Administrative proceedings and litigation are core focus areas for PPO Indacochea‘s tax team, which remains a go-to choice for clients seeking representation in disputes with the tax regulator and the Bolivian State – particularly as regards claims concerning the rejection of tax credits and the design of appeals’ strategies. It also excels in representing clients in government tax audits and investigations, while additionally standing out for its advice on tax planning linked to corporate formation and company reorganisations. Moreover, the group continues to expand its services offering, which additionally includes tax accounting, outsourcing and audit services and has a growing focus on digital economy taxation, wealth management and the constitutional analysis of tax rules. The team demonstrates prowess in the design of tax structures and advice on the tax aspects of corporate and financial transactions, as well as international trade and customs matters. With a growing roster of national and international clients that spans various sectors, the team also specialises in tax advice in the energy and natural resources, aeronautics and international transport industries. Tax specialist Pablo Ordoñez has particular experience in the international commodities and oil and gas industries. Since July 2024, clients have additionally been able to draw on the expertise of Jose Luis Tufiño, who focuses on international and domestic taxation, tax planning and tax litigation (including tax litigation on appeal). This followed earlier consolidation of the department in September 2023 when Alexandra Ortíz was promoted to associate practice director; thanks to her expertise in international tax planning, she is a go-to advisor for foreign investors. At senior associate level, Miguel Ángel Gumucio centres his practice on tax administration matters, including tax audits and enforcement; Dolly Salazar plays a lead role in the firm’s tax litigation work, representing clients before the tax administration and advising on the resolution of appeals; and Adrian Bellot also represents clients in administrative and judicial proceedings before various governmental authorities and courts. Mariana Pereira and Candys Dorado left legacy firm Indacochea & Asociados in late 2024 and January 2025, respectively.
Tax in Bolivia
PPO Indacochea
Responsables de la pratique:
Pablo Ordoñez; Jose Luis Tufiño
Les références
‘Their tax practice is distinguished by a comprehensive approach that combines strategic advice, regulatory compliance, and tax litigation, providing highly specialised legal solutions aligned with constant regulatory changes. They stand out for their ability to interpret and apply tax legislation in an innovative manner, maximising legal certainty for their clients and minimising tax risks through efficient tax planning strategies. Compared to other firms, their team is characterised by a combination of deep technical specialisation, a proactive approach to tax risk management, and a high degree of personalised client service. While other firms may focus on basic compliance or reactive litigation, their practice adopts a preventative, strategic approach focused on tax optimisation within the current regulatory framework.’
‘They are up-to-date on current communication practices and make appropriate use of virtual meetings, which allows for effective time management for attendees.’
‘Their tax practice is distinguished by a strategic and preventive approach, providing innovative and highly specialised tax solutions. They are distinguished by their regulatory expertise and business acumen, allowing them to interpret legislation in an innovative manner aligned with international standards. The team is comprised of highly specialised attorneys recognised for their analytical skills, advanced legal argumentation, and personalised approach to each client. They are noted for their constant updating, participating in conferences, publishing, and providing legislative advice on emerging tax issues.’
Principaux clients
Abbot
Avon
Latam Airlines
Fexpocruz
Bisa Seguros
Ballerina
Dufry
Hamillo
RUA
Nestle
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Bisa Seguros y Reaseguros on the tax aspects of the acquisition of BUPA Insurance.
- Advised Fexpocruz and its exhibitors in complying with tax obligations both before and after the largest fair in Bolivia.
- Advising LATAM in the development of a tax project that is currently ongoing.
Villegas Aldazosa & Asociados Soc. Civ.
Villegas Aldazosa & Asociados Soc. Civ. regularly advises local and international companies across a range of sectors, such as agroindustry, telecoms, and oil and gas. It offers a full range of services, covering international taxation, tax policy, and both direct and indirect taxation advice. Tax litigation and administrative controversies are a focus at the firm, which also assists in complex M&A tax matters. Tax expert Alvaro Villegas Aldazosa leads the team, providing specialist tax advice during corporate restructuring and representing clients in contentious tax lawsuits. Senior associate Milenka Salvatierra has extensive experience advising on litigation and administrative processes, constitutional procedures and due diligence. Christian Olea left the firm in 2024.
Responsables de la pratique:
Alvaro Villegas Aldazosa
Les références
‘They are efficient and assertive.’
‘Álvaro Villegas coordinates and leads the efforts of a solid team very well.’
Principaux clients
Millicom International Cellular (Telefónica Celular de Bolivia)
Industrias de Aceite
Alicorp
Granja Avícola Integral Sofía
Drogueria Inti
Agropartners
Nibol (Nissan)
Servicios Petroleros Marlin Bolivia
Gas Transboliviano (GTB)
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Gas Transboliviano (GTB) on the legal strategy and defense in a contentious tax lawsuit against the National Tax Service (SIN) regarding a tax liability determination for alleged non-compliance in the payment of IUE-BE related to dividends distributed to foreign shareholders in 2018.
- Advised ALICORP on the tax structuring and regulatory compliance of its corporate restructuring in Bolivia, involving the partial divestment of its subsidiary Industrias de Aceite.
- Representing Industrias de Aceite in eight contentious tax lawsuits against the National Tax Service regarding the alleged improper refund of VAT fiscal credit for tax periods in 2016.
Araujo & Forgues
Araujo & Forgues focuses on preventative tax planning for local and international clients. The firm is also active in the filing of administrative and judicial proceedings, and has a strong background assisting in tax audits, compliance and commercial transactions. The team, led by experienced partners Jannine Forgues and Jaime Araújo, is regularly called upon for advice in national and international taxation matters and due diligence.
Principaux dossiers
Dentons Guevara & Gutierrez
The tax practice at Dentons Guevara & Gutierrez works closely with the firm's corporate, energy and administrative law teams to provide specialised tax advice for its clients. The department is led by experienced tax litigator Mauricio Dalman, who has represented clients before administrative, judicial and constitutional courts, and assists both national and international clients with tax issues related to corporate restructuring. Rodrigo Rivera leads the dispute resolution team and advises on tax and administrative litigation matters. Senior associate Belén Montes specialises in complex tax consultations, with a successful track record working with clients on litigation strategies. She possesses in-depth knowledge of international taxation and is actively involved in judicial review appeals and constitutional proceedings.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mauricio Dalman
Les références
‘Able to access international resources as part of an international law firm.’
Principaux clients
Calzada Construcciones
Anasac International Corporation
Franklin & O’Brien Legal Services
Laboratorios Bagó de Bolivia
Cervecería Boliviana Nacional
Compañía de Seguros y Reaseguros Fortaleza
Santa Cruz Financial Group
Procom
Principaux dossiers
- Assisting Repsol E&P Bolivia with its attempt to obtain a final resolution from the Tax Administration with regards to the distribution of VAT fiscal credits.
- Achieved favourable rulings on behalf of Ferroviaria Oriental from administrative tax courts overriding administrative resolutions issued by the Tax Administration denying requests filed to appropriate VAT tax credits.
- Assists COPIJSUD in its efforts to protect its tax-exempt status situation from a wide spectrum of threats including tax authorities’ discretional interpretations of the applicable laws and regulations on these types of nonprofit entities.
Moreno Baldivieso Estudio De Abogados
Moreno Baldivieso Estudio De Abogados is well-equipped to advise on strategic tax planning, tax audits and regulatory matters, and the team works with clients across a range of sectors, including infrastructure, finance and education. Luis Andrés Valda joined the team as counsel in May 2024, and leads the tax department. He has extensive experience from previously leading the tax practice at Criales & Urcullo and working as a public officer at Bolivia’s foremost tax institutions. He leads the team with Rodrigo Burgos, who is also counsel and has an in-depth knowledge of tax matters from experience as a public accountant and tax lawyer. At the senior associate level, Moises Blanco specialises in tax regulation and consultancy, and assists clients in due diligence, transfer pricing and defence of the tax process.
Responsables de la pratique:
Luis Valda; Rodrigo Burgos
Principaux clients
Banco para el Fomento a Iniciativas Económicas FIE (Banco FIE)
NICE Ltd. (Incontact and Incontact Bolivia)
AT-PAC DOKA
Herragro
Fundación INFOCAL
Universidad Católica Boliviana “San Pablo”
El Deber
Archer Daniel Midland (ADM)
Claure Group
Industrias Venado
Administración & Estructuras Phoenixtorres II
Principaux dossiers
- Supporting ADM in ongoing disputes, including a new US$250,000 tax refund claim, adding to the $5.3m under contest.
- Provided key tax advisory services to Marcelo Claure’s Club Bolívar to ensure member contributions remained tax-exempt, safeguarding the club’s nonprofit status.
- Provided strategic tax guidance to Banco FIE on foreign exchange intermediation and reinvestment incentives.
Bufete Aguirre, Quintanilla, Soria & Nishizawa Sociedad Civil – (BAQSN)
The tax practice at Bufete Aguirre, Quintanilla, Soria & Nishizawa Sociedad Civil – (BAQSN) assists in complex tax planning and provides advice on financing alternatives and foreign investments in Bolivia. The firm is also active in administrative and judicial litigation, and supports clients in the interpretation of treaties to avoid double taxation. Mauricio Torrico leads the team in La Paz, specialising in tax and administrative law, and advising non-profit organisations. He assists clients in tax and human resources planning, and brings strong corporate knowledge to the practice. Gonzalo Prudencio heads the team in Santa Cruz and demonstrates particular expertise in tax litigation.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mauricio Torrico Galindo; Gonzalo Prudencio Gozálvez
Principaux dossiers
Benítez Rivas, Pérez & Asociados
Specialist tax planning and management advice forms the core of the tax practice at Benítez Rivas, Pérez & Asociados. The team focuses on prevention and correction and offers both ongoing advice and resolutions for specific cases. In the event of a dispute with the Tax Administration, the team represents clients during audits and provides strategic advice and consultations. Elbio Pérez is an expert tax lawyer, assisting in preventive tax planning, resolution of tax queries, defence against audits by the tax authorities and litigation in challenges before both administrative and judicial authorities. The firm also benefits from the knowledge of Adriana Sanjinés, Fabiola Gariazu, Ines Aguilar and Alberto Sanchez.
Responsables de la pratique:
Elbio Perez
Principaux dossiers
FERRERE
The tax practice at Ferrere is sought out by local and international companies for its knowledge of international trade and customs, with a proven track record advising on operations with foreign financial companies that have recently entered Bolivia. Focusing on tax planning and maximising financial efficiency, the firm advises on tax matters related to corporate and financial transactions, general tax consulting, and administrative and judicial tax litigation. Senior associate Mauricio Viscarra leads the practice, advising both national and international companies. He specialises in tax planning for business structures and assisting in tax disputes. Christian Olea joined the team from Villegas Aldazosa & Asociados Soc. Civ. in October 2024, bringing a wealth of knowledge in structuring international investment schemes and the tax implications of foreign exchange transactions. He supports clients with the implementation of tax strategies during business restructuring processes and during tax appeals.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mauricio Viscarra
Les références
‘They are open to new technologies, and very attentive not only to regulatory changes at the local level, but also at the regional and global levels (USA and OECD). They are organised in their issues and very attentive to the tasks and work assigned. They give me great peace of mind.’
‘Christian Olea stands out for his extensive technical knowledge of legal, corporate, and tax matters. His outstanding quality in understanding client requirements is also a key characteristic. He quickly grasps urgent and important issues, enabling the work to move forward optimally.’
Principaux clients
Cargill
Ingener Sucursal Bolivia
Remote
EOCORP
Marriott International
Dufry
HIG Capital
Logicalis
Schlumberger
Brightstar
Moove
3M
MOBILEMEDIA
PRO ANI
HECA
Laboratorios LKM
Arcor
Yartech
Ransa
Cruzimex
Geoservices
Barolivia
Principaux dossiers
- Representing Cargill Bolivia in several tax proceedings related to tax credit for US$4.7m.
- Advising Ransa on the tax aspects of a spin-off process.
- Representing 3M in an audit proceeding initiated by the Tax Administration.
Criales & Urcullo
Compliance and strategic planning are a focus of the tax practice at Criales & Urcullo, which brings an in-depth knowledge of local and international tax regulations. Benefitting from a multidisciplinary team, the firm regularly represents clients in tax disputes before tax courts and administrative tribunals. Tax expert Jose Antonio Nogales Zabala joined the firm as a partner in 2024, possessing extensive experience in tax and administrative law. He has worked as an international legal tax consultant and has provided sponsorship of contentious processes in tax and administrative matters. He leads the team with Rubén Acuña, who specialises in defending clients in audit processes. Luis Valda left the firm in 2024.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jose Antonio Nogales; Ruben Acuña Zalles
Les références
‘Criales & Urcullo stands out by providing personalised service and the utmost speed in the matters covered by our service contracts. The tax advisory services ensure that we do not incur any type of contingency in this matter.’
‘Personalised and timely treatment.’
‘They are qualified professionals in tax and administrative matters. The management of services and communication went smoothly.’
Principaux dossiers
EY Bolivia
With an international reach, EY Bolivia attracts clients seeking specialised tax advice from a multidisciplinary team. The practice is characterised by a strong focus on supporting clients in tax audits and litigation, and works with companies across the oil and gas, tourism and telecoms industries. Tax specialist Juan Pablo Vargas leads the team alongside executive director Sandra Vásquez, who is experienced in national taxation, international transactions and tax consultancy. Nicolas Soria Galvarro is also active in this area and advises on administrative and judicial processes.
Responsables de la pratique:
Juan Pablo Vargas Ramos; Sandra Vásquez Agramont
Principaux clients
Cervecería Boliviana Nacional
Saexploration
Halliburton Latin America
Qhawaq Mining Andina (Glencore group)
ZTE Bolivia
Compañía Americana de Inversiones – CAISA Agencia de Bolsa
Tropical Tours
SK Representaciones
Servicios de Alquileres Phoenix Tower
Principaux dossiers
- Advised and supported Cerveceria Boliviana Nacional on different projects of the company, including advisory and support in tax audits and litigation.
- Advised and supported Saexploration throughout the lawsuit arising from a tax audit.
- Advised and supported Qhawaq Mining Andina (Glencore group) on several tax audits related to the recovery of mining tax credits.
Würth Bedoya Costa Du Rels Abogados
The tax practice at Würth Bedoya Costa Du Rels Abogados provides a range of services, including advice on regulatory compliance, succession and tax planning. The firm has a successful track record representing clients in tax-related disputes, including judicial litigation, administrative appeals and audits. Fernando Bedoya focuses his practice on tax planning, and Daniel Ayoroa has experience advising national and foreign clients on a variety of tax matters.