Jonathan Lafrance is a Chambers and Partners’ ranked tax litigator and one of Canada’s leading lawyers concerning returns of donations by foundations and charitable organizations. Based in Montreal, he has developed a national practice helping clients resolve tax disputes.

Mr. Lafrance has represented clients in more than 100 court cases leading to either a decision on the merits or favourable out-of-court settlements. According to Chambers and Partners, clients say that Jonathan “offers excellent client service and is focused on providing comprehensive solutions.” Clients have also mentioned “We find working with Jonathan gratifying and we are fully confident in his capabilities.”

In recent years, Jonathan has served as lead counsel in the most high-profile cases involving returns of donations by foundations and charities, guiding his clients through the complex legal and tax implications of returning charitable donations to unfit donors, including obtaining court orders and navigating related tax audits.

Over the years, he has argued cases before the Tax Court of Canada, the Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal; the Court of Quebec; the Superior Court of Quebec and the Quebec Court of Appeal; the Supreme Court of British Columbia; the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench; the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in the context of tax disputes against the federal and provincial tax authorities. He also represented clients in Supreme Court of Canada cases, including one on the merits and four at the leave to appeal stage.

Mr. Lafrance has represented clients in a variety of matters, including domestic and international income tax, GST/HST, collection measures, protection of tax information, judicial review, fuel tax, tobacco tax, property tax, rectification and rescission. He regularly assists individuals, public and private corporations as well as registered charities in the context of tax audits, financial governance and regulatory obligations.

Mr. Lafrance teaches tax litigation at the University of Sherbrooke. Mr. Lafrance was a judicial clerk with the judges of the Tax Court of Canada in 2012-2013.

He has authored several articles and is an active speaker in the tax community.