Stefan im Schlaa

Stefan im Schlaa, Lawyer

Founding partner at iSP Global Tax

Background and professional aims

I have almost 20 years’ professional experience in the field of national and international tax law, gained in industry and in the tax consultancy sector. I specialise in the development and implementation of cross-border tax structuring and in tax project management.

During my career to date I have worked on a wide variety of tax-related issues, and have built a strong network of national and international tax specialists. This network provides a valuable resource for dealing with the demanding nature of today’s tax issues.

At iSP Global Tax, our aim is to help and advise predominantly medium-sized companies and private clients. My wide-ranging professional background has equipped me with the specialist skills and knowledge to provide our client base with sound tax advice, delivered with a thorough understanding of both the smaller-scale domestic market and the international commercial environment.

Professional experience

• Medium-sized companies and private clients

Responsible for handling international tax matters in a family owned medium sized company.

Experience working for a Düsseldorf based tax boutique.

• Multinational corporate organisations

Tax Partner at one of the Big Four consultancies, providing international and German clients of all sizes and sectors with extensive advice on Tax Law, with a focus on Transfer Pricing.

Tax specialist at another of the Big Four organisations, starting as a tax assistant, developing through to Head of International Transfer Pricing of a DAX30 multinational.

Experience ranged from contract design to conducting lawsuits, from cross-border M&A projects to being responsible for tax-related matters of 250 foreign group affiliates, a German DAX30 multinational and numerous Permanent Establishments abroad. My regional focus was on Europe, the US and APAC.

Professional associations and activities

Member of the International Fiscal Association, the Deutschen Steuerjuristsichen Gesellschaft (German Tax Advisors Association) and the Westfälischen Steuerkreises (Westphalian Tax Circle) at Westfälische Wilhelms University, Münster.

I have published several articles relating to International Tax Law.

Academic background and practical training

University of Hamburg - attending a degree course on International Tax Law

University of Münster - Law studies, Bar Exam, specialising in the German Tax System

Nine month legal clerkship at the Fiscal Court of Münster

Internship at Big Four company, working in the area of Investment Trust Taxation

Languages – German (native speaker), English

Finally, the human side …

Besides my passion for music and especially for playing saxophone, I spend my leisure time on my racing bike or behind the wheel of my classic car.