How tax reforms across Europe will reshape your recruitment strategies

The European Union (EU) is undergoing a major transformation in its tax policy.

Recent tax reforms across EU member states, from corporate income tax adjustments to green tax initiatives, don’t just affect taxpayers and tax authorities. They also impact talent strategies as organisations adapt to new tax rules, compliance requirements and sustainability goals.

For businesses operating in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and many other EU countries, these developments have direct implications for tax recruitment. Senior tax professionals are now central to managing compliance, planning and transformation.

Here are some of the reforms and how they impact your tax recruitment strategy.

• Corporate tax adjustments: driving demand for senior tax professionals
• VAT modernisation: digital transformation creates new skill requirements
• Digital services taxation: specialist expertise in demand
• Green tax initiatives: reshaping corporate tax teams
• Key skills employers should look for in tax candidates
• How Brewer Morris can help

Corporate tax adjustments: driving demand for senior tax professionals

Several EU member states have introduced significant changes to their tax system, reflecting fiscal needs and global alignment.

Netherlands and Belgium: strategic positioning

Both countries are aligning with OECD Pillar Two and EU tax harmonisation while maintaining tax competitiveness.

Recruitment impact:

• High demand for corporate tax managers, transfer pricing experts and tax reporting specialists
• Employers will seek candidates with digital transformation skills for automation and compliance

Luxembourg: adapting to global tax rules

Luxembourg is known as a financial hub and must comply with global tax standards. This includes implementing OECD Pillar Two measures and aligning its tax regime with EU-level initiatives to address profit shifting and ensure transparency for multinational corporations.

Recruitment impact:

• Increased need for international tax advisors and tax governance specialists to manage profit shifting risks

France: high-tax surcharges and innovation incentives

France has imposed an additional levy on large corporations, increasing the tax burden for firms earning more than one billion EUR. At the same time, tax incentives for sectors like artificial intelligence and renewables aim to boost economic growth and strengthen innovation ecosystems.

Recruitment impact:

• Increased demand for Heads of Tax, Tax Directors and Senior Managers to manage complex tax planning and compliance
• Specialist roles in international tax and tax optimisation will be important for multinationals

Italy: new tax regime for wealthy residents

Italy increased its lump-sum tax for new wealthy residents from 100,000 to 200,000 EUR. Despite the rise, the regime remains attractive because it caps tax on foreign income, offering predictability and simplicity for global executives with significant overseas earnings.

Recruitment impact:

• Growth in mobility-focused tax advisory roles and private client tax specialists
• More senior hires in tax compliance and cross-border planning

Other EU countries such as Ireland, Belgium, Portugal and Poland

These countries are implementing tax reforms to align with OECD Pillar Two while offering tax incentives for investment.

Recruitment impact:

• Demand for tax compliance managers, transfer pricing specialists and risk management professionals across multiple jurisdictions

VAT modernisation: digital transformation creates new skill requirements

The ViDA package was adopted by all EU member states in March 2025. It introduces sweeping changes to VAT compliance:

• Mandatory e-invoicing and real-time reporting by 2030 for cross-border transactions
• Platforms responsible for VAT collection
• Expanded One-Stop-Shop to simplify registration

Recruitment impact:

• Employers need tax professionals with ERP system knowledge, automation expertise and data analytics skills
• Senior roles in indirect tax and VAT compliance will become more strategic as digitalisation accelerates

Digital services taxation: specialist expertise in demand

With OECD Pillar One stalled, countries like France, Spain and Italy maintain or increase digital services taxes (DSTs).

Recruitment impact:

• Demand for international tax specialists and policy experts who can navigate DST rules
• Senior hires in tax strategy and government affairs will rise as companies engage with policymakers

Green tax initiatives: reshaping corporate tax teams

The EU Green Deal and Fit for 55 package embed sustainability into tax policy:

• Expansion of carbon pricing
• Introduction of CBAM
• Revision of the Energy Taxation Directive

Recruitment impact:

• Corporate tax teams need professionals who understand green tax incentives, carbon pricing and tax credits
• Senior tax leaders will play a strategic role in aligning compliance with sustainability goals

Key skills employers should look for in tax candidates

Tax reforms across the EU have transformed the expectations for tax professionals. Employers need to prioritise candidates who combine technical expertise with strategic insight. Here are the essential skills:

1. Technical knowledge of tax systems and regulations

Candidates must have a deep understanding of tax laws, tax rules and tax regimes across multiple jurisdictions. Expertise in corporate income tax, VAT compliance and transfer pricing is critical for managing tax liabilities, tax base calculations and tax revenue obligations. Familiarity with OECD Pillar Two, tax treaties and double taxation agreements is essential for multinational operations.

2. Digital transformation and automation skills

With VAT digitalisation and real-time reporting under the ViDA package, employers should seek professionals skilled in tax technology, ERP systems and automation tools. Knowledge of data analytics and digital services compliance ensures efficient tax administration and reduces the tax compliance burden.

3. International tax and cross-border expertise

Globalisation and EU-level initiatives require candidates who can manage cross-border transactions, profit shifting risks and tax avoidance challenges. Roles in international tax and transfer pricing demand strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex tax treaties.

4. Strategic tax planning and advisory capability

Tax professionals must go beyond compliance to deliver tax planning strategies that align with economic growth, competitiveness and sustainability objectives. Understanding tax incentives, tax credits and exemptions helps businesses optimise their tax base and maintain operational efficiency.

5. Sustainability and ESG knowledge

Green tax initiatives under the EU Green Deal and Fit for 55 require candidates who can integrate sustainability into tax strategies. Familiarity with carbon pricing, CBAM and energy taxation directives is increasingly valuable for senior tax roles.

6. Leadership and stakeholder engagement

Senior tax professionals must demonstrate leadership in managing tax authorities, engaging with policymakers and advising stakeholders. Strong communication skills are essential for influencing decisions and ensuring compliance with evolving tax policy.

7. Adaptability and future-readiness

Economic activity, pandemic recovery and geopolitical shifts will continue to shape the world of tax. Employers should look for candidates who embrace innovation, adapt to future of work trends and contribute to building resilient ecosystems for tax compliance.

How Brewer Morris can help

As a specialist recruitment agency, we can help you:

• Recruit senior tax leaders who can navigate evolving tax systems and align strategies with economic growth and sustainability goals
• Connect with specialists in all areas such as corporate income tax, VAT compliance, transfer pricing and international tax. This is important expertise for multinationals adapting to EU-level initiatives
• Access market trends and salary benchmarking to help address talent shortages and attract professionals in competitive ecosystems
• Source across borders with our pan-European reach, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Ireland, Spain and Italy
• Adopt flexible solutions whether you’re an SME or a large corporate, from permanent hires to interim roles for transformation projects

Our role is to streamline recruitment so stakeholders can focus on compliance, digital transformation and strategic initiatives without compromising on quality or speed.

Tax reforms across the EU will continue to reshape the demand for tax professionals. Businesses that invest in strategic workforce planning, upskilling and specialist recruitment will be best positioned to navigate compliance challenges and maintain competitiveness.

Get in touch today.