What's Happening?
Francisco Luis, a Partner and the Head of Tax at Kevane Grant Thornton, the Puerto Rico member firm of the Grant Thornton network, has been named Tax Advisory Expert of the Year in Puerto Rico at the Corporate INTL Global Awards 2025. This individual
award acknowledges his prominent position as a leading tax adviser on the island and the extensive scope of his planning and consulting work. Mr. Luis brings over thirty years of public accounting experience to his practice, holding qualifications as both a Certified Public Accountant and an attorney. This dual expertise allows him to integrate the accounting and legal aspects of tax, enabling him to develop tax planning and consulting strategies that consider both technical compliance and commercial outcomes. His work encompasses mergers and acquisitions, business reorganizations, partnership transactions, tax incentives and exemptions, and individual and corporate tax matters, occasionally extending to clients' personal financial affairs. Kevane Grant Thornton, as part of the Grant Thornton network, provides tailored local, federal, and international tax solutions, combining local knowledge of Puerto Rico's specific tax and incentives regime with access to international resources.
Why It's Important?
The recognition of Francisco Luis as a top tax advisory expert underscores the critical importance of sophisticated tax advice in Puerto Rico, particularly given its unique position within the United States tax system. Puerto Rico's distinct incentives programs, its interaction with the federal tax code, and the international restructuring activities that flow through the island create a complex tax landscape. Businesses and individuals operating in or considering Puerto Rico as part of their structure require expert guidance to navigate these complexities, minimize risk, and capitalize on opportunities. Mr. Luis's combined CPA and legal qualifications, along with his three decades of experience, make him uniquely suited to address these demands. His expertise in international and cross-border work, including global business transformation engagements and strategies for reducing global effective tax rates through Puerto Rico's incentives, is particularly valuable for multinational businesses. This expertise helps ensure compliance and optimize financial outcomes for clients dealing with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and the Puerto Rico Treasury Department.
What's Next?
The continued recognition of experts like Francisco Luis will likely reinforce Puerto Rico's appeal as a strategic location for businesses seeking to leverage its unique tax incentives. As the tax environment evolves, the demand for integrated accounting and legal tax advice, such as that provided by Mr. Luis and Kevane Grant Thornton, is expected to grow. Clients will continue to seek comprehensive guidance from the design of tax structures through to their defense and administration, especially in areas involving mergers, acquisitions, and international reorganizations. The firm's ability to offer a singular client experience with enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of quality-driven professionals, will be crucial in meeting these ongoing needs. This expertise will also be vital for clients engaging in disputes with tax authorities, ensuring they have experienced, senior-level guidance grounded in an international firm.
Beyond the Headlines
The acknowledgment of Francisco Luis highlights a broader trend in the professional services industry: the increasing demand for multidisciplinary expertise. In complex jurisdictions like Puerto Rico, where local regulations intersect with federal and international tax codes, a professional who can bridge the accounting and legal dimensions of tax offers a significant advantage. This integrated approach is not merely about compliance but also about strategic planning that considers both technical adherence and commercial outcomes. The emphasis on international and cross-border work reflects the globalized nature of modern business and the strategic role that specific regions, with their unique incentive regimes, play in global tax planning. This recognition also underscores the value of local knowledge combined with access to international resources, a model that allows firms like Kevane Grant Thornton to provide comprehensive and effective solutions to a diverse client base.
