Hi my name is Dan and I work in tax

Look, I will be honest. Early in my career, when going to parties, I was not the one shouting out loud that I was a tax guy. But over time, I've embraced my inner tax nerd with pride. Today it is my TaxLove 💖 that energizes me. Every day. Even after 20 years…

Back in the days, at uni, I was left hungry after my commercial science (marketing) degree. My master in tax added the technical depth I craved. I got it immediately. However, my friends did not. Even my GF (later wife) was in a mini-shock when she figured she was dating a tax guy.
You know what I mean. People that ask you “tax, is that not just putting numbers in boxes”? Or worse, “oh you are tax, so you are helping MNCs to minimize their tax cost”?

It took some time to improve my elevator pitch. It also took some time to explain proudly and convincingly what tax is about.

Today I would be telling during parties:

“Tax is a crucial cornerstone in society. In fact, the role of tax in society is only going up. Sometimes for regrettable reasons. Like you and me, also multinationals have tax obligations. In fact, they have a whole lotta tax obligations. And it gets worse, year-over-year. The problem is that also the complexity gets worse. And you know what, whatever a multinational does, it ALWAYS has tax implications! Enter the tax heroes, acting as true spiders-in-the-web. We take care of it all. From business support, to compliance, to controversy. The full tax lifecycle. Balancing value protection with value creation. Balancing being compliant with being efficient. Focusing on risk, reputation and stakeholder management. That is what we do!”

Still today, I can say, I have never had regrets. Would I start my career in tax again? 💯💯

To all tax people out there. Celebrate your love of tax. I know, it’s super cringe, but it’s FEB 14th 💕. Take some time to reflect on your role and value.

🖤 TaxLove - For the Love of Tax 🖤