FAQ

Every economic activity leads to tax implications. The level of tax burden leaves the tax authorities with almost the same amount of money as the money remaining in the company. Therefore, tax planning and tax organisation are essential means for the company if it wants to survive in the increasing competition.

This shall apply in particular for international activities. As a consequence of the globalization even medium-sized companies are forced to take international steps. Inevitably, they enter a complicated network of national and international tax regulations which can only be assessed by proven tax experts. Extremely frequent legislation changes don’t make things easier. Year after year the companies are forced to adapt their tax planning to new legal conditions.

The University of Hamburg has developed an educational concept as to ensure an ideal training on the subject of taxes. The heart of this concept is the International Tax Institute, which closely cooperates with both the departments of economic science and law of Hamburg University. The fundamental education in tax science is given by professors in the departments of economics and law. Students of either department can then apply for the in-depth education at the International Tax Institute in the Sedanstraße. Here advanced lectures are held especially on the subject of International Tax Law, but also on Corporate Tax Law and Reorganisation Tax Law.

Graduates of the courses of law or economics may then apply for the Master of International Taxation (M.I.Tax) to acquire expert skills. This compact course is nearly unique in Germany.

Career opportunities for graduates of these courses, especially the Master course, are outstanding. Qualified employees in the area of taxation are highly demanded by companies, tax advisors and big consulting firms. The training capacities of the few institutes offering such education on the subject of International Taxation in particular, are insufficient to satisfy the constantly growing demand. The importance of effective tax planning for the success of an internationally operating company secures a crisis-proof employment with a low sensibility for the economic cycle.

The abbreviation IIFS stands for Interdisziplinäres Zentrum für Internationales Finanz- und Steuerwesen (Interdisciplinary Centre for International Finance and Taxation - International Tax Institute).

The IIFS is an interdisciplinary centre combining the three areas of business taxation, international finance and international taxation. It is dedicated to research, education and documentation in the area of international and foreign taxation. The IIFS has an excellent library and offers public events on national and international taxation.

The IIFS offers courses in law and economics. Please find the complete range of courses under Education & Research - Tax Law.

The library provides a substantial stock of specialist literature on the topics of business taxation, international finance and international taxation. In addition, it holds all relevant scientific journals and law journals. What is more, the library is non-lending, which means that all books and journals are available at all times..