Tax
Wolf Theiss was ahead of the curve, becoming one of the first law firms in Austria to provide advice on national and international tax law. From a quick glance at our clients, it's easy to see why we're still setting standards for tax advice in Austria and CEE/SEE. We do not shy from large and complex cases – if your business has a cross-border element, our regional breadth and understanding of tax matters throughout the region is what you need. Mergers and acquisitions in particular can be tax minefields. We are there to help you navigate M&A transactions and reorganisations by assessing the tax ramifications of different tactics and customising a strategy optimised for your needs.
It pays to get creative. In the globalised economy of today, high net worth individuals and corporations are increasingly interested in diversifying their portfolios across different regions. With 13 offices throughout CEE/SEE and contacts from around the world, we can help you implement structures that optimise your tax burden. We are always on the lookout for creative solutions, tax incentives and any other vehicles the law provides without losing sight of the abuse of law doctrine or developments from the OECD.
If you ever find yourself at the centre of a tax challenge, dispute or audit, we will work to minimise back payments and penalties in as time-efficient a manner as possible. We guide you through negotiating audits and the finalisation of assessments and will always seek the best possible outcome for you. Fiscal criminal matters and voluntary self-disclosures for individuals and enterprises are particular areas of our expertise.
You also benefit from the fact that our partners have dual qualifications as certified public tax advisors and attorneys-at-law. They not only have years of experience but also regularly hold lectures and publish on recent developments in this continuously changing field. This combination of practical experience, academic research and continuous training guarantees that you and your organisation receive advice that doesn't just follow trends but anticipates them, so you can plan accordingly.
Tax Advice in M&A
M&A transactions and reorganisations can sometimes seem like a maze. When you're standing at the crossroads of different tax structures, how do you know which way to go? We routinely advise investment banks and corporations on large transactions by assessing the tax ramifications of potential tax structures with an eye to producing tax savings for you. We will work to find you and your business savings anywhere we can, such as structures aimed at minimising taxable gains upon disposals, achieving the tax deductibility of acquisition-related interest expenses, utilising goodwill amortisation under the Austrian group taxation regime and avoiding stamp duties. Learn more about our Corporate, Commercial & M&A practice.
Tax Disputes & Litigation
We advise you on how to effectively handle and react to tax challenges at any stage in the process, from negotiations in tax audits to the finalisation of assessments. We work to help you avoid time-consuming disputes and to minimise back payments and penalties. We will defend your interests as far as we can, even up to having the Austrian Constitutional Court or the Austrian Administrative Court repeal or at least mitigate decisions from lower authorities.
Fiscal Criminal Law
A criminal proceeding is no place for you to skimp on your defence. We draw on the strength of our tax and dispute resolution experts to get you practical, helpful advice in your time of need. We have extensive experience in filing self-disclosures for individuals and business enterprises, in particular in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. We can also defend you from allegations of balance sheet fraud.
Tax Planning
High net worth individuals and corporations turn to us for cross-border tax planning. We implement structures aimed at lowering your overall tax burden; not by making use of off-shore locations but through various other vehicles, including Austrian private foundations (which offer substantial tax planning opportunities). And, with us, you don't need to fear too much of a good thing: we are always mindful of the restrictions imposed by the Austrian abuse of law doctrine and try to find creative ways to overcome obstacles.
Private Clients
Individuals come with individualised tax needs. Let us help you plan your succession matters as well as any cross-border relocation of residence issues that might come up – we specialise in German clients who for reasons of German inheritance tax decide to move to Austria. We can also help you with optimising tax implications associated with wealth structuring, realisation of potential tax savings through pension contributions and advice on tax aspects related to the creation and operation of foundations and trusts. Learn more about our Private Clients practice.
Financial Products
Are you looking at purchasing, holding or selling an investment? We advise individual and institutional investors on all aspects of tax for financial matters. Are you considering a creative solution, perhaps a new financial product? We can help you exploit opportunities in statutory law and counsel you on tax and other legal questions.
