Magnus’ key practice area is tax dispute resolution.
He represents clients with regard to disputed tax positions in dealings with both tax authorities and criminal prosecution authorities at the interface with criminal tax law. Magnus acts for clients at all stages of proceedings, from ongoing tax filing and assessment procedures through tax audits right up to contentious administrative appeal and tax court proceedings. He focuses in particular on negotiating consensual settlements in consultation with the competent authorities in order to avoid lengthy procedures (alternative tax dispute resolution). He also advises clients on tax compliance matters, typically involving multi-jurisdictional teams from several practice groups (including Corporate, Regulatory and Litigation).
His expertise includes both complex internal investigations and guidance on external investigations conducted by tax and tax investigation authorities, as well as the development, implementation and monitoring of appropriate tax compliance measures to minimise tax risks (tax risk management). In addition, Magnus regularly advises clients on tax-related issues arising in the context of M&A transactions, pre- and post-M&A restructurings and finance transactions. Magnus lectures at both the University of Passau and the University of Cologne (LL.M. Business Taxation programme).