ
OÜ Nordnet
Work highlights
- Represented Osaühing Valdor Holding in a landmark dispute on transfer pricing adjustments.
- Advised Mirova Energy Transition 5 on the tax aspects of signing a contract with Estonian renewable energy developer Evecon to develop solar plants in Estonia.
- Represented Otto Maja in a landmark dispute on value added tax concerning a real estate development before the Supreme Court.
Eversheds Sutherland Ots & Co
Eversheds Sutherland Ots & Co has a broad practice but has carved out a particular niche in public law-related tax issues. Toomas Pikamäe heads the team, which provides clients with a full service in tax matters, from tax audits to tax planning, and is also active in disputes in the high courts in Estonia. Senior associate Helena Noot is a name to note for contentious proceedings.
Practice head(s):
Toomas Pikamäe
Other key lawyers:
Dmitri Zdobnõh; Helena Noot; Kaspar Kaljurand
Key clients
Talp Invest OÜ
HEPSI Holding OÜ
Lennundus OÜ
Raith Rass
Rush Street Interactive Development Estonia OÜ
TNT Express Worldwide Eesti AS
Icosagen Cell Factory OÜ
KIT Finance OÜ
Värska Originaal
Eesti Loots
Work highlights
- Representing Lennundus in a court procedure for annulment of the tax notice of the 7th of October 2020.
- Advising Icosagen Cell Factory on VAT issues.
- Advising KIT Finance Europe on the Estonian Tax Information Exchange Act and European Directive 2011/16 (EU).
HansaLaw OÜ
Vahur Kivistik, Gerly Kask, Andres Past, Tõnu Tuulas and Jüri Leppik lead HansaLaw OÜ‘s team, which specialises in tax law on both the criminal law and civil law side. Kivistik, who is the founder of the firm, leads many of the group’s matters, and Kask is a strong litigator with a notable track record in tax disputes. A key addition to the group is associate Paavo Paal, who joined the firm in 2023.
Practice head(s):
Vahur Kivistik; Gerly Kask; Andres Past; Tõnu Tuulas; Jüri Lepik
Key clients
Adelan KVH OÜ
Floberg Capital OÜ
Hansaspine OÜ
Petroil PVTK OÜ
Panamir OÜ
Natalja Volohhonski
Porto Investments OÜ
ML Viimistlus OÜ
Oilseeds Trade OÜ
Oilseeds Finance OÜ
Whiteliners OÜ
Fintrans OÜ
Mangano OÜ
Viljaekspert OÜ
NTE Varahaldus OÜ
PVMP-Elektika OÜ
Ants Mäelt
Sorainen
Sorainen's tax team is ‘large enough to handle every legal aspect' while 'maintaining the flexibility of a smaller firm’. The department is equipped to assist across the gamut of tax matters, including taxation due diligence and transfer pricing services. ‘Very skilled and experienced lawyer‘ Paul Künnap is a name to note in the team, which is led by Kaido Künnapas, who utilises his ‘academic background to help him to advise clients on a wide range of issues'.
Practice head(s):
Kaido Künnapas
Other key lawyers:
Paul Künnap; Kärt Anna Maire Kelder; Verner Silm
Testimonials
‘The team is diverse and meets all of my company’s needs. I appreciate that each member’s expertise can be turned into a tailor-made solution, rather than settling for a generic one that’s only partially effective.’
‘They’re large enough to handle every legal aspect, yet they maintain the flexibility of a smaller firm. This distinction is transformative for a client.’
‘The partner I’ve been collaborating with is very responsive. I appreciate his pragmatic approach, which prioritises eliminating conflicts of interest. He recommends what’s best for the client. This approach fosters long-term satisfaction for all parties involved.’
‘They are the only truly pan-Baltic integrated law firm in my opinion, and this means much better cooperation between the practices.’
‘Kaido Künnapas has a very good academic background and foundations to help him to advise clients on a wide range of issues.’
‘Kärt Kelder is especially well known for managing private wealth topics.’
‘Paul Künnap is a very skilled and experienced lawyer with knowledge all across the board.’
‘We like their professionalism. They are prompt and have a good knowledge of tax. In particular, we would like to point out Kaido Künnapas, who is very efficient and has a good knowledge of taxes.’
Key clients
Estonian Business and Innovation Agency
Veriff
Verge Motorcycles
Estonian E-commerce Association
Viru Keemia Grupp
Deutsche Bank
Miss Mary of Sweden
Fairmus Technologies
Bolt
Sunly
Work highlights
- Advised the Estonian E-commerce Association on helping the Estonian government to design and introduce new rules for collecting VAT from foreign e-shops.
- Advised Miss Mary of Sweden on tax issues relating to the sale of a business line from Estonia to Sweden, as well as VAT compliance in the UK.
- Represented a private client in a personal liability tax matter before the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (ETCB).
TGS Baltic
TGS Baltic is a popular choice among major companies and financial institutions in Estonia. Practice head Helmut Pikmets
has appeared in cases in the European Court of Human Rights and the Supreme Court of Estonia. Pikmets is ably supported by senior associates Sergei Jegorov and Dmitri Teplõhh, who act in a range of tax disputes, a key area of focus for the team, which is able to handle a large volume of cases in tax law. Teplõhh is also able to handle white-collar crime disputes related to tax law.
Other key lawyers:
Sergei Jegorov; Dmitri Teplõhh
Key clients
Luminor
Tallink Group
Swedbank
Imatra Elekter
Baltic Ground Services
HKScan
Metrosystem
Euroapteek
ESTIKO
Circle K
Sanofi
Møller Eiendom group
Proplastik
TBD-Biodiscovery
Invego
Endover
MAXIMA Estonia
EstHus
Work highlights
- Represented Metrosystem in the administrative court against the Tax Board in connection with the taxation of buying up used pallets.
- Advised Estonian energy company Bioforce in setting up a joint venture with HKScan for building and operating a biomethane factory.
- Advised a cybersecurity expert on the sale of 100% shares in SM7 Software (SpiderFoot).
WALLESS
Notable work for WALLESS has included advising clients on tax structuring, as well as a range of other tax matters such as compliance. The ‘very experienced team' is highlighted for its 'knowledge of tax regulations and practices’ and is also well known for its regulatory work. 'Extremely experienced' practice head Rolan Jankelevitsh 'possesses a deep knowledge of Estonian tax regulations and practices', and Priit Raudsepp stands out for his international tax planning work.
Practice head(s):
Rolan Jankelevitsh
Other key lawyers:
Priit Raudsepp
Testimonials
‘Very experienced team with good knowledge of tax regulations and practices. Very good insight on the developments on the Estonian tax regulations, both in terms of present and coming matters.’
‘On a partner level I have worked with Roman Jankelevitsh. He is extremely experienced and possesses a deep knowledge of Estonian tax regulations and practices. He builds his advice on solid research, true knowledge and experience, which means that he does not lead you into taking unnecessary risks. His practice also involves M&A and deal financing, which gives him a good base for tax structuring in transactions. In my opinion he is the best tax lawyer in Estonia. He is the person to go to both for general tax advice and transaction structuring.’
‘Walless keeps up high standards of quality.’
‘Rolan Jankelevitsh is our trusted advisor and go to person if we need any advice on Estonian and international law matters.’
‘Great team. Easy to get along with and very professional.’
‘Rolan Jankelevitsh is the go-to guy for both individuals and companies for Estonian tax advice.’
Work highlights
- Advising a multinational software development company headquartered in Estonia on restructuring a global employee stock option programme.
- Advising a global short-stay accommodation marketplace operator on various VAT and withholding tax matters.
- Advising a client on the tax aspects of the sale of its Baltic life insurance portfolio.
ATTELA Advokaadibüroo
ATTELA Advokaadibüroo is highlighted for its ‘in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of Estonian and EU tax law’. Marek Herm specialises in international tax law and tax litigation. He jointly leads the team alongside Marko Saag and Kaspar Lind; the three practice co-heads each have vast knowledge of international tax law and domestic tax law.
Practice head(s):
Marek Herm; Marko Saag; Kaspar Lind
Other key lawyers:
Madis Uusorg
Testimonials
‘Marek Herm, Kapsar Lind and Marko Saag are all highly valued professionals with wide international knowledge about tax law. They are all dedicated to the work and keep their word and more important they follow strictly terms and deadlines. We value highly their knowledge, commitment and cooperation.’
‘This practice is unique because they have in depth and up to date knowledge of Estonian and EU tax law. That is because they have contributed to the formation of tax related legislation.’
‘They value client relations and always being on time, delivering up to date and offering a high-quality legal service.’
Key clients
Orvium
Maximus International
Lightstreams
Amon
Eesti Spordiselts KALEV
Work highlights
- Assisted CERN Spin-off Orvium with raising funds and developing the platform.
- Represented Maximus International successfully against Swedbank in a case where the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment stating that credit institutions are not allowed to close payment accounts of such clients with whom they would be obliged to enter into the payment services agreement under the law.
Ellex
At Ellex, practice head Dmitri Rozenblat is able to work on multidisciplinary matters due to his expertise in both M&A and corporate law as well as tax law. According to one client, Ermo Kosk ‘has a lot of experience and should be the go-to expert for any tax issues with transactions or financing’. More broadly, areas of interest for the group include tax-based asset finance and general tax advice.
Practice head(s):
Dmitri Rozenblat
Other key lawyers:
Ermo Kosk
Testimonials
‘Very professional team, with a business-minded and pragmatic approach to tax questions.’
‘Good collaboration.’
‘Ermo Kosk has a lot of experience and should be the go-to expert for any tax issues with transactions or financing.’
Key clients
BLRT Grupp AS
Graanul Invest AS
Eesti Gaas AS
ElectroAir OÜ
Liven AS
Enefit Green AS
AS BaltCap
Tere AS
AS LHV Group
Coop Pank AS
Bigbank AS
AS Inbank
AS Operail
Maag Group AS
Skeleton Technologies Group OÜ
Sportland International Group AS
Work highlights
- Advised Graanul Invest and its shareholders on the tax structuring of the sale of the majority shareholding in Graanul Invest.
- Represented UAB STMT in a dispute against the Estonian Tax and Customs Board.
- Advised the Estonian Ministry of Finance on the tax aspects of issuing bonds.
KPMG Law in Estonia
KPMG Law in Estonia stands out for ‘offering a personalised service‘ and demonstrates ‘good teamwork and an efficient workflow‘. This work includes corporate tax, indirect tax and transfer pricing matters, among other areas. Practice head Joel Zernask is a versatile lawyer and epitomises the group’s ability to deal with advisory, compliance and litigation matters when it comes to tax law. Maike Leppik regularly advises on transfer pricing issues.
Practice head(s):
Joel Zernask
Other key lawyers:
Maike Leppik; Merike Oja; Einar Rosin
Testimonials
‘The KPMG team we have worked with has a very good teamwork and an efficient workflow.’
‘They are very professional. They offer a personalised service. They are friendly and cooperative.’
Key clients
Infortar
Greenful
Capital Mill
Balancer Labs
Kaamos Grupp
Maag Grupp
Lidl Stiftung & Co. KG
Evecon
Baltic Workboats
Stockmann
Work highlights
- Advised Evecon on the inclusion of €70m capital from an international fund to finance solar park developments in the Baltics.
- Advised EstBAN on the setup of a syndicate investment structure.
- Advised Inclusion (Planet42) on the flipping investment entity from Estonia to the UK.
Magnusson
Magnusson's varied workload includes tax planning and optimisation, tax risk management, and market entry and exit strategies. Restructuring, including cross-border restructuring, is another area of focus for the practice, and is a particular area of specialism for Elvira Tulvik. Tulvik heads the team and leads on many multi-jurisdictional tax matters as well as a range of tax regulation advice.
Practice head(s):
Ellen Elvira Tulvik
Other key lawyers:
Hanna Esko
Key clients
Saint-Gobain Group
Põhjala Brewing
FlixBus Group
Whirlpool Corporation
Kelvion
Berge
Work highlights
- Acted as legal adviser to Saint-Gobain Eesti on the sale of the business of its subsidiary Baltiklaas and the following restructuring of the group.
- Advising Estonian Põhjala Brewery on setting up its employee and management options programme.
- Assisting FlixBus with restructuring its operations in the Baltics.
RASK Attorneys-at-Law
The team at RASK Attorneys-at-Law undertakes both direct and indirect tax work and is headed up by Villy Lopman, who is well versed in the practicalities of tax law, having previously been employed at the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. The team has recently been particularly active in contentious tax matters.
Practice head(s):
Villy Lopman
Key clients
Estonian Autosport Events MTÜ
Cuesta Law Office
Cuesta Law Office, which according to one client has a ‘perfect reputation and knowledge in its sphere’, was formed in spring 2019 by tax experts from other law firms. Senior associate Jaak Siim leads the team and has a strong track record in tax disputes, including at the Tax and Customs Board. Lada Riisna also has experience in tax disputes, specifically financial law tax disputes.
Practice head(s):
Jaak Siim
Testimonials
‘They are extremely effective, and their knowledge is huge. They have very impressive experience in their business. I trust them 100%.’
‘They have a perfect reputation and knowledge in their sphere.’
Key clients
Lia Ratassepp
Kalle Kask
A&E Kinnisvara OÜ
Eerik Kivivare
Expert1 OÜ
Katrin Sillam
Allprint HM OÜ
Work highlights
- Represented a client in a dispute with the Estonian Tax and Customs Board in connection with a claim for unjust enrichment.
- Represented a client in a tax dispute with the Estonian Tax and Customs Board regarding the liability decision made to the client and in enforcement of tax debt.
- Represented a client in liability proceedings in connection with the claim of the company’s tax debt from a former member of the board.
Triniti Estonia
Triniti is strong in tax disputes, and the group also works alongside the firm's transactional team to advise on the tax elements of deals and corporate restructurings. The group is particularly active in the transport and agriculture sectors. Team leader Ramil Pärdi has been involved in many of these transactional matters both in Estonia and internationally.
Practice head(s):
Ramil Pärdi
Key clients
Fort Holding OÜ
Estonia Farmid OÜ
Reval ProTeam OÜ
Anija Municipality
Kasepark OÜ
Stockholm Environment Institute Tallinn Centre
Northernwood OÜ
Saaremaa Piimaühistu