Loopstra Nixon Welcomes Kendal Steele as a Partner

Kendal Steele is a Partner of Loopstra Nixon LLP, where he leads our Tax Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group. Kendal resolves all forms of tax disputes and protects clients with modern, strategic approaches. Before joining Loopstra Nixon LLP, Kendal practiced at a boutique tax law firm in downtown Toronto for several years where he built a reputation for practical, results-driven advocacy.

An experienced tax litigator, Kendal regularly appears before the Tax Court of Canada and has secured favorable outcomes for clients in both the Tax Court and Federal Court. However, his focus remains on achieving efficient resolutions, sparing clients unnecessary stress and legal costs. He understands the challenges of dealing with the CRA and takes pride in easing the burden with a pragmatic approach.

Kendal helps clients in all phases of tax controversy – from the planning and implementation of transactions, to rectifying tax filings, audits, assessments, litigation, and appeals. During the audit process, Kendal articulates and coordinates comprehensive disclosure strategies and ensures compelling advocacy and communication. Should the CRA assess a taxpayer, Kendal handles all levels of robust submissions to the relevant tribunal. He is also ready to advocate and litigate in Tax Court whenever the situation requires. Over his career, Kendal has cultivated strong relationships with lawyers at the Department of Justice and personnel at the Canada Revenue Agency, which he leverages to negotiate fair and favorable results for his clients.

His expertise spans a wide range of tax litigation and dispute matters, including:

• Real estate tax disputes (capital gains, business income, principal residence exemptions);
• Corporate and personal tax audits by the CRA;
• GST/HST and builder audits;
• Business income and expense deductibility;
• Director’s liability;
• Gross negligence penalties;
• Residency determinations and foreign reporting;
• Taxpayer relief and voluntary disclosure applications;
• Tax shelters and defending taxpayers, planners, and promoters;
• Tax Court litigation, judicial reviews, and CRA Appeals;
• Tax strategy, planning, and protection for wealthy individuals and corporations;
• Corporate restructuring and organization;
• Corporate and personal tax analyses and risk management.

Kendal works closely with businesses and individual taxpayers, believing they are the backbone of Canada’s economy. Whether through negotiation or litigation, he is committed to fighting for taxpayers’ rights and relentlessly working to achieve results. Kendal also works closely and collaboratively with our team at Loopstra Nixon to utilize other professionals’ expertise to leverage our strengths and diversify our knowledge to ensure the best representation possible for our valued clients.

Beyond tax law, Kendal is a production partner with his company, The Little Park. He spends his free time with his wife, Anna, and their French bulldog, Theo, exploring Toronto’s restaurant scene, watching movies and sports, or chasing his latest athletic pursuit. Kendal holds degrees from the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University (J.D.), and Acadia University – he is originally from Prince Edward Island, having moved to Nova Scotia for a decade, and now residing in Toronto.

For more about Kendal click here.

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