Michael Bussmann
Automatically compiled listing. Details may contain errors.Partner at Gowling WLG
- Called to the bar
- 2001
- Languages
- English, German
Tax LawTax LawAbout Michael Bussmann
Michael Bussmann is a tax partner at Gowling WLG, and indirect tax is the focus: the federal and provincial levies that ride on sales, imports and transfers, from GST and HST to customs. Businesses based in Canada and abroad rely on that advice across a long list of sectors, including banking, payments, leasing, energy, telecommunications, transportation, and retail both online and in stores.
Bussmann was called to the Ontario bar in 2001 and once led the firm's Tax Practice Group in Canada. On transactions, the work is indirect tax planning for acquisitions and greenfield operations. When a tax authority comes calling, Bussmann takes on audits, appeals and voluntary disclosures, and has represented clients before the Tax Court of Canada and the Canadian International Trade Tribunal, as well as the CRA, the Canada Border Services Agency and provincial tax authorities.
Philosophy and German literature came first: a BA from Western in both subjects, then an MA in philosophy at the University of Ottawa, before an LLB from the University of Toronto. German is still a working language for Bussmann, spoken fluently. Over the years Bussmann has given talks on HST to audiences that include the Ontario Bar Association and the Canadian Finance & Leasing Association, and still writes for the firm on Ontario's rebates for new homes.
Practice areas
Sales and value-added taxes
Advice on GST, HST, Québec's QST and provincial sales taxes for domestic and international businesses, along with insurance premium taxes and environmental charges.
Excise, customs and land transfer tax
Excise taxes, customs matters and land transfer taxes, at both the federal and provincial levels.
Planning for deals and new operations
Indirect tax planning for clients making acquisitions or launching greenfield operations.
Audits, appeals and voluntary disclosures
Managing tax audits, appeals and voluntary disclosures, with representation before the Tax Court of Canada, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal, the CRA, the CBSA and provincial tax authorities.
Education & credentials
- LLB, University of Toronto (1999)
- MA in Philosophy, University of Ottawa (1995)
- BA in German Literature and Philosophy, University of Western Ontario (1993)
- Called to the Ontario bar (2001)
Publications & speaking
- Ontario expands scope of buyers entitled to HST relief on new homes, Gowling WLG (2026)
- Extension of new federal first-time home buyer rebate to Ontario HST, Gowling WLG (2025)
- Ontario removing rest of HST on new residential construction, Gowling WLG (2023)
- HST Update, Taxation Issues in Real Estate Transactions, Law Society of Upper Canada (2012)
- Real Estate Transaction HST, Federated Press, 14th Tax Planning for Real Estate Transactions (2012)
- Are you ready for HST in Ontario and British Columbia?, Canadian Finance & Leasing Association (2010)
- HST: Trends in Value Added Taxation and Its Role in Commercial Leasing, 2010 ICSC Law Conference (2010)
Memberships & affiliations
- Canadian Bar Association, Sales & Commodity Tax Section: Member of the section.
- Canadian Finance & Leasing Association, Tax Committee: Member of the association's Tax Committee.
- Canadian Tax Foundation: Member.
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This listing was generated by AI from public sources in October 2026. It may contain errors, and we can’t guarantee it’s accurate or complete. Before you rely on anything here, verify it on their firm’s website. Confirm Michael Bussmann’s licence and standing in the Law Society of Ontario directory ↗
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