Elena Balkos

Elena has carved a niche for herself in the realm of sales and commodity tax, offering a broad spectrum of services that span advisory, planning, and dispute resolution. Her expertise covers an extensive array of tax types, including GST/HST, PST, QST, along with land transfer taxes, excise taxes, and carbon levies. Furthermore, Elena's guidance extends to the intricacies of import/export arrangements, focusing on customs duties, valuation methodologies, and tariff classification.

Her knack for delivering pragmatic advice cuts across numerous sectors, from real estate and e-commerce to healthcare and technology, making her a go-to consultant for organizations looking to establish or expand their operations within Canada. Elena's strategic insights are particularly sought after for their effectiveness in streamlining indirect tax processes, mitigating risks, and curtailing tax expenses.

Elena's prowess also shines in representing clients during audits and voluntary disclosures, liaising with major regulatory bodies like the Canada Revenue Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency, and leading appeals in the Tax Court of Canada.

Her recent work highlights her versatility and impact, assisting entities like the Northview Fund in monumental acquisitions and aiding companies in significant tax recoveries. Elena's efforts in reducing substantial tax assessments for clients further exemplify her capability to deliver favorable outcomes in complex tax disputes.

Elena's contributions have not gone unnoticed, with accolades such as being named a Notable Practitioner in Indirect Tax by ITR World Tax 2024. Her professional engagements are as diverse as her client base, including active participation in associations like the Canadian Bar Association and the Hellenic Canadian Lawyers' Association, where she shares her tax expertise.

Her scholarly contributions to the field, such as co-authoring publications on GST rebates for rental housing and evaluating Canada's luxury tax, highlight her commitment to advancing tax law knowledge. Elena's educational background, with a JD from Osgoode Hall Law School and a BSc from the University of Toronto, provides a solid foundation for her distinguished career in customs, international trade, and tax litigation.