Where we are the best.
Specialists are not born overnight. They need years of training and, even more importantly, extensive practical experience. We have both. We have specialised above all in areas that are of immediate practical relevance or can be highly critical: VAT, corporate reorganisations, customs law, tax criminal law and the taxation of crypto assets. So that you are advised by the best in these sensitive areas, too.
Everyone knows it and everyone pays it, but hardly anyone likes it: VAT. Yet VAT is an important factor not only for the state but also for businesses. After all, 20% of turnover can add up to a lot of money. VAT assessments and decisions must be made immediately when a transaction takes place. By the time a transaction reaches the tax department – if it ever does – it is often too late. Purchasing and sales therefore need to get it right from the start. VAT also often concerns high-volume transactions: if an error creeps in, it can turn into a significant financial risk over time. Growing internationalisation adds further complexity, as every country has its own particularities.
In short, an area in which advice from an HGF specialist pays off.
A reorganisation changes the legal form of a business and transfers assets from one legal entity to another. A transfer of assets usually triggers the realisation of profits and thus an often considerable tax burden on hidden reserves. A reorganisation under the Austrian Reorganisation Tax Act (Umgründungssteuergesetz) can avoid this. Besides tax law, a wide range of other aspects must be considered, in particular business, commercial, trade and company law.
Given the complexity of this topic, you should rely on an experienced HGF specialist here, too.
This concerns all businesses that purchase goods from or ship goods to non-EU countries. Customs law should have been on these businesses’ radar long before Brexit. It is also extremely complex and far more extensive than, for example, all Austrian tax laws combined. If you produce, purchase or trade goods with a non-EU connection but customs preferences and outward processing are a mystery to you, you should definitely consult an HGF specialist. Of course, we also make our expertise available to businesses with customs experience and help you optimise existing structures. Ultimately, customs duties are a cost factor that makes goods more expensive but can often be avoided.
As customs law also has a direct impact on VAT, we can use synergies with another of our specialisations.
If, despite all precautions, an error occurs that leads to additional tax, this can have serious consequences under tax criminal law, in some cases even prison sentences. As a rule, however, nothing is lost if you or your advisor discover the error in time. A voluntary disclosure can correct the error with the effect of exemption from penalty. However, exemption from penalty is subject to a large number of conditions, all of which must be met. Given the possible negative consequences of a deficient voluntary disclosure, you should definitely contact an HGF specialist. We help you with the correction so that you do not have to fear any penalties. If tax criminal proceedings have already been initiated, we will of course support you in the further proceedings. In the case of sensitive legal questions or where the tax authorities take a different view, it is also advisable to involve a tax criminal law expert at an early stage.
As tax criminal law usually relates to additional tax payments in other types of tax, we can use synergies with our other specialisations here as well.
Tax advisors with a soft spot for crypto? Yes, they really exist! We have therefore also specialised in the taxation of crypto assets and are on hand with advice and support to keep the jungle of tax laws as simple as possible. After all, a wide range of tax laws must be observed. Although tax law is designed more for traditional sectors, it naturally also applies to crypto assets. This covers not only private investors but also the issuance of new coins and all other types of tokens.
Whether you are an experienced crypto enthusiast or just taking your first steps into the world of digital money, we help you meet your tax obligations so that you can focus fully on your crypto assets.