Commended by clients for its ‘excellent combination of technical knowledge and business understanding’, Baker McKenzie S.A.S. houses a dominant full-service tax offering that provides advice across the full range of tax planning, wealth management, litigation, compliance and transfer pricing cases, among other matters. Its lawyers’ ‘excellent co-ordination with teams from other jurisdictions’ is a recurring theme among sources, with the Bogotá-based group distinguished by its ability to lean on the wider firm’s dominant global practice for additional firepower in cross-border tax mandates. Among the names to note, managing partner Ciro Meza is widely recognised as a leading tax specialist, who can turn his hand to the full range of tax planning, consulting and contentious work; he advises SierraCol on all of its transfer pricing and tax issues. Meza co-heads the department together with transfer pricing specialist Gustavo Sánchez, and transactional tax partner Juan David Velasco, who is highlighted for his ‘superior sensitivity to the particularities of business and its impact at the international level’. The group further draws on a strong second line of senior associates, including Laura Durán, Andrea Jimenez and Juan David López, along with new arrival Carolina Roldán, who joined from Deloitte Legal (New York) in August 2023.

Brigard Urrutia’s tax practice covers the waterfront for contentious and non-contentious tax work, with strong offerings in transactional tax — where it can act in tandem with the wider firm’s dominant corporate practice — as well as tax planning, tax litigation and day-to-day matters. The team additionally stands out for its cross-border expertise, with clients highlighting its ‘capacity and experience to carry out highly complex work on international tax issues’; notably, both domestic and multinational companies utilise its multi-jurisdictional tax capability. Among the group’s recent international highlights, sought-after tax litigation head Catalina Jaramillo represented BlackRock subsidiary, Concesionaria Santa Marta Paraguachón, in landmark litigation against the tax office, following its ruling that the double tax treaty between Colombia and Mexico is only applicable to companies and individuals and not funds. The three-partner group also draws on Daniel Duque, who was elevated to the partnership in July 2023 and is highlighted for his ‘outstanding analytical skills’; and Andrés Hernández, who is noted for tax advisory and tax planning for both domestic and foreign clients. Key support is provided by intermediate associate Nicolás Mondragón. Former partner Adrián Rodríguez left the firm in August 2024 to establish his own boutique.

Tax is a key pillar of Goh’s service offering and the ‘committed, professional and excellent-performing team’ is well versed throughout the full life cycle of matters, from compliance and tax planning, through to transactional tax and tax litigation. Particularly recognised for its activity on behalf of clients in the natural resources and TMT industries, the group acts for a diverse spread of domestic and multinational clients across all key economic sectors. Founding partner Catalina Hoyos heads both the tax litigation unit and the wider tax department and her enviably broad tax practice encompasses contentious work — including transfer pricing disputes — transactional tax, tax planning and international tax, among other areas. Among Hoyos' recent highlights, she advised Interconexión Eléctrica on the tax structuring of its foreign debt, which was recently approved by the Colombian State. Co-founding partner Juan Pablo Godoy is sought after for his specialist expertise in the extractive industries, where he has particularly extensive experience in tax relating to the exploration and production stages, among other issues. The team also includes senior associate Camilo Gamboa, who is noted for taxation related to the energy, retail and financial services fields. In November 2023, Mónica Inés Hernández left to join Trafigura, while associate director Catalina Amaris also moved in house (at Carbones Del Cerrejón) in October 2023.

The full-spectrum tax practice at Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) is lauded by clients for its ‘strong knowledge of the current applicable regulations’, which ensures it provides a ‘diligent and robust defence in administrative and judicial processes’. Alongside its formidable tax litigation capability, the group houses equally robust offerings in tax planning, transactional tax, transfer pricing and also in specialist areas, such as labour-related tax. Firm managing partner Mauricio Piñeros fronts the tax department and is equipped to advise on transactional tax, tax audits and litigation, among other matters; he recently advised Isagen and Atlas Renewable Energy Colombia on the tax structuring of its $1.2bn joint venture to develop 1GW of renewable energy in Colombia. Tax litigator Álvaro Andrés Díaz is a key contact for contentious work and specialises in representing national and international clients in tax disputes. The four-partner team additionally draws on the senior experience of Carolina Bobillier, who contributes niche expertise in labour-related tax and the special tax regime appliable to non-profits; and Alejandro Sanabria, who was promoted to partner in January 2024 and is noted for international tax and corporate finance tax. A deep pool of dedicated practice associates includes seniors Alejandro Sotello, Javier Orozco and Carlos Lemos.

‘An extraordinary high-performance team’, Martínez Quintero Mendoza González Laguado & de la Rosa’s tax group impresses with its ‘top-level solutions’. The increasingly prominent practice added 14 clients during 2023/24, including major multinational names such as EDF, Total Eren and Tesla, while also significantly growing its share of large-scale transactional tax mandates. Formerly DLA Piper Martinez Beltran Abogados, the firm rebranded following its May 2024 exit from the DLA Piper network and its growth should stand it in good stead going forward as an independent entity. Andrés González spearheads the department and is held up as an ‘exceptional tax professional, with extensive experience in international structures and transactions’. González was recently involved in one of the market’s most high-profile matters when he paired up with next-generation tax specialist Laura Galeano (‘supremely meticulous’) to advise the Gilinski Group on designing the tax structure for the public acquisition offers to acquire the shares of Grupo Sura and Nutresa. On the tax litigation side, César Camilo Cermeño is noted for his experience in administrative and judicial proceedings, including customs litigation and transfer pricing. A strong band of non-partners, includes associate director of the tax practice, Juan Carlos Vinasco; and senior associates María Alejandra Bonilla and Juan Pablo Fernández.

According to some, Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría’s tax team is ‘always at the forefront with the best tax strategies’. The thriving practice represents more than 15% of the firm’s total turnover and, importantly, continues to grow; during 2023/24 it added ten new clients, including Bancolombia and Entoria Energy. Covering a comprehensive range of transactional tax, tax planning, transfer pricing and contentious matters, the group is further distinguished by its ability to maintain ‘fluent collaboration between the corporate, transactional and tax teams’. Few individuals are as equipped to advise on transactional tax as managing partner Martín Acero, whose broad practice spans corporate, M&A and energy law. Acero recently advised CI Girdle & Lingerie on the reorganisation of its textile production and commercialisation structure in Colombia and abroad. Carolina Rozo is highly regarded for her adept handling of tax planning, transactional tax and tax litigation, where she acts for both corporations and private clients. Rounding out the partner-level group is Barranquilla office head Héctor Ramírez, whose seaport location is reflected in a practice that operates at the intersection of tax and international trade; he recently recorded strong showings in transactional tax and tax planning work. At associate level, the department draws on principals Leonardo Cote and Verónica Barone, as well as senior Natalia Guerrero.

Posse Herrera Ruiz’s tax practice sits within its overarching tax, customs and international trade group, equipping it to advise holistically on tax, customs tax and transfer pricing matters; certainly, clients attest to its ‘ability to bring a complete perspective to tax matters in Colombia and the region’. The team also attracts strong praise for its ‘extraordinary technical level’, which is evidenced by its impressive record in complex litigation, including constitutional actions and transfer pricing cases. The group additionally shines in non-contentious work, including transactional tax, tax planning and regulatory compliance. Department head Juan Guillermo Ruiz ranks among the leading tax experts in the country and is a key contact for tax structuring, business tax consultancy and transfer pricing, among other issues. Ruiz was recently engaged by Nutresa to advise on the reorganisation of Nutresa’s corporate structure, following an agreement reached between Grupo Sura and Grupo Gilinsky settling disputes raised in connection to a series of acquisition offers. The three-partner practice also includes litigator Juan Camilo De Bedout, who leads the tax practice in Medellín, and next-generation tax planning specialist Jaime Gómez, who ‘stays on top of details’. Key supporting associates include intermediate Daniel Ortegón and junior Sebastián Molano.

Noted for its ‘efficiency and excellent service levels’ Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas’ tax practice demonstrates activity across all key tax spheres, with notable offerings in tax planning, day-to-day matters, transactional support and litigation. The team’s broad experience is further supplemented by its ability to draw on tax lawyers from across the wider global firm’s international platform, which is a major asset for multinational clients. Department head Camilo Cortés sits in the tax, M&A and family wealth teams and is recommended for both contentious and non-contentious work, including transactional tax and corporate reorganisations. The group additionally draws on partners Carmen Sanabria, who handles an array of advisory and contentious work; and Ernesto Lopez, who specialises in transactional tax. Senior associate Nathalie Medina left the firm in February 2024.

As the Bogotá platform of the global tax powerhouse, EY Law Bogota is a popular choice to advise multinational companies on local matters, with 3M, Unilever and Johnson & Johnson among its longstanding clients. Highlighted for its ‘focus on finding solutions, not just giving opinions like other teams’, the group provides support on the full scope of Colombian  tax law, with standalone offerings in litigation, international tax, transactional tax, transfer pricing, and customs and indirect taxes, among other areas. The sizeable department draws on 80 tax lawyers and is co-led by four specialist partners: transfer pricing expert Andrés Parra; international tax partner Luis Orlando Sánchez, who is dual-qualified in Colombia and New York; tax litigator Margarita Salas; and transactional tax lead Aleksan Oundjian. Tax manager Amalia Borja provides capable support. Jaime Vargas left the firm in November 2023.

In February 2024, Esguerra JHR was formed through the merger of tax-focused firm Jimenez Higuita Rodriguez & Asociados and Esguerra Asesores Jurídicos. The newly combined tax practice has greater critical mass to handle large-scale tax matters, while it still retains the specialist offering of the legacy tax boutique. Striking a balance between contentious and non-contentious work, the group additionally possesses a strong international tax capability, where it can leverage its position as the Colombia member firm of Andersen Global. Seasoned expert Julián Jiménez is recommended for transactional tax and co-heads the team together with tax planning specialist Jairo Alberto Higuita; tax litigator Bibiana Buitrago; Carlos Giovanni Rodríguez, who handles a mix of advisory and litigation work; and Andrés Pachón Luna, who made partner in  May 2023.

Valued for its ‘high-level knowledge’, Garrigues’ tax practice has a focus on international tax planning, where the Iberian firm can plug into its wider international network for supplementary support on cross-border work. The team further demonstrates strong activity in tax litigation and transactional tax issues. Department head Camilo Zarama is dual-qualified in Colombia and Spain and is primarily recommended for transactional tax, including cross-border matters; he additionally heads the tax litigation unit. Mónica Bolaños — noted for her ‘ability to look for solutions’ — also has an emphasis on transactional tax, as well as tax planning and international tax. At associate level the team draws on senior Andrea Méndez. Former senior Julio César Toro left to establish his own firm in April 2024.

Tax boutique MPV Abogados is characterised by its orientation towards contentious work, where it maintains a dominant offering in administrative tax litigation, including nullity actions against regulatory tax decrees. Acting for an array of public and private entities, the team counts companies in the construction, energy and life sciences sectors among its clients. Widely recognised as a first port of call for high-stakes tax disputes, name partner Mauricio Plazas Vega is highly regarded for his academic credentials as well as his practical experience. Other key contacts include María Catalina Plazas, who heads the tax litigation unit; Mauricio Mendoza Méndez, who contributes niche expertise in tax concerning non-profits; and younger partner Mateo Vargas, who serves as deputy director of the litigation area.

During 2023/24, Cañón Asociados handled a steady stream of transactional tax matters, including in relation to cross-border M&A and strategic reorganisations. The tax boutique also advises domestic and international companies and individuals on local tax obligations (including national and municipal taxes), tax planning and litigation, with a focus on international tax and energy-related work. Founding partner Carlos Andrés Cañón, who is also a qualified public accountant, spearheads a group that additionally includes associates Sebastián Bohórquez, who is noted for tax planning; and Carolina Acosta, who specialises in transactional tax.

Founded in April 2022, tax and wealth-planning boutique Cañon Thompson covers both corporate and private client matters. In terms of the former area, the group’s strong offering in international tax is a recurring theme among sources, while it also advises on tax planning, compliance and transactional tax. Firm co-founder and corporate tax-focused partner, Eric Thompson, is commended for his ‘vast experience in international taxation’; he brings significant hands-on expertise from former in-house roles at Coca-Cola and Avianca to the table. Fellow co-founder Carolina Cañón is considered by many as ‘one of the few experts in Colombia in family estate planning’.

CMS Rodríguez-Azuero’s tax practice is lauded for ‘proposing solutions designed for the client and not for the firm’. International tax is a significant strong suit, with the team able to lean on its global platform for support on multi-jurisidictional issues. The group also specialises in transactional tax, customs tax, tax litigation and general advisory work. Santiago Arbouin leads the customs law and trade unit as well as the overarching tax department, which equips him to advise on international tax, customs tax and double taxation treaties, among other matters. Associate director Nicole Ríos and practice co-ordinator Natalia Recio provide support.

Cuatrecasas’ tax practice is in growth mode, following the December 2023 arrival of new department head Jaime Vargas, formerly the tax markets leader for northern Latin America at EY Law Bogota. The team was further boosted in February 2024 with the hire of capable senior associate Nathalie Medina from Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas. Adding 12 new clients during 2023/24 (including Enel Colombia, British American Tobacco and Cemex Colombia), the group shines in transactional tax — where it benefits from its ability to support the firm’s corporate and finance offerings — as well as in tax planning and general advisory matters. The department also draws on principal associate Diego Torres, who handles private client and corporate tax work.

The three-partner tax group at Holland & Knight continues to consolidate it offering following its May 2023 absorption of of Cuberos Cortés Gutiérrez, which saw the arrival of senior counsel Juan Camilo Riveira. The team added nine new clients during 2023/24, including domestic and multinational companies in the energy and natural resources, financial services and agrobusiness sectors. Department co-head Gustavo Pardo Ardila is a seasoned tax veteran, with extensive experience in tax planning, transactional tax, foreign exchange issues and litigation. He co-heads the practice together with tax litigator Juan Carlos Valencia and transactional tax partner Rafael Lafont. Senior associate José Alejandro Vivas is also recommended.

The Colombian platform of international tax law and accountancy firm, Mazars en Colombia leverages offices in each of the country’s four largest cities, positioning the tax practice as one of the few to offer national coverage. The multidisciplinary group acts for domestic and multinational corporations across the full spread of related matters, from compliance and tax planning, through to transactional tax and contentious work. The department is led jointly by Andres Cortes Hernandez, who is particularly noted for international work, and Juan Esteban Sanin, who is a former Deputy Superintendent of Economic Affairs of the Superintendence of Corporations. Senior manager Gina Marcela Ortiz is also recommended by clients.

According to clients, tax boutique Montaña & Consultores Asociados ‘creates a shield that significantly reduces the number of discussions that come before the courts’. Regarded by many as a leader in its niche, the team specialises in representing regional public-sector entities — such as municipalities and departments — on tax matters, including urban financing systems. Less frequently, the group also acts for companies. The department is led jointly by general director of the firm Magda Cristina Montaña, who is an expert in urban tax law; and practice director Andrea Monsalve, who combines strength in tax, public finance and administrative law.

Lawyers at Paniagua & Tovar Abogados S.A. stand out for their ‘comprehensive advice, which intersects tax law and accounting information’. Primarily recognised for its strong record in administrative and judicial tax litigation, the tax team also supports local and multinational companies and private clients on tax planning, transactional tax and wealth planning. The department is co-led by Jorge Camilo Paniagua, who focuses on tax, foreign exchange and corporate transactions; Mario Felipe Tovar, who is dedicated to tax law; and Carol Caita Correa, whose practice spans customs and foreign trade matters.

Parra Rodríguez Abogados’ firm-wide focus on the aviation sector marks it as a popular choice to advise major airlines and aviation leasing companies on tax law, including United Airlines and Aercap. The tax group also continues to grow its share of non-aviation work, with strong recent showings in the technology, infrastructure and life science spheres. Álvaro Parra possesses extensive experience in both advisory and contentious tax matters, with notable expertise in aviation and financial services-related issues. Parra co-heads the group alongside María Margarita Parra, who specialises in tax, real estate and administrative law. Associate Juan José Goyeneche left to join Due Legal in December 2023.

A two-partner strong tax boutique, Rueda Mantilla Abogados acts for a diverse roster of companies and private clients on tax planning, transactional tax, tax litigation and day-to-day tax matters. The team is chiefly noted for its specialist focus on restructuring and insolvency-related tax, with a strong record in representing distressed corporations and public-sector entitles. Founding partner Hernando Rueda fronts the group and brings to bear significant government-side experience from earlier career stints at the Superintendence of Companies and the National Tax and Customs Department. David Rueda frequently serves as second chair to Hernando and is also recommended.

‘A high-level boutique law firm’, SanintRivas’ exclusive focus on tax work pays dividends in a broad client list, which is composed of companies in the TMT, agribusiness and life sciences spheres, among others. Despite its compact size, the five-lawyer group is active across all key areas of tax law, with its transfer pricing expertise particularly impressive. Founding partner Laura Sanint provides ‘precise, rigorous and reliable advice’ and is highly regarded for transfer pricing matters. The group also includes senior associate Marcela Cadavid, who is well versed in tax planning, tax consulting, regulatory compliance and litigation.

Tax boutique Ghan Abogados is distinguished by focus on energy and projects-related tax work, where it specialises in advising major domestic and multinational companies on obtaining tax benefits. The group also handles corporate tax planning and transactional tax matters, including restructurings. Managing partner Óscar Iván González heads the corporate tax, tax planning and tax policy teams.

The ‘extremely agile’ tax group at Lloreda Camacho & Co. frequently supports the firm’s corporate team on transactional tax matters. Other practice sweet spots include tax planning and contentious work. The department is led jointly by Ignacio Santamaria — whose practice is informed by his additional leadership of the natural resources, foreign trade, and customs groups — and senior associate Andrea Vargas, who joined in July 2023 from MPV Abogados. Senior associate Juan Fernando Díaz is also noted. Former senior Luis Felipe Paredes left to go freelance in July 2023.

Pinilla González & Prieto Abogados’ signature real estate practice is reflected in its tax offering, with the team well positioned to support the firm’s institutional real estate clients on tax matters concerning construction projects and transactions – it also handles tax litigation. Associate practice director Viviana Africano Franco leads the department, with backing from five-year associate Juan Nicolás Cortés.

‘Extremely committed and attentive to all cases’, micro-boutique Rodríguez Bravo Abogados S.A.S. is distinguished by its specialist focus on international taxation, particularly binational tax planning between Colombia and the US. Founding partner Sebastián Rodríguez has previously worked in tax departments in US and UK law firms and handles a mix of tax and exchange regime law.

Sanclemente Fernández Abogados S.A. leverages its dominant energy and natural resources offering to excel in representing oil and gas companies in tax matters. The team strikes a balance between advisory and contentious tax work, with experience in tax planning, double taxation issues, transactional tax and administrative litigation. Energy specialists Diana Sanclemente and José Gabriel Fernández jointly steer the department.