GTN Mobility Tax Blog

The definition of the “future of work,” specifically within the global mobility space, continues to evolve. And with shifting remote work trends and new developments for how and where employees work, corporations need to understand how to navigate this new landscape to ensure tax compliance and avoid unnecessary risk. For some businesses, the future of work will allow a number of employees to work from (almost) anywhere they choose. For others it may be a hybrid approach, where some employees will work in an office and others will work remotely. But no matter how you define the future of your company workforce, there will exist the need to prepare for and manage the ongoing tax risks associated with these employees.

Global mobility programs are a win-win solution for both your company and your mobile employees.

The COVID-19 pandemic and related economic challenges have resulted in fundamental changes for many industries. We have seen labor market shifts, immigration restrictions, and budgetary challenges for national and local jurisdictions across the globe. At the same time, thanks to today’s ever-evolving technology, time zones and borders are not as relevant, and we can now work simultaneously with our colleagues across all corners of the globe—especially in this new world of remote or “work anywhere” workforces. However, these technology advances will also make it more possible for tax and immigration authorities to monitor and enforce regulatory compliance on both employers and their mobile employees.

As the world of cross-border business returns and business travel begins again, you are likely thinking about your mobility program and its ability to scale with your organization’s global goals. And as your mobile workforce grows—whether it consists of remote workers, business travelers, or traditional assignments and transfers—you must consider the complications and major mobility tax issues that will surface as business travel increases.

Without a doubt, COVID-19 has changed the way we live and work, especially within the global mobility industry. As vaccines finally make their way around the globe, organizations are realizing the traditional idea of having employees in the office every day may not be the way of the future. Programs and policies need to adapt to a new way of managing a remote workforce.

An article on mobility strategy during a global pandemic that has significantly curtailed global travel? Surely you jest! However, there may be no better time than now to address your mobility program and its ability to scale with your organization’s global goals. Call us optimistic, but, based on recent discussions with clients and related news reports, we foresee what could be a surge in global mobility later this year once global vaccination efforts ramp up. Now is the time to evaluate your mobility strategy to ensure your organization is ready once the floodgates open. So where do you begin?

While 2020 brought new challenges to the forefront for the global mobility industry, the world of cross-border business continued. Even though business travel was greatly reduced, large scale projects were put on hold, and the day-to-day tasks of a mobility manager shifted, there remained a need to stay on top of the ever-evolving rules and regulations of the global mobility landscape.