International taxation, expatriation and non-residents

The core of Alphard Law's practice is international taxation: departures from and returns to France, double taxation, French-American, French-British and French-German situations. It is also the area where reviews are the most detailed.

"It is with great pleasure that I write this review for Maître Antoine Gouin, who guided us flawlessly through our international relocation. From the very first exchanges, Maître Gouin demonstrated impressive expertise in tax law, combined with a clarity of explanation that made a complex subject perfectly understandable. [...] I highly recommend Maître Gouin to anyone looking for a top-level tax lawyer who combines professional rigour with human qualities."

"I am starting to look into the steps involved in expatriation from England and I had questions about taxation. Maître Gouin excels through his command of both French and English tax law. Attentive, he takes the time to analyse and understand his clients' needs."

"I was very favourably impressed by Maître Gouin's work on a tax matter relating to my return from expatriation. His expertise on a fairly technical subject seemed assured. [...] His support with my tax filings was a very pleasant surprise. I recommend him +++"

"Maître Gouin stands out for his in-depth knowledge of US taxation. His complete command of the subject and his ability to explain complex tax concepts in simplified terms make him a first-rate adviser."

"Excellent advice on double taxation between France and Germany. I highly recommend their services. Efficient and kind."

"As an English speaker, I was delighted to be able to rely on a French tax lawyer who spoke my language and was able to explain complex French tax subjects to me."

Other clients describe the same cross-border dimension: a US LLC-type structure ("Maître Gouin assisted me with a tax issue involving a French SAS / American LLC structure. Competent, flexible and attentive", Peter GK), the taxation of expatriates ("Very impressed by his responsiveness and his knowledge of expatriate taxation", Jean-Frédéric Bigué), and questions spanning several legal systems ("a great deal of highly relevant information, even on issues combining French and international taxation", Virginie Berthelot).

Estates, real estate and wealth taxation

Questions of inheritance and wealth often arise at sensitive moments. Several reviews highlight, beyond the technical work, the human dimension of the firm's support.

"Affected by the accidental loss of my partner, I turned to Maître Antoine Gouin for tax matters; he showed remarkable kindness and humanity. It is in moments like these that you recognise a professional worthy of the name."

"I can only recommend calling on Maître Gouin if you have doubts about an estate or about taxation abroad. Attentive, he takes the time to understand your situation. If it is a subject he knows, you will get a reasoned explanation supported by the relevant statutory provisions."

"In 15 minutes Maître Gouin gave us clear and precise information on an inheritance and tax case, which helped us greatly. He did not push us towards unnecessary engagements and was very honest about what he could do and the scope of his expertise."

"Maître Gouin took the time to listen to us carefully and found the legal solution we needed to secure a complicated property sale."

Real estate taxation comes up in several testimonials, whether transactions ("I consulted him for advice on real estate transactions and the tax questions attached to them", Senora Palombarini) or the ability to explain the subject ("he takes the time to explain each situation and remains very pedagogical on real estate taxation", Denise Lim).

Entrepreneurs, executives and structuring

A significant part of the firm's client base consists of entrepreneurs and executives, whether starting up, growing or restructuring.

"Maître Gouin does not settle for general answers; he points out the areas of vigilance and tension (which we had not all identified despite our own research), then analyses our specific situations in order to address them and prepare for them as well as possible. [...] I am delighted to have found the reliable adviser every entrepreneur needs."

"A human and honest approach, focused on the client's interest and the prevention of tax risks. I received valuable advice from Maître Gouin and I recommend him to any entrepreneur looking for quality tax support."

"Request for a tax opinion in the context of a sale for an early-stage startup: attentive, quickly available, quality advice. We recommend without hesitation!"

"Maître Antoine Gouin was recommended to me by a friend and he restructured my activities with responsiveness and professionalism. He is passionate about his work, and it shows in the service provided."

"Maître Gouin assists me with all the tax questions related to my professional activity; he immediately identifies my issues and provides clear, tailored answers. I highly recommend his services, which save time and money."

Dealing with the French tax authority

Responding to a letter from the tax authority or preparing litigation requires method and composure. The clients concerned remember the immediate availability and the absence of dramatisation.

"I tried to reach Maître Gouin by telephone; he took my call immediately and listened to my situation at length. He shared his advice for my response to the tax authority, free of charge. [...] You immediately sense a true professional, attentive and available, who does not push fees. That is very reassuring when you are in a difficult situation."

"A very professional and sharp lawyer, he engages with your case immediately. He suggested some very interesting avenues."

"Of the ten or so tax specialists I consulted, Me Gouin far surpassed them all in his reasoning and its practical applicability. I strongly recommend him."

What comes up in every review

Clarity on complex subjects. It is the common thread of almost every written review: explanations that are "clear, precise and very well detailed" (Sendoh), a lawyer who is "very pedagogical" and "knows how to make complex subjects easy to understand" (Pedro7). International taxation is a technical discipline; the firm's job is precisely to make it actionable for the client, without unnecessary jargon or approximation.

Honest advice, even against the firm's commercial interest. Several clients raise it spontaneously: "Me Gouin is not the person who will push the strategy that pays him the most: on the contrary, he gives you the best advice for your situation, in a disinterested way" (Imane E.); "he was not there to sell solutions; the big difference with a salesperson was that he actually advised" (Kévin Dintanavong). This ethic of advice is at the foundation of a lawyer's professional duties; we are glad it is felt.

Responsiveness and availability. A call back "within the hour" (Marine Baudin-Sarlet), calls taken immediately, quick appointments including by videoconference for clients abroad: tax matters often come with short deadlines, and the firm's organisation reflects that.

A tailored approach. "By comparison, the other lawyers I had come across had a much more industrial and therefore less effective approach. Maître Gouin listens carefully to the specifics of your situation to provide extremely clear and actionable solutions" (Marlène Courtiol). That is the deliberate choice of a boutique firm: fewer cases, more depth on each one.