Igor Kastelyanets

I’m a Co-Managing Lawyer at Taxpayer Law, a boutique firm focused squarely on tax disputes - from CRA audits and objections to Tax Court of Canada matters and voluntary disclosures. I approach each matter in a strategic manner: map the facts, pressure-test the law, and make smart, timely moves that get clients the resolution they are seeking. Before leading Taxpayer Law, I was a partner on Bay Street, and I’ve been in the tax-dispute area since being called in 2014.

• “Do I have to talk to the CRA auditor right now?”
  Not always. It’s often better to pause, get organized, and respond in writing with a clear strategy. We handle the communications so you don’t say more (or less) than you should.

• “How long do I have to object?”
  Generally, 90 days from the date on your (re)assessment. If you miss it, there may be an extension window of up to one year after that deadline.

• “Do I have to go to court?”
  Not necessarily. Many disputes are resolved at the Appeals stage. If we do appeal, you generally have 90 days after CRA’s decision to file in the Tax Court of Canada.

Two things. First, timelines - deadlines come fast. Second, the law often lives in the grey zone where facts matter as much as the law. Success means turning messy business reality into a clean, persuasive narrative backed by evidence, process, and precedent.

I’ve always loved the mix of rules and strategy. Tax litigation rewards careful planning and crisp execution - very much a “competitive sport” mindset I’ve brought to my practice since day one. Along the way I’ve had the privilege to argue and work on reported matters and to learn from excellent colleagues across the country.

• Our team serves clients across Canada. 

• I’m honoured to be listed in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada (2026) for Tax Law. Recognition is nice; results for clients matter more. 

• We run a pro-bono program for tax disputes that raise broader public-interest issues - because access to justice in tax matters matters.