Direct tax Litigation

Job Summary

The Direct Tax Litigation Manager will be responsible for managing all aspects of income tax litigation and related compliance for the organization. This includes handling tax assessments, appeals, scrutiny, search/reassessment matters, and representing the company before various tax authorities and legal forums. The role requires strong knowledge of the Income Tax Act, judicial precedents, and regulatory frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

Litigation Management

• Represent the organization in direct tax matters before the Assessing Officer, CIT(A), ITAT, and other appellate authorities.
• Coordinate and brief external legal counsel for matters before High Courts and Supreme Court.
• Prepare, review, and file appeals, submissions, petitions, and replies to notices under the Income Tax Act.
• Handle litigation related to search & seizure (u/s 132), reassessment (u/s 147/148), TDS defaults, etc.

Assessment & Compliance

• Manage assessment and reassessment proceedings, including scrutiny assessments under section 143(3), 144, etc.
• Liaise with internal teams to gather required documentation for assessments and audits.
• Ensure timely compliance with tax notices, summons, and orders.

Strategic Advisory

• Provide strategic advice to senior management on ongoing tax disputes and their financial impact.
• Identify litigation risks and recommend preventive measures or legal strategies.
• Monitor legal developments and case laws that impact the company’s tax positions.

Documentation & MIS

• Maintain database of ongoing and past litigation matters with key documents and status updates.
• Prepare litigation trackers, risk analysis reports, and case summaries for management review.
• Ensure proper documentation of assessment orders, appellate decisions, and legal opinions.

Qualifications

• CA / LLB / LLM / CS or equivalent professional degree.
• 6–10 years of experience in direct tax litigation and advisory, preferably in a corporate legal/taxation team or with a law firm / Big 4.
• In-depth knowledge of the Income Tax Act, CBDT circulars, judicial precedents, and compliance requirements.

Key Skills

• Strong understanding of direct tax laws, appellate procedures, and tax jurisprudence
• Excellent drafting and legal interpretation skills
• Effective communication and stakeholder management
• High attention to detail and documentation discipline
• Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines
• Familiarity with e-filing systems, ITBA, and litigation tracking tools