Getting to Know LIMES: Meet David van der Vet

In this edition of Getting to Know LIMES, David shares how he found his way into international tax, what keeps his work interesting and why businesses should seek advice before making cross-border employment decisions.

His Journey to LIMES

What first sparked your interest in tax and global mobility?

I generally believe that anyone who says they have always had a passion for tax law is lying! For most people, choosing to study tax law is a combination of aptitude and career prospects, as it was for me. However, during my studies, I discovered a genuine interest in international tax law. I have always found it more dynamic and interesting than looking at tax purely from a domestic perspective.

Can you tell us a little about your career journey and how you came to join LIMES?

LIMES was actually my first proper job. I joined straight out of university as a Junior Adviser and have developed my expertise here ever since.

What attracted you to LIMES?

LIMES’ focus on international tax and global mobility, alongside its interdisciplinary approach, aligned closely with my interests. I was also drawn to the organisation’s clear identity, reflected in everything from its modern offices to its website.

Life at LIMES

Can you tell us a little about your role at LIMES?

I am a tax and global mobility adviser, currently working as Tax Manager. I cover a broad range of topics, with particular expertise in personal income tax, tax treaty interpretation and social security.

What do you enjoy most about working at LIMES?

The variety of clients and cases keeps the work interesting. At LIMES, tax advisers are encouraged to develop broad knowledge across the field rather than focus on just one specialism. This gives me the opportunity to work on a wide range of challenges and continually expand my expertise.

What makes the LIMES team special from your perspective?

The depth of knowledge across our teams is a real strength. Few firms offer the same combination of services at the same level of quality. Within the tax and global mobility team, I particularly value how approachable everyone is and how willing colleagues are to discuss cases and share their perspectives.

Behind the Expertise

What do you find most interesting about working in tax and global mobility?

First, the rules and regulations are constantly changing, both nationally and internationally, so you always need to adapt. Second, there is always something new to discover, even in areas you think you know well. During our weekly technical meetings, we often discuss a complex court ruling or an insightful article. One phrase that regularly comes up is: ‘We know nothing!’ It is a good reminder of just how much there is to learn.

What is one thing about your area of expertise that people often misunderstand?

When people think of tax, they often think of something boring. I suspect many associate it with accounting, rather than tax advisory, which I find much more interesting. The cases we work on can be fascinating puzzles to solve, with potentially significant financial or personal consequences if they are not handled correctly.

Is there a change or development in your field that you think businesses should be paying attention to?

There are two developments worth watching. Changes to the European rules determining which country’s social security legislation applies to cross-border employment are now expected to take effect in 2028. Although this may seem some way off, employers with internationally mobile employees, particularly those on assignment, should stay informed and prepare for the changes in good time.

The EU Pay Transparency Directive is another important development. It will require employers to be more transparent about pay structures and able to justify differences in pay between employees performing the same or similar work.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a business navigating global mobility?

Contact us before assigning an employee abroad or hiring someone who lives in another country to work remotely. We often encounter situations where non-compliance has continued for months or even years before a business seeks advice. Resolving these issues retrospectively is generally more costly than getting the right arrangements in place from the start, and many problems can be avoided with early planning.

The Person Behind the Role

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

I read a lot, mainly fantasy and historical fiction. I also enjoy playing video games, playing golf and going to the gym several times a week.

What’s something people at LIMES might be surprised to learn about you?

Although tax law can be fun, it is not my biggest passion. I am particularly interested in history, especially the Greek and Roman periods.

What’s something you’ve always wanted to learn or try?

I have never been particularly musical, but I have always thought it would be great to play the piano. Perhaps one day I will give it a try!