Indirect taxes significantly affect any business which buys or sells products or services in one or more country. The wide range of indirect taxes is also growing in complexity and importance, as governments across the globe impose more and more indirect taxes, such as:

• Value-added taxes
• Sales taxes
• Customs duties and excises
• Energy taxes
• Environmental taxes
• General services taxes
• Business taxes
• Stamp duties

Businesses are faced with ever increasing levels of legislation, regulation and case law in this area, and new regulatory complexities arise due to Sarbanes-Oxley and other similar rules. Indirect tax professionals provide services to clients, including: compliance with indirect tax obligations, indirect tax planning, indirect tax strategies, issues with international dimensions, support on global expansions, international jurisprudence and monitoring global policy changes.

Is it for you?
This is a highly complex, dynamic and challenging area of tax, which gives professionals exposure to an international playing field. A strong technical background in audit and preferably some taxation experience is required, with more specialist indirect tax experience being a prerequisite for higher level entrants. It is highly rewarding, and offers high levels of remuneration.

Career Prospects
Indirect tax is a niche tax specialism with growing demand, and likewise indirect tax professionals are highly sought after by prestigious firms. Career progression is excellent, and progression routes within these firms are very strong. There is also demand for this specialist knowledge in large international businesses.