Representing some of the leading international tech companies operating in Taiwan, Baker McKenzie ’s tax department benefits from the firm’s integrated international presence and its strong front bench of partners. The department is regularly trusted by clients to advise on both transactional tax issues and long-term strategic planning. Department co-head Michael Wong is a seasoned advisor to the firm’s high-value tech clients, focusing on tax structuring aspects of complex international transactions. He is joined by Dennis Lee, a Taiwanese tax expert valued by international clients operating in the country. Most recently the firm has advised Google on the tax implications of a slew of high-value acquisitions.
Tax in Taiwan
Baker McKenzie
Practice head(s):
Michael Wong; David Lee
Key clients
Google LLC
Work highlights
- Acting as special counsel for Google on its acquisition of HTC Corporation’s mobile division team and advising them on tax structuring issues together in collaboration with our U.S. and UK colleagues.
Eiger
Working with a diverse clientele of US and European tech companies, Eiger’s tax arm boasts an impressive workforce of finance minded partners and CPAs. Clients with interests in the EU benefit from the firm’s close ties with Europe and it’s understanding of European tax law, as well as the firm’s integration with its global office network. John Eastwood leads the department with decades of experience in corporate law and finance, regularly advising on tax liabilities and obligations for multinationals operating in Taiwan. Associate Holly Chu handles tax matters for one of the world’s most famous social media companies, and is particularly well placed to handle tax matters relating to the expanding offshore wind farm industry. Transfer pricing expert Joanne Lee is noted for her work in the entertainment, technology and telecoms sectors.
Practice head(s):
John Eastwood
Other key lawyers:
Holly Chu; Joanne Lee
Key clients
Santera Limited
Chien Yeh Law Offices
Benefitting from good working relationships with key accounting firms operating in Taipei, Chien Yeh Law Offices’ tax department specialises in administrative remedial proceedings, including correction, application for reinvestigation, administrative appeal, and administrative litigation. Practice head Michael Wang specialises in public law and regulatory proceedings, advising clients on tariff reductions and tax settlements negotiations. Charice Lin has had recent notable successes in environmental tax matters, while Judy YC Chang is noted for her work in tax litigation and dispute resolution.
Practice head(s):
Michael Wang
Other key lawyers:
Charice Lin; Judy Chang
Key clients
Formosa Chemicals & Fiber Corporation
Formosa Petrochemical Corporation
NAN YA Plastic Corporation
E-Life Mall Corporation
Bank SinoPac
National Taiwan University
Kimlan Foods Corporation
SHIDO Corporation
Taiwan Power Company
Hanjia Chadao Research Society
PChome Online Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised Lian Hwa Foods Corporation on matters regarding the reduction in tariffs on imported cashew nuts
- Assisted Shi Duo Co. Ltd. in negotiating with the Taipei National Taxation Bureau, reaching a settlement after 10 years of tax and criminal proceedings.
Guo Ju Law Firm
As well as handling day-to-day transactions and ensuring regulatory compliance, Guo Ju Law Firm are also trusted by clients to advise on long-term strategic tax planning. The firm regularly advises corporate clients and government agencies on regulatory compliance and the drafting of tax policy. Robert Shih , Paul Chu and Alex Hsin are key contacts.
Practice head(s):
Robert Shih; Alex Hsin; Paul Chu
Key clients
Ministry of Finance