International tax lawyers advise companies and individuals on tax structures in multiple countries, reconciling competing tax obligations and minimizing taxes owed. They identify tax liabilities and help companies and individuals minimize tax obligations. Some work in creating international tax policy or enforcing tax regulations for national governments.
An international tax lawyer is a lawyer whose practice focuses on the tax structures of at least two countries. Many international tax attorneys advise companies with multiple global offices, while others work with individuals who own land, work or reside primarily abroad. Almost every country in the world has its own tax structure, but no two structures are the same. The job of the international tax attorney is to help clients reconcile competing tax obligations and usually also minimize the overall taxes owed.
The primary role of the international tax attorney is advice and analysis. Most often, these attorneys are hired for their experience and ability to help clients effectively plan for taxes and anticipate foreign obligations. They are particularly useful for companies that engage in global business. Even the most apt corporate accountants and national tax advisors may not be able to see the same international tax pitfalls that an international lawyer might.
An international tax attorney working for a company usually starts by identifying the company’s tax liabilities. Companies with foreign offices are almost certainly subject to the tax codes of more than one location. Even companies that maintain only one office but sell goods internationally, engage in trade with overseas consultants, or hire international employees may find that they have both international and domestic tax obligations. The attorney will outline all of the company’s potential tax obligations and work with accountants and other company employees to ensure that all taxes are paid in a proper and timely manner.
Most of the time, an international business tax attorney will also help companies look for ways to minimize their tax obligations. Lawyers will look for loopholes and look for exemptions; they will try to minimize taxable events and maximize available deductions. International personal tax attorneys do the same with private clients, albeit on a smaller scale. International tax attorneys can be indispensable for individuals who live or work abroad or who own significant assets, particularly land, in a foreign country.
Most corporate and personal international tax attorneys work in tax-focused law firms, although some larger firms hire full-time international tax attorneys. Unless the firm is particularly large or expanding, it is more common to retain the services of a few lawyers in private firms and then call on their services as needed. That way, companies can get advice when needed and lawyers are free to serve multiple clients at the same time.
Not all international tax lawyers work for companies or individuals. Some are involved in creating international tax policy or enforcing tax regulations. Lawyers in these areas typically work for national governments. Government lawyers investigate tax evasion and prosecute those who allegedly violated the law. They advise legislators and legislators on how to frame effective tax policy, what exemptions to include, and what level of penalty for violation.
Government lawyers and private company lawyers in the international tax field do substantially different jobs, but the basis of their knowledge and training is the same. It is not uncommon for an international tax attorney to start in government and transition to private practice and vice versa. The world of international tax law is wide and the career possibilities are vast.
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