Alain Thilmany

I specialise in direct taxation matters with a particular emphasis on advising businesses (including start-ups, and scale-ups) and their directors regarding restructurings, incentive plans, tax planning and M&A. This has previously included advising a 90+ entities market leading group on the restructuration of its Belgian activities. 

I also actively assist clients in their tax disputes and challenges before the Belgian and international Courts, as well as in tax administrative proceedings. In particular, I have participated in milestone cases regarding international fixed establishment matters and successfully defended clients in local litigations surrounding tax incentives and the States liability.

My practice primarily focusses on clients within the technology/media, life science and real estate industries.

Besides advisory and litigation work, I frequently intervene for my clients before government authorities for the conclusion of agreements and rulings or policy matters including the drafting and amending of tax laws. My career highlights include the negotiation of key agreements regarding the setting up of a new business and pricing model for household names in the Belgian Media sector.  

Outside of my professional role, I teach tax law and tax procedure in the Master's degree program in accounting and taxation organised jointly by the EPHEC, HELHa and UCL-Mons.

I have written several articles in national and international legal journals, and I have authored a book on the State's liability in tax matters. Furthermore, I regularly give lectures and speeches on Belgian and international tax topics.

My educational background includes a Master's degree in law at the Catholic University of Louvain (UCL) and a Specialized Master's degree in Tax law at the University of Brussels (ULB).

I was admitted to the Brussels bar in 2017 and I am proficient in French, Dutch and English, with a basic understanding of Spanish.