Yaron-Eldar, Paller, Schwartz & Co. Law Offices > Givataim, Israel > Firm Profile

Rany Shwartz, Partner

YEtax Partner, Rany Schwartz sheds light on what it means to be a part of a tax-only law firm, sharing his and his team’s dedication to the tax law field and the benefits to clients obtaining YEtax specialized services. It’s a fresh perspective on tax law that utilizes not only experience but a creative, modern approach to tax matters.

What do you see as the main points that differentiate YEtax from your competitors?

We are a 100% tax-focused law firm. This is rare. We’re home to an exceptional team of legal professionals with decades of tax law experience and successes, side-by-side with rising talent in the area of tax law. Many of our team are also experienced CPA’s. Our scope in tax law is unprecedented and our work covers everything from litigation tax (civil and criminal) to crypto, indirect tax to trusts, and international tax to dealing directly (and effectively) with the local tax authorities. Tax law constitutes so many practice areas, each with its individual disposition and complexities, and our Team is accomplished to meet individual client tax needs with creativity and determination. The size and complexity of the files and transactions we oversee put us at the top with the very best.

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

Our substantial and front-runner work is in Inheritance Tax, Income Tax & VAT, Tax Disputes and International Tax, so we see a constant flow of dealings in these areas. In recent years we have become known for our expertise in taxation surrounding digital assets, currencies and NFT’s. We have also become increasingly active in Crypto tax law matters and Green tax, which are both evident and certainly very relevant to our times.

What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

As a Firm culture, we first look inward to the professional strength and functioning of our teams as a priority before engaging with clients. When we are the best, we can give our best. We sustain our bi-monthly Team Meeting in order to share knowledge and updates on the latest events in the tax world. YEtax partners and associates in the Indirect Taxation department completed an international continuing education program dealing with innovations and updates in indirect taxation in Europe. We also established a system to deal with Corona appeals – in respect of clients who were demanded to make returns on grants during the epidemic. We entered into a contract with a company that provides trust services and ancillary services for Trusts.

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

YEtax provides clients with independent, stand-alone tax representation and advice. Our work remains client-focused; this will not change. Across YEtax offices, we instituted top management tools in order to have better control on our timeline, workload and especially to be more efficient. We utilize Zoom, Teams and other digital applications to be available to our clients per their time zones and location needs. We upgraded our Team Members laptops, so they can do their best work without hesitation – to access relevant materials and provide services at the highest professional level – per their schedules and location needs.

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

In Tax planning we help our clients to get tax benefits that they might miss. In one case we managed to establish that Crypto trading is not a business but rather capital gains deals, and we argued (successfully) that Crypto trading is different than regular stocks business and it should taxed in 25% rate tax rather than 50%.

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Our large and known clients (domestic and international) do not arrive in our care by internal referral like clients often land with the tax department of a corporate commercial law firm. Our clients seek us out and choose representation by YEtax because of our reputation and tax expertise, and our high visibility in the professional field. We see YEtax continue to dominate tax law representation, and we are excited to see our younger lawyers grow into exceptional roles as fresh authorities in tax law matters in Israel and internationally.