International VAT and GST exposure is one of the most overlooked—and costly—issues facing US companies with international sales. In this episode, we explore why sophisticated buyers flag this issue immediately during M&A due diligence, why tax authorities are now actively pursuing it, and what CPAs need to know to protect their clients.

Featuring industry experts Nick Uren (Senior Manager of International Tax at Aldrich) and Sean King (President of Align Global Consulting, with nearly 30 years of international tax experience), we break down:

✓ The "unintentional expansion" problem: How companies inadvertently create international VAT/GST exposure ✓ The advisory gap: Why traditional corporate tax analysis misses this critical issue ✓ Real-world impact: How unresolved exposure derails M&A transactions and triggers tax authority inquiries ✓ Practical strategies: How to identify, assess, and resolve exposure before it becomes a problem ✓ Your role as an advisor: How to add this to your client advisory checklist and provide genuine value

Whether you're a CPA advising growing companies, a business advisor working with entrepreneurs, or a business owner planning an exit, this conversation will change how you think about international operations.

Key Takeaway: International VAT and GST exposure is real and growing—but it's entirely manageable when addressed proactively.

Guests:

Nick Uren, Senior Manager of International Tax and Transfer Pricing, Aldrich

Sean King, President and Managing Director, Align Global Consulting

Host: David Tuomey - Orsa Saiwai Europe

Join host David Tuomey and specialty tax expert Craig Fouts of Align Tax Consulting for a focused discussion on the top US domestic tax incentives and planning opportunities available to manufacturers entering or expanding in the United States.

The conversation leverages a hypothetical case study—an Italian espresso machine producer establishing a US manufacturing facility—to break down practical, actionable guidance for CPAs and advisors. Topics include:

- Cost segregation studies to maximize accelerated depreciation and 100% bonus depreciation

- The new qualified production property asset class and full expensing of production-dedicated building components

- Updates to R&D tax credits, including restored full expensing of research costs

- Key site selection considerations and state/local incentive opportunities

- Ownership, leasing, recapture pitfalls, and strategies for effective tax planning

Whether your clients are international businesses setting up US operations or domestic manufacturers seeking optimization, this episode provides numbers-driven examples, expert insights, and strategic tips every CPA can use to deliver greater value.

In this essential Orsa Saiwai Podcast episode, host David Tuomey teams up with international tax expert Sean King (Align Global Consulting) to unpack the latest reforms transforming US tax law and cross-border operations for European companies entering the American market.

Get practical, actionable insights on:

• The impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”: what’s new, what changed, and how it reshapes inbound investment for European businesses.
• The EU–USA tariff agreement: discover how the new 15% ceiling on EU goods affects tax planning, entity choice, and day-to-day operations for manufacturers and distributors.
• Entity structuring tips for CPAs: learn why C Corp is usually the preferred choice, and how to utilize treaty benefits for optimal repatriation and tax efficiency.
• Transfer pricing, IP licensing, and FX risk management: avoid common pitfalls and build structures that protect margins for multinational clients.
• Real-world case study: follow the steps of an Italian manufacturer expanding to the US—understand practical legal and tax solutions from start to finish.

This episode is tailor-made for US-based CPAs advising European clients on cross-border expansion. Whether you need clear answers on recent legislative changes, help assessing optimal business structures, or strategies to limit tax leakage for international operations, this podcast delivers direct advice from experts immersed in the field.

Listen now to sharpen your knowledge, serve your clients better, and stay ahead in the evolving landscape of US–EU tax and trade:

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For questions or to request more detail on topics covered, contact Orsa Saiwai—your trusted partner for hassle-free European expansion and international tax collaboration.