Please recommend an international tax planner/advisor

[vv2]

Hi,

I'm looking to choose a reputable and knowledgeable specialist to help set up an international structure for a small business. There are plenty of firms on the internet offering international tax planning services, but there isn't much difference between them, and I can't yet see a way to gauge their reputation or see customer reviews.

I would therefore appreciate your personal recommendations, i. e. if you used services of such an advisor and found them good for you, could you please let me know who you worked with.

Thanks!

 

[Clinton]

... international structure for a small business.

International structure and small business don't generally go together.

I know proper, FCA regulated corporate finance firms with extensive cross border expertise and with in-house experts to advise on creating offshore tax planning structures.

What's your budget for this advice? Is it in the hundreds of pounds or tens of thousands of pounds?

 

[The Byre]

What do you want - an international structure or an off-shore tax haven?

If you want a proper international company, then you must have boots on the ground in other countries.

 

[vv2]

What's your budget for this advice?

Quotes I was given were between £1,500 and £5,000 - that what it will likely cost me. I am just looking for recommendations or reviews. I don't want to choose a random firm just on the basis of what it says on the website and would prefer to see some of their happy customers

 

[The Byre]

We are active and have a presence in three EU countries and the idea that you can 'buy' advice on how to achieve this or any other international structure for £1,500 or for £5,000 is frankly laughable. You may be able to get tips on how to set up some tax avoidance scheme for that kind of money (that will end up getting you into a shed-load of trouble) is perfectly possible - but international structures are a different kettle of fish.

International structures cannot be bought 'off-the-shelf'. They are a matter of commitment and understanding.

 

[vv2]

the idea that you can 'buy' advice on how to achieve this or any other international structure for £1,500 or for £5,000 is frankly laughable

Sorry, didn't quite get your point. Do you mean that such advice should cost more? Or do you mean that international structures can't be bought for this money? If it's the latter I never said or implied it. I am just looking for someone to spend time with me looking at my circumstances to find the best solution and I am prepared to pay the said money for the consultant's time.

 

[The Byre]

Setting up an international structure is a complex issue and requires staff in those markets who understand the tax and other laws as well as language in all countries involved. It just is not, nor can it ever be, just a matter of "Pay me £X and I shall tell you to do Y and Z."

Why do you want and/or need an international structure and which markets are you looking at?

 

[vv2]

Setting up an international structure is a complex issue and requires staff in those markets who understand the tax and other laws as well as language in all countries involved. It just is not, nor can it ever be, just a matter of "Pay me £X and I shall tell you to do Y and Z."

Why do you want and/or need an international structure and which markets are you looking at?

Thanks, but just to be clear - I am not looking for a tax advise on this forum. I am only looking for recommendations from people who used certain tax advisors and were happy with their services. Specifics like those you mentioned are more appropriate to discuss with an advisor themselves.

 

[The Byre]

I can not recommend a single person because you have not told us which markets you want to approach. The guy or girl that is right for Germany, is going to be out of their depth for Russia.

I can point you at the right people if you state which national markets you are targeting and which segments.

EDIT: I'm not trying to be a smart-arse or play games, but your question is a bit like asking "What do I have to pay to learn French?"

The answer is to go to France and commit to learning the language. International structures are very similar. Yes, there are people who can point you in the right direction and steer you clear of the rocks, but only you can learn how to master the situation and make the gig work!

 

[Clinton]

@vv2
I've got a client with a 'simple' EBT of about £200K. He paid £30K in professional fees to have everything setup properly, and HMRC still came after him! He ended up paying another £50K in fees and it appears he will now probably have to pay HMRC the tax after all!

If you've been quoted £1,500 then I've no idea what kind of "international structure" you're talking about (and I shudder at the quality of the advice). If you're one of those owners of a small business who thinks he can save his £3.50 in corporation tax by setting up a Dutch Sandwich then good luck, I'm outta here.