Tax in Guatemala

The 'expert' and 'very experienced' team at Alta QIL+4 Abogados has notable strength in local and cross-border tax matters, advising on the tax aspects of multi-jurisdictional M&A and financial transactions, as well as tax restructuring, compliance, transfer pricing and the tax issues relating to setting up new businesses. The team also handles contentious matters, representing clients in litigation before the courts and tax authorities and in complex tax investigations. Practice head José Quiñones is experienced in advising foreign financial institutions on the tax aspects of bond offerings, M&A and project finance transactions. He receives strong support from senior associates Otto Ardón, who regularly advises regional corporations on the tax aspects of restructurings and acquisitions, and Hellen Guerra, who has particular expertise in tax planning and transfer pricing issues.

The ‘excellent‘ team at Consortium Legal draws on the firm’s presence throughout Central America to advise on multi-jurisdictional tax matters, including the tax aspects of M&A transactions. The team also advises on transfer pricing and tax planning, and represents clients in disputes with the tax authorities. Among its clients are local, regional and multinational companies from the financial, non profit, manufacturing, agroindustrial and mining sectors. Alfredo Rodríguez is experienced in advising on the tax aspects of corporate transactions, including M&A and private equity investments, as well as advising high-net-worth individuals and family groups on estate and succession planning. He co-heads the team with the experienced Olga Meléndez and David Erales, who leads the tax litigation practice. Associate Alejandra Fuentes-Pieruccini is noted for her advice on transfer pricing and international taxation. Since publication, the team has been rejoined by Mario Archila, previously head of his own practice at Archila & Asociados.

The Guatemalan member of Lataxnet, a network of Latin American firms focused on tax and transfer pricing, and with additional offices in El Salvador and Honduras, Mayora & Mayora, S.C. is well placed to handle Central America-wide tax issues. The ‘exceptional‘ team advises on tax planning, transfer pricing, customs issues, indirect taxation and tax-related disputes. Its clients include a wide range of companies from the banking, construction, food and beverages, technology, energy and telecoms sectors. Led by the highly regarded Eduardo Mayora, the team includes ‘standout‘ partner Juan Carlos Casellas, who has notable expertise in tax litigation, and senior associate Juan Carlos Foncea, who is experienced in advising Guatemalan and international companies on tax planning and cross-border tax issues.

Arias has been particularly active recently advising on customs tax issues, as well as advising technology companies on the growing area of digital services taxation. The team acts primarily for multinationals operating in Central America, often advising on cross-border issues alongside the firm’s other offices in the region; its areas of strength include the retail, oil and gas, logistics and BPO sectors. In addition, the team advises on the tax aspects of financial, M&A and real estate transactions and draws on its strong litigation department to handle tax disputes. An increasingly established figure, practice head Ximena Tercero is experienced in transfer pricing and international trade matters, and is a key member of the firm’s pro bono practice. Associate Elisa Lacs is noted for her customs law expertise.

Advising multinationals with operations in Guatemala on tax planning is a key area of strength for the team at Carrillo & Asociados, which also advises on the tax aspects of corporate transactions and customs and import tariff issues, and assists foreign and Guatemalan ultra-high-net-worth clients with estate planning and international tax matters. On the contentious side, senior associates Ricardo Recinos and Fernando Mendizábal have expertise in tax disputes. Founding partner Alfonso Carrillo, who has experience in complex, cross-border tax matters, and Rodolfo Alegria, who advises major Central American companies on tax planning and the tax aspects of M&A and restructurings, lead the team. Senior associate María de Lourdes Villanueva brings additional expertise in customs and international trade issues and cross-border tax structures to the team. Since publication, Alegría has left the firm after more than 30 years, moving to Estudio Chávez Bosque as of March 2022.

Juan Pablo Ortiz, who has notable past experience as general counsel to the Guatemalan tax administration, co-heads the practice at A. D. Sosa & Soto, which has recently seen an increase in work advising on compliance with local and international tax regulations and strategic tax planning. The team also advises on transfer pricing, the tax aspects of corporate and real estate transactions, and tax-related disputes. Practice co-head Einar Klanderud focuses on tax litigation.

As a full-service firm, BLP is able to draw on the strength of its corporate and finance departments to assist clients with various tax issues, regularly advising national and international companies on the tax implications of setting up operations in Guatemala and investing in local companies. In addition, the team advises on administrative processes and audits conducted by the tax authority. Practice head María Inés Arenales handles the tax structuring of corporate and financial transactions, and senior associate Rogelio Muñoz is experienced in tax compliance and due diligence.

With offices throughout the region, EY Law Central America is well placed to advise clients on tax issues in Central America and the Dominican Republic. The team assists with due diligence and tax structuring for M&A transactions, transfer pricing and tax compliance, and has seen recent growth in tax controversy work. Its client base includes companies from the agroindustry, telecoms, real estate, consumer products, energy and financial services sectors. Costa Rica-based Rafael Sayagués leads the team with Manuel Ramírez, who focuses on international tax and the tax implications of corporate transactions.