Douglas Lawson - Partner

Douglas Lawson is a Partner at Hutcheson & Co. CPA LLP, where he specializes in Canadian and U.S. cross-border taxation, international tax planning, and regulatory compliance.

As both a Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant and a U.S. Certified Public Accountant, and a graduate of the CPA Canada In-Depth Tax Program, Douglas advises high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and executives on complex cross-border tax matters. His practice focuses on Canadian and U.S. tax compliance, cross-border structuring, residency planning, pre-immigration and departure tax planning, estate and succession planning, and strategic tax minimization.

Douglas is known for delivering practical, technically sound advice that helps clients confidently navigate the complexities of two tax systems. He works closely with legal, financial, and investment professionals to develop integrated tax strategies that preserve wealth, manage risk, and support long-term financial objectives.

A frequent advisor on Canada–U.S. tax matters, Douglas assists clients with issues including cross-border employment, business expansion, investment structuring, expatriation, and treaty interpretation. His ability to translate complex tax legislation into practical planning strategies has made him a trusted resource for clients and professional advisors alike.

Born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia, Douglas comes from a family of accountants and values the importance of long-term relationships built on trust, integrity, and exceptional client service. Outside of his practice, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children and remains actively involved in his local community.

Practice Focuses

• Canadian and U.S. Cross-Border Tax Planning and Compliance, including coordination of multi-jurisdictional filing obligations and treaty-based planning
• Non-Resident Taxation Advisory, encompassing withholding tax requirements, compliance reporting, and structuring considerations
• Emigration and Immigration Tax Planning, including departure and arrival tax strategies to manage exposure and optimize outcomes
• Tax Residency Analysis and Planning, with comprehensive assessments for individuals and corporations across jurisdictions
• Trust and Estate Planning, focusing on tax-efficient wealth transfer, succession planning, and cross-border considerations
• Corporate Tax Planning and Compliance, including structuring, reorganizations, and ongoing advisory support
• Non-Compliance Rectification Services, assisting with voluntary disclosures, historical filing remediation, and risk mitigation strategies to regularize prior non-compliance
• Professional Advisory Services, delivering practical, tailored guidance aligned with client objectives and regulatory requirements

Professional Certifications and Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant
• Chartered Professional Accountant
• CPA Canada In-Depth Tax Program
• Bachelor’s of Business Administration, Accounting

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

• Member, Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia
• Member, Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada
• Member, The University of the State of New York
• Member, Estate Planning Council of Victoria