Tax | Asia-Pacific

AZB & Partners fields a highly regarded team that provides a wide variety of direct and indirect tax assistance to prominent international clients. The tax team is well versed in handling an array of issues such as income tax and GST, as well as advising corporate clients on tax planning. The firm is recognised for advising clients on the tax implications of headline mergers and demergers, as well as market entry. The team also has a good track record of litigation and investigations concerning various sections of the Income Tax Act, having represented clients in cases heard in the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court of India.

Economic Laws Practice has a highly regarded tax group that provides expert assistance with both litigation and advisory matters. The practice is particularly noted for its strength in indirect tax mandates, ably assisting domestic and multinational clients with transition to the Goods and Services Tax regime. The team regularly advises an impressive list of global clients and frequently litigates on high-profile matters, including VAT and customs. The tax group's complementary strength in international trade bolsters its robust duties practice. Clients include Bharti Airtel, Siemens and Vedanta.

Khaitan & Co has a standout practice with a respected bench of practitioners advising on a range of tax matters. Indirect and direct tax legal advice are both covered by the team, which is especially adept at clarifying the tax aspects of investments, M&A and joint ventures. The team also handles customs, excise, transfer pricing and GST mandates, as well as relevant investigations and disputes. The team acts for a notable list of leading domestic and international clients, and offers solid expertise in a transactional, advisory or litigation capacity. Clients include Castrol, EIH and PCBL.

Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan has a pre-eminent practice with an acclaimed indirect tax offering and additional experience in direct tax matters. The firm is especially strong in advising on matters concerning excise and service duty, as well as GST, customs and income tax. Corporates seeking advice on tax structuring and transfer pricing regularly entrust the team at Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan with their mandates. The tax practice also handles substantial litigation and frequently acts for leading international and domestic clients. Clients include L'Oréal India, Siemens and Vodafone Idea.

Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas provides a well-rounded offering that includes key tax advisory services in relation to both direct and indirect tax matters. The team assists an array of top corporate clients with the tax aspects of transactional mandates. Practitioners at the firm often get mandated to advise on GST, transfer pricing, excise law and customs. The team also has involvement in tax litigation, with strong tax policy expertise within the department. The practice is sought after for its advice on tax investigations and representation before relevant authorities. Clients include EDF, Singapore Airlines and Nippon Steel Corporation.

Trilegal has a broad tax offering, providing tailored advice for key corporate clients in relation to both direct and indirect tax. The tax team's areas of strength include assisting companies with business transfers and transfer pricing, as well as advising on tax aspects of M&A. The practitioners at Trilegal are well placed to advise international entities on regulatory issues in India. The team retains significant experience in handling tax investigations and disputes. Trilegal draws clients from various sectors, including manufacturing, energy, financial services and technology, with examples being Agilon Health, Investment Corporation of Dubai, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas has a notable practice that advises leading domestic and international clients on a range of corporate tax matters. The firm is equally well versed in handling direct and indirect tax issues. The corporate-focused tax team regularly assists clients with advisory matters relating to capital raising, business restructuring and investment fund structures. The practice covers the gamut of work in advisory and compliance, as well as investigations by the Revenue Intelligence authorities and tax disputes. Clients include Abrdn Group, Life Insurance Corporation of India and Essar Group.

DMD Advocates fields a team that is proficient in advising on a wide range of disputes covering both direct and indirect tax. The specialised team handles litigation, as well as possessing notable expertise in GST, international tax and VAT issues. DMD Advocates also demonstrates experience advising on cross-border tax planning and controversies.

JSA offers a team with a wide range of experience providing advice on both direct and indirect tax issues ranging through transaction structuring, GST, customs law and SEZ tax law. The practice regularly assists corporate clients in a variety of sectors such as energy, pharmaceuticals, steel and technology with both domestic and cross-border matters. Among its clients are JSW Steel, MSD Pharmaceuticals and Rattan India Power.

Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India ably handles the tax aspects of corporate transactions, alongside direct and indirect tax disputes. The team is frequently instructed on M&A and investment-related tax issues, as well as issues relating to transfer pricing, excise duty and service tax. The firm is also respected for representation in contentious tax matters. The practice provides considerable international tax services, representing domestic and international corporates across sectors such as finance and real estate. Clients include Mylan Laboratories, Moet Hennessy India and Max Life Insurance.