On 5 June 2025 we held MHA’s first International Tax Summit at our London office. Senior tax professionals and thought leaders including heads of tax from leading multinational corporations and members of the Baker Tilly Network joined us for an afternoon of critical insights, strategic foresight, and collaborative discussions. From international reforms to jurisdiction-specific trends, the agenda reflected a fast-evolving global tax environment that demands both agility and alignment.
Pascal Saint-Amans’ Keynote: The Global Tax Landscape
Pascal Saint-Amans, former Director of the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration, delivered a compelling keynote that connected geopolitical, fiscal, and administrative realities shaping the future of international tax.
In addressing the digital economy, Saint-Amans warned that taxation systems must adapt quickly to borderless income, from remote workers to digital nomads, compounding an already complex compliance environment.
Finally, he cautioned against the fragmentation of global tax rules, citing diverging approaches such as unilateral digital services taxes and a UN-led African proposal that could challenge OECD dominance.
Global Roadshow: Trends and tactics from five jurisdictions
Our “Global Roadshow” focussed on key announcements and trends from experts across the Baker Tilly Network.
- Nicole M. Szczepanek (U.S.): Compared post-TCJA tax planning with proposals under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act; discussed IRC Section 163(j), sales and use tax compliance, and cash tax management strategies.
- Brendan Murphy (Ireland): Presented key insights to Ireland’s tax regime including the 12.5% corporate tax rate, 30% R&D tax credit, and 10% rate under the Knowledge Development Box. Participation exemption and IP capital allowances also highlighted.
- Tanja De Decker (Belgium): Detailed Belgium’s federal tax reforms and their impact on international tax structures, of particular relevance to multinationals managing EU alignment.
- Gijs Fibbe (Netherlands): Reviewed trends between the UK and Netherlands, including the Dutch Advance Tax Ruling (ATR) and Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) practices and updates from the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA).
- Ines Paucksch (Germany): Shared recent tax reforms and strategic government plans aimed at reinforcing Germany’s attractiveness as a business location. Focus included global minimum tax implementation.
The clear takeaway?
Seeking expert advice and staying connected across jurisdictions is not optional, it’s essential.
Whether it’s preparing for Pillar Two, monitoring U.S. tax shifts, or adapting to digital tax regulation, those who plan globally and execute locally will be best positioned to lead.
Topical Tax Matters: Shaping the tax landscape
Our home team from MHA tackled high-priority issues:
Chris Danes
Chris Danes addressed Pillar Two compliance, stressing the need for global systems readiness by late 2025 to meet GIR deadlines.
James Smith
James Smith redefined global mobility, as a multi-dimensional challenge, emphasising the increasing complexity of cross-border workforce management. He highlighted advanced interagency data-sharing models such as Australia’s as a sign of things to come, where tax authorities are more interconnected than ever. With employees moving across multiple jurisdictions, often with differing fiscal years and reporting rules, he stressed that workforce visibility is no longer optional. Employers must proactively manage tax and social security obligations to avoid compliance risks and unexpected liabilities.
Alison Horner
Alison Horner unpacked growing disruption in customs and VAT, spotlighting a wave of new and evolving regulatory challenges. Key among these are emerging environmental and digital taxes, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and Plastic Packaging levies. She also addressed the sweeping digital transformation under the EU’s VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) initiative, particularly the shift toward real-time e-invoicing. Alison showcased our new e-invoicing tool, designed to help businesses navigate this increasingly complex terrain with confidence.
Chris Liu
Chris Liu addressed transfer pricing, emphasising UK regulatory changes, longer HMRC enquiries, and the end of exemptions for UK-to-UK transactions.
