Helene Meertens

Tax Consultant
Economic Law Specialists (LL.M)
Business Economist (B.Sc.)
Trained assistant Tax Consultant

Helene Meertens

Tax Consultant
Economic Law Specialists (LL.M)
Business Economist (B.Sc.)
Trained assistant Tax Consultant

Dear Helene, what does Meerle actually stand for?

Meerle is composed of my last name and my first name. It was a relatively lengthy process to find a name for my tax law firm. I wanted to stand out from classic designations like “first name last name tax consultancy” and find something that sounded younger and fresher – that’s how I came across Meerle.

Speaking of younger, why did you decide to introduce a Duz culture (Duz= German language -> being on first name terms with clients and employees) in a rather conservative industry?

There are two reasons. The first is because in my previous professional stations I have worked in a Duz environment and really enjoyed it. If not only colleagues but also clients are called by their first names, this also has an effect on the way they are treated. I think this is simply more relaxed and trusting and above all it gives a pleasant feeling. I definitely wanted to establish this culture in my tax law firm.

Second, I want to get away from the conservative image of a tax consultancy. Many people consider going to a tax consultant just as unpleasant as going to the dentist or are reluctant to call their tax consultant. This is exactly what I would like to break up with the Duz culture, among other things.

Despite their conservative image, you decided to become a tax consultant.
What fascinates you about the job?

Actually, I wanted to study something completely different after graduating from high school. After a stroke of fate in my family, however, this was not possible for me at first. Instead, I did an apprenticeship as a tax clerk so that I would not have to move away for the time being. Then I immediately saw how exciting the profession of a tax consultant is. After my training, I was determined to continue on this path and was able to expand my knowledge through my bachelor’s degree at the LMU Munich (economics, B.Sc.) and a subsequent study of business law (LL.M.). This was immediately followed by the tax consultant exam here in Munich. During this time, I was able to deepen my practical knowledge in an international department in one of the largest tax consulting firms in the world.

Contrary to widespread opinion, tax consultants do not do math all day as the profession has a lot to do with people and helpfulness. I talk on the phone a lot and meet clients almost every day. I am always part of new, incredibly interesting cases: For example, I interact with clients who are in the process of setting up a company, about business ideas I would never have thought of. On the other hand, one is also a consultant for people who are not voluntarily in a certain situation in life – I have a case where someone has to stay in Germany due to illness and this has tax implications. As a tax consultant, you are part of all situations in life, even those that are not that pleasant, but in which you can support.

“The profession has a lot to do with people and helpfulness. I am always part of new, incredibly interesting cases.”

“The profession has a lot to do with people and helpfulness. I am always part of new, incredibly interesting cases.”

What are your areas of expertise in which you provide support?

In my view, the most interesting area is international tax law: so complex and constantly changing. International tax law is, above all, very close to life, because we now live in such a globalized world that more and more people have to take an international tax aspect into account: Companies assign employees, online platforms are accessible worldwide, people live in one country and commute across the border to work. For me, international tax law is simply the most up-to-date.

Of course, I also advise in all areas of the more classic tax consultancy.

The more things change, the more you probably need to educate yourself. How do you manage to keep up to date with all the changes in the tax system? 

There is a fixed compulsory reading for tax advisors, so we are always up to date. There are also very good seminars where you meet great colleagues. In general, however, it is the be-all and end-all in tax consultancy that people like to read. I also like to listen to the numerous podcasts about my profession.

One reads a lot for one’s own mandates and beyond that in other areas of interest, for which one must of course take additional time. I have a very comfortable armchair in my office, where I sit with my tablet in the evening and read – because all the magazines I read are also available digitally.

Your office is in Munich – can clients outside of Munich also get advice from you? 

In any case, our office is fully digitalized and paperless. All consultations can also be done completely independent of location via telephone, Skype or Teams. We also use a DSGVO-compliant app and a DSGVO-compliant cloud system for document transmission, both of which offer absolute data security. However, we also accept documents in paper form, which is no problem at all. In this respect we focus on the needs and wishes of our clients.

Have the needs and wishes of clients actually changed as a result of the Coronavirus crisis?

Yeah, definitely. One can almost say that the scope of duties has shifted a little. We advise more and find out where we are going. What is the situation regarding short-time work compensation, what applications must be made? There is almost a kind of “coronavirus consulting”, which of course then goes hand in hand with the normal daily business. In addition, however, there is also the mass of technical literature and changes in legislation that have resulted from the pandemic and require updating almost daily.

What does classic everyday life in the office look like outside of Coronavirus-related topics?

I usually organize my day the evening before when I look at my calendar to be prepared for upcoming meetings with my clients. In the morning I check my e-mails first and answer them as soon as possible. After I have met with clients, the cases are reviewed and subsequent questions are answered.

Afterwards I dedicate myself to the compliance work, i.e. checking payrolls, financial accounting, income tax returns, etc., which have been prepared by my team. However, my great team supports me in everything, which I am very happy about. In the evening I often read the latest tax literature.

What plans do you have for the coming years?

My goal is to ensure that tax advice is no longer seen as dusty and old-fashioned. I want to show that you can be young, be on familiar terms and work digitally – and at the same time be serious and professional. In addition, I naturally want my clients to be satisfied with our performance and our concept to be well received, and for us to be able to expand the team soon. 

Say hello.
Say hello.

Helene Meertens

Ainmillerstr. 90
80801 Munich
team@helene-meertens.de
Tel. 089 904 2205 80

Say hello.