Global Law Experts is pleased to announce the appointment of Jaap Fox of Riverlane as an Exclusive Member for Tax in the Netherlands.

Jaap Fox’s selection reflects a distinguished career advising both domestic and international clients on complex Dutch tax matters. His background combines experience gained across the Dutch tax judiciary, a major tax advisory environment, and private sector consultancy. With this blend of technical strength, practical judgment, and partner level involvement, Jaap Fox brings a distinctive and valuable perspective to the Global Law Experts network.

His work is firmly rooted in Dutch tax law and covers corporate, transactional, and international matters. He advises companies, non profit organisations, and directors major shareholders on the tax consequences of restructurings, internal reorganisations, and cross border cooperation. VAT, often referred to as turnover tax, and transfer tax are central to his practice, alongside matters such as mergers and acquisitions, property transactions, cooperation arrangements, and expatriate taxation.

A key reason his expertise resonates with clients is his ability to connect legal analysis with real world execution. Tax issues seldom exist in isolation. They are frequently woven into corporate reorganisations, real estate deals, ownership changes, international expansion, and the movement of employees across borders. Jaap Fox approaches these situations with an understanding not only of the tax rules, but also of the corporate structures they affect. This allows him to develop solutions that do more than satisfy technical requirements. They are built to work in practice and support business objectives.

Jaap Fox’s professional development provides the foundation for this approach. After studying tax law at the University of Amsterdam, he worked with the Tax Division of the Amsterdam District Court. He then gained experience at KPMG Meijburg and Co. Later, he joined a medium sized tax consultancy, broadening his advisory exposure across a wide range of client work. Together, these roles strengthened his understanding of how tax arguments may be evaluated in disputes, while also building practical skills in translating legislation into clear recommendations for transactions and ongoing operations.

That combination is particularly valuable when clients face sensitive or high impact tax questions. Experience in the judiciary gives him insight into how legal reasoning is tested, while advisory work requires turning statutory rules into actionable guidance. As a result, his advice is informed by both legal precision and the practical considerations that shape decisions for companies, organisations, and individuals.

Jaap Fox also stays closely engaged with the changing landscape of Dutch and international taxation. For businesses operating across borders, domestic tax obligations must be considered alongside international commitments and evolving European and OECD standards. Cross border reorganisations, cooperation structures, and international employment arrangements can raise questions about compliance, the allocation of taxing rights, and how transactions or income are treated in different jurisdictions. He advises in this environment by combining Dutch tax expertise with a clear understanding of how international business operates.

Restructurings and internal reorganisations form a major part of his practice. Companies often need to adjust their structures due to changes in ownership, shifts in operational priorities, group level arrangements, or new cooperation models. These adjustments can carry significant tax consequences, especially when assets, activities, or interests move between entities or jurisdictions. Jaap Fox advises on the Dutch tax aspects of these changes, helping clients evaluate the implications of proposed structures and develop approaches that remain compliant.

His experience also extends to the tax dimensions of mergers and acquisitions. In transactions involving the purchase, sale, or combination of businesses, careful consideration is required regarding liabilities, assets, ownership arrangements, and future operations. Tax due diligence and transaction structuring are therefore essential parts of the process. Jaap Fox’s integrated focus on tax and the wider deal objectives supports clients in identifying relevant issues and incorporating appropriate tax considerations into the overall transaction plan.

In the Netherlands, VAT and transfer tax are also prominent areas of his work. VAT treatment can be especially significant in commercial and property transactions, where the classification and structuring of a deal can affect both the financial outcome and compliance responsibilities. Transfer tax similarly requires careful attention when property interests are transferred or reorganised. Jaap Fox advises on these issues, including how Dutch rules apply in real estate transactions and what structuring options may be available.

His real estate tax work is informed by a broader view of property related transactions. Clients may need guidance on whether VAT applies, how to structure a transaction, and what transfer tax implications might follow. These questions are often technically demanding and commercially important, and his approach is designed to be rigorous while staying anchored to the transaction’s objectives and practical execution.

Jaap Fox also advises owner managed businesses and directors major shareholders, where tax questions often involve both corporate and personal considerations. Issues such as management buy ins and buy outs, changes in ownership, and reorganisations require an understanding of how the interests of the company and the individual shareholders interact. He supports clients in navigating the tax implications of these arrangements and in understanding what the proposed structures may mean in practice.

For international groups, his expertise is relevant in cross border reorganisations involving multiple entities and jurisdictions. In these situations, Dutch tax law must be assessed alongside the wider effects of international cooperation and group restructuring. Jaap Fox provides guidance intended to help clients navigate these matters in a coordinated and commercially realistic way.

His practice additionally includes expatriate taxation, including the 30 percent ruling. Employers managing inbound or outbound assignments may need support on the tax treatment of assignments, remuneration, and related employee arrangements. These issues can be important for both employers and individuals, particularly when international mobility is part of the company’s operating model. Jaap Fox advises on expatriate tax arrangements and offers practical input on how the relevant rules apply.

This range of work demonstrates why Jaap Fox aligns with the standards expected of an Exclusive Member of Global Law Experts. The network values specialised knowledge, meaningful professional experience, and the ability to support clients on demanding legal and business matters. Jaap Fox meets these expectations through a practice that combines deep technical expertise with hands on advisory experience across complex engagements.

His role in founding and leading Riverlane further reflects his commitment to senior level service. In 2003, Jaap Fox co founded Fox and Suurenbroek, which later became Riverlane. The firm was built as a compact tax law practice designed around direct access to senior specialists. That model has continued under the Riverlane name, supported by close client relationships, partner involvement, and an integrated approach to tax, corporate law, and finance.

This firm structure complements his individual practice. Clients dealing with complex tax matters often value continuity, clear communication, and an experienced adviser throughout the engagement. Riverlane’s compact organisation is designed to limit unnecessary handoffs and to maintain direct contact with senior professionals. Under Jaap Fox’s leadership, the model is focused on responsiveness, practical advice, and close attention to client goals.

Across all of his work, Jaap Fox is known for an approach that balances commercial awareness with technical discipline. Whether advising on restructurings, assessing VAT in property transactions, addressing transfer tax questions, or supporting cross border arrangements, he focuses on solutions that can be implemented. This practical orientation is especially valuable when tax advice must fit alongside corporate decisions, contractual arrangements, and operational planning.

He also supports clients through engagement with legislative developments and practical implementation. Riverlane provides guidance and client briefings on topics such as real estate VAT, transfer tax structuring, expatriate taxation, and assistance with corporate restructuring. Through this work, Jaap Fox helps clients understand how legislative changes may affect their organisations, transactions, and ongoing obligations.

The Dutch tax environment requires advisers to stay alert to both detail and change. VAT rules, transfer tax provisions, international standards, and procedures involving the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration can all influence outcomes for business decisions and transactions. Clients need advice that identifies potential exposure while still protecting commercial opportunities. Jaap Fox’s experience enables him to deliver guidance that reflects both legal accuracy and practical decision making.

For Dutch clients, his expertise provides a strong basis for handling corporate matters, property related issues, and owner managed business situations. For international clients, his experience with cross border cooperation, international group structures, and expatriate taxation supports the Dutch aspects of broader multi jurisdiction planning. In both contexts, his work is shaped by a consistent focus on compliance, value protection, and effective execution.

Global Law Experts welcomes Jaap Fox to its international community of legal professionals. As an Exclusive Member for Tax in the Netherlands, he offers clients experienced counsel capable of addressing technically complex and commercially significant tax issues. His practice reflects the value of specialised advice that is rigorous, responsive, and designed for real world implementation.