Firms To Watch: Tax

The tax practice at Balcioglu Selçuk Ardiyok Keki is led by Gökçe Sarısu Kanmaz, who has broad experience of tax dispute resolution and management of tax controversies.

Firms in the Spotlight Tax

Kaya Koksal

Kaya Koksal logo

Kaya Köksal is a full-service law firm based in Istanbul, providing services to both local and international clients. Founded by Selda Taşyürek Köksal, after ten years of experience in one of the most prominent law firms in Turkey, and Yılmaz Kaya, who worked for 11 years at the Tax Inspectors Board, the most prestigious authority …

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DANIS LAW OFFICE

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Tax is one of the most valuable practices at DANİŞ LAW OFFICE and we offer a wide range of services.

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Tax in Turkey

Esin Attorney Partnership, a Member Firm of Baker McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein

The ‘very knowledgeable and experienced‘ tax team at Esin Attorney Partnership, a Member Firm of Baker McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein is singled out by one client as being ‘unique in terms of technical capabilities‘. A reliable choice for both tax disputes and as ongoing general tax counsel, the department is regularly involved in the market’s most notable matters, and supports some of the foremost multinationals operating in Turkey. ‘Expert in his fieldErdal Ekinci leads the team, with Orhan Pala, a July 2022 partner promotion, being a further key contact to note. At the senior associate level, İpek Beril Bozoğlu stands out.

Practice head(s):

Erdal Ekinci

Other key lawyers:

Orhan Pala; İpek Beril Bozoğlu; Özge Kısacık; Hüseyin Eren Akarca

Testimonials

‘The team was so professional in their job and acting in the same way. Their involvement was key to success. They knew what to do in which step and they were orchestrated the all process and the key stakeholders in a very effective way. Team was so strong they are very much experienced on the subject that we are worked on.’

‘Erdal Ekinci is a great leader and person who inspires around him. His involvement is the recipe for success and his know how was great on an subject that we worked on. Orhan Pala is a super hero who is helping us on the field and on the everywhere he can be.’

‘The team has government and private experience. Due to wide range of clients from several sectors, they have lots of tried practice. Very punctual, full knowledgeable and really worth for money.’

Work highlights

    GSG Attorneys at Law/GSG Hukuk

    GSG Attorneys at Law/GSG Hukuk is part of the PwC global network of firms and, as such offers, robust support to its multinational clients, combining domestic tax law expertise with insight into global trends in taxation and tax legislation. Following the trend in the increased demand for advice on digital services taxation, the team has recently assisted with tax inspections of permanent establishments, their relations with headquarters, money transfers, and goods and service importation. Ezgi Turkmen and spearheads the department, while director Gülcan Caliskan is the name to note for investigations.

    Practice head(s):

    Ezgi Turkmen

    Other key lawyers:

    Gülcan Caliskan; Yeşim Dikici Orhan; Oyku Ocal; Ecehan Altınöz

    Testimonials

    ‘We are thrilled to work with GSG Attorneys at Law. They do their work with care and quality. They shared their knowledge very generously and always tried to establish transparent communication.’

    ‘Öykü Öcal, Ecehan Altınöz, and Ezgi Turkmen, who worked with us at GSG Attorneys at Law, provided a highly experienced and privileged service. They answered our questions very quickly and accurately. They established a very smooth trust relationship during the service. One of our most important and valuable points was that they were available/reachable when we needed them. We are very grateful for this service, thank you again.’

    ‘They always give detailed explanations for the solution.’

    ‘GSG attorneys produced for us an objection petition and a lawsuit petition. Each was handled in a timely manner with the utmost professionalism, congeniality, patience and ease. The core team we worked with possesses a deep understanding of emerging tax issues and is a true innovator in their field.’

    ‘Professionalism, follow up, technical knowledge and capability.’

    ‘A key strength of the firm is their ability to go above and beyond to deliver exceptional client service and making sure the client feels that their needs are GSG’s priority.’

    ‘Oyku Ocal stands out for her ability to communicate technical matters in a commercial way. In addition, her attention to detail and thoroughness set her apart from other practitioners.’

    ‘The team is client focused and is able to understand the client need and provide tailored made solution of high quality standard even under pressure with short deadline.’

    Work highlights

      NAZALI Attorney Partnership

      Boutique firm NAZALI Attorney Partnership has a strong focus on tax law and covers a diverse range of matters, including investigations, domestic and international tax restructuring and litigation, where it is especially notable in transfer pricing and VAT. A trio of lawyer oversee the department: Ersin Nazali, a former tax inspector with expertise in tax-customs disputes, customs litigation, transfer pricing, tax inspections, and tax-free re-structuring of companies; and senior associates Gözde Saruhan Berk and Begüm Solak Ekler, who focus on litigation and restructuring.

      Practice head(s):

      Ersin Nazalı; Begüm Solak Ekler; Gözde Saruhan Berk

      Testimonials

      ‘What I like best is that the team comes to practical solutions for its clients. I typically use them to assist with Turkish issues facing US multinationals, and they provide advice that is holistic in nature and executable.’

      ‘The team is very motivated and has expertise in their field.’

      ‘Gözde Saruhan and Ersin Nazali have a hands on attitude to the litigation files they follow. They are responsive and accessible.’

      ‘Harmonization of tax experts and tax legal professional under the same team.’

      ‘Very good knowledge about the legal practice in Turkey and international transactions.’

      ‘The team is very strong and experienced with respect to, complex tax, corporate and contract law and customs litigation matters. They are also in dialogue with competent authorities if and when needed and provide comprehensive advice to clients. They are showing excellent skills and experience as well as good judgement. The team is engaged in each matter at the high level, responsive, creating client-oriented solutions and always ready to help.’

      ‘The experienced we had was a very unique case that required profound know-how both in law and tax. I believe, there are very rare law firms that can combine both the tax/legal and tax know-how for a winning case. I believe, this was Nazali’s outstanding strength during our case.’

      Key clients

      Nordex Enerji A.Ş.

      Logo Teknoloji ve Yatırım A.Ş

      Mondi Kalenobel Ambalaj San. ve Tic. A.Ş.

      Samsung C&T Corporation Merkezi Kore Cumhuriyeti Türkiye İstanbul Şubesi

      ASUS Bilgisayar Sistemleri Ticaret Ltd. Şti.

      LG Electronics Ticaret Anonim Şirketi

      TetraPak Paketleme Sanayi ve Ticaret Ltd. Şti.

      Roche Müstahzarları Sanayi A.Ş.

      TURKON GRUP HOLDİNG ANONİM ŞİRKETİ

      Yemek Sepeti Elektronik İletişim Perakande Gıda Lojistik A.Ş.

      CMS Jant ve Makina Sanayi A.Ş.

      YAŞAR HOLDING A.Ş.

      Eczacıbaşı Holding A.Ş.

      İnci Holding A.Ş.

      Adjust GmbH

      Banvit Bandırma Vitaminli Yem Sanayi A.Ş.

      Microflor Biyoteknoloji ve Tarım San. A.Ş.

      GHANBARI DIŞ TİCARET A.Ş.

      MME Tax AG

      MNT Sağlık Hiz. ve Tic. A.Ş

      NewCoal Trading AG

      Form Koruyucu Ambalaj San. ve Tic. Ltd. Şti. (Signode)

      Belenco Dış Ticaret Anonim Şirketi

      Representative Office of Limak İnşaat Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi in Ukraine

      Market Ukraine Limited Liability Company

      Equant İstanbul Telekom A.Ş.

      ORKA HOLDİNG A.Ş.

      KOPAŞ KOZMETİK PAZARLAMA VE SANAYİ ANONİM ŞİRKETİ

      SAGUN Group (Kemal Balıkçılılık, TSM Deniz, Sagun Su, Sagun Aqua, Biomar Sagun, Marines, Merlion)

      Beyçelik Holding A.Ş.

      Vansan Makina Montaj ve Pazarlama A.Ş.

      Polimer Kauçuk Sanayi ve Pazarlama A.Ş.

      Work highlights

      • Advised Mondi Kale Nobel on a tax refund procedure without resorting to litigation.
      • Advised Turkish IT company Logo on its group restructuring for new investors.
      • Represented several companies (more than 20) operating at different sectors, before courts to eliminate negative consequences of the new legislative amendments enacted against tax payers.

      ADMD/Mavioglu & Alkan Law Office

      ADMD/Mavioglu & Alkan Law Office has a longstanding focus on tax matters, assisting clients with both contentious matters and on a regular advisory basis. The firm’s client base includes a large number of foreign companies investing in Turkey, necessitating clear advice on the tax implications. The ‘impressively knowledgeableDuygu Alkan and Orhan Yavuz Mavioglu are the senior contacts with the former heading the department. From a deep bench, Barlas Guclu also comes with client recommendation.

      Practice head(s):

      Duygu Alkan

      Other key lawyers:

      Orhan Yavuz Mavioglu; Barlas Guclu; Sevgi Durmus; Mine Tamusta

      Testimonials

      ‘ADMD is very easy to work with and very dependable. Very fast with answers and solutions offered are easy to understand and implement.’

      ‘Orhan Yavuz Mavioglu and Duygu Alkan are impressively knowledgeable.’

      ‘ADMD is reliable, fast and cost efficient.’

      ‘Orhan Yavuz Mavioglu is an extremely experienced, a strong blend of expertise and practicality.’

      ‘Brilliant team easy to work with’.

      ‘Orhan Yavuz Mavioglu’s knowledge and network on tax issues is unparalleled.’

      ‘Dependable and first-class service, high level of business acumen, swift and diligent responses.’

      ‘Orhan Yavuz Mavioglu and Barlas Guclu standout with their level of expertise and rate of success.’

      Key clients

      ArInvesta

      Chery

      EnerySys

      Europe Emirates Group

      GICG

      Sam Gas

      Stage TS

      Urus Investment

      XOL Automation

      Zyxel

      Work highlights

      • Assisted Zyxel with resolving a customs tax dispute through administrative litigation.
      • Acted for EnerSys in a tax review and tax compliance assessment of its tax treatment of its employment arrangements.
      • Assisted Standard Club (PI) with a tax review and tax compliance of a merger impact with regards to replacement or disposal of shareholding interests.

      Bezen & Partners

      Bezen & Partners fields a dedicated tax practice which provides transactional tax advice, structuring, and support in tax litigation, across a range of industries. Department heads Ege Göktuna and Serdar Bezen frequently collaborate with the firm’s corporate and M&A team, as well as other related practice areas such as regulatory and labour law. The practice is particularly active for foreign clients operating in Turkey.

      Practice head(s):

      Serdar Bezen; Ege Göktuna

      Key clients

      Familia Trading S.à r.l.

      MS Galleon

      Trina Solar (Schweiz) AG

      Al Tamimi & Company

      Work highlights

      • Assisting UAE based financial services company Al Tamimi & Company with its Turkish law tax queries pertaining to payments from abroad in respect of the income of employees residing in Turkey.
      • Advising MS Galleon on its tax and customs related queries associated with the incorporation of a joint stock company in Turkey.
      • Advising Trina Solar (Schweiz) on submitting its objections pertaining to a formal review for the extension of the implementation period of the anti-dumping tax on Chinese solar panel imports.

      Hergüner Bilgen Üçer Attorney Partnership

      Hergüner Bilgen Üçer Attorney Partnership‘s offering in tax law is especially strong when it comes to the disputes side of the practice area, frequently representing an array of companies and financial institutions in lawsuits at every level of the Turkish courts. The firm also acts in advisory matters on an ongoing basis, as well as assisting with customs law issues. Ayşe Hergüner Bilgen leads the team and is one of the firm’s founding partners with 30 years of experience in dispute resolution. Counsel Zaman Özer is a further key contact.

      Practice head(s):

      Ayşe Hergüner Bilgen

      Other key lawyers:

      Zaman Özer; Ece Başaran Küçük

      Key clients

      LM Wind Power Blades Turkey

      Work highlights

        Özdirekcan Dündar Şenocak Ak

        Özdirekcan Dündar Şenocak Ak supports its corporate clients on tax matters relating to transactions in the Turkish market. It also assists with tax structuring and customs issues, and has an international scope, bolstered by its association with Gide Loyrette Nouel. Bülent Özdirekcan, admired for his ‘very pragmatic and efficient tax advice‘, leads the team.

        Practice head(s):

        Bulent Ozdirekcan; Tuygun Can Elbek; Mustafa Karadaş

        Testimonials

        ‘Bülent Özdirekcan has provided me with very pragmatic and efficient tax advice.’

        Work highlights

        • Advised Unico Studio, a California-based game development studio, on the tax aspects of its existing business model involving people residing in Turkey.
        • Advised Monnoyeur Group on tax aspects of the structuring of its investment in Turkey.
        • Advised Saint-Gobain on tax aspects of the formation of a joint-venture with the Turkish Dalsan Group.

        Penezoglu Law Firm

        The ‘very commercial and collaborative‘ tax department at Penezoglu Law Firm focuses on contentious matters, supporting its eclectic international client base on inspections and lawsuits. Founding partner Yusuf Gokhan Penezogluhas an exceptional amount of experience in tax cases‘ and leads the team. He is supported across a range of matters by senior associates Zeynep Kilavuz and Ece Sara Tari.

        Practice head(s):

        Yusuf Gökhan Penezoğlu

        Other key lawyers:

        Zeynep Kilavuz; Ece Sara Tari

        Testimonials

        ‘The team is very commercial and collaborative. They seek to understand the business, the economic reality and interests, and then overlay the legal framework & analysis.’

        ‘Yusuf Penezoglu is great to work with; he is honest, passionate and persuasive.’

        ‘Zeynep Kilavuz is an excellent lawyer, explains complex matters simply and builds trusting relationships with clients.’

        ‘The firm works with qualified, educated, and experienced lawyers.’

        ‘All members of the firm, especially Yusuf Penezoglu are very innovative and creative. It’s a pleasure to work with them.’

        ‘Penezoglu Law firm is quite capable and expert in their field. Their talent in tax practice and their directories about how things work in Turkey is extremely satisfying. They closely follow the latest developments and legislative changes.’

        ‘They are accessible in every way and accepts the meeting requests. They are very transparent of their billing system. Their capability of answering questions and replying mails is quite rapid. Their knowledge is satisfactory in every way.’

        ‘Yusuf Penezoglu founder and partner of the company has an exceptional amount of experience in tax cases which helps our company during the legal cases.’

        Work highlights