International Tax Accountant in Netanya

Who This Is Relevant For — and Why International Taxation Is More Complex

Most clients who contact us regarding international taxation are freelancers who received foreign income, business owners who have buyers or suppliers abroad, new immigrants who still have assets abroad, or individuals who transferred their center of management to Israel. Each of these scenarios requires different reporting.

The key point: international taxation is not just about knowing how much tax to pay. It's also about knowing where to pay it, when, and in what form. In Israel, we have our tax authority, and abroad they have theirs. They don't always agree on everything. This is where mistakes begin.

Ben Or Kook has been handling such cases for years. We work with freelancers in Netanya who opened a licensed business and have income from services to foreign companies, with business owners who ventured into international digital marketing, and with immigrants who need to update the tax authority about assets they still have in their previous country.

What Exactly Is Involved in International Reporting

When you have income or assets abroad, you must report this to the Israeli tax authority. This reporting not only affects your income tax calculation — it also impacts national insurance contributions, property tax if you own real estate abroad, and even VAT if you engage in international business transactions.

Israel is a signatory to tax treaties with many countries worldwide. Their purpose is to prevent double taxation — ensuring you don't pay tax both in Israel and abroad on the same income. However, to benefit from such an agreement, you must meet specific reporting requirements. If you fail to comply, you may end up paying tax twice.

This is not mere theory. A self-employed individual who worked for an American company and received a 1099 contractor classification from them, if they did not report this income correctly in Israel, may face a tax authority audit. And they could also face issues in the U.S. if they did not report properly there either.

Common Scenarios — and How We Help

Scenario 1: Self-Employed Individual with Foreign Income
A self-employed professional in Netanya worked for an American company as a contractor and received a 1099. He reported the income in the annual tax return, but did not verify whether an international tax treaty applied. In fact, there is a tax agreement between Israel and the United States that allows him to claim a certain exemption. We reviewed the matter, reported it correctly, and saved him several percentage points in taxes.

Scenario 2: Company Owner with Foreign License Income
A private company owner in Netanya sold a license to use his technology to a Swiss company. This income is royalty income. There are special reporting requirements, and possibly withholding tax obligations that must be addressed. We assisted with planning to ensure the payment was tax-efficient.

Scenario 3: New Immigrant with Foreign Real Estate
A new immigrant to Israel still owns an apartment in the United States. He needs to report this property to the Israeli tax authority, understand the implications for income tax and property tax, and plan what happens if he sells it in the future. We assist with all stages.

Scenario 4: VAT-Exempt Business with International Sales
A VAT-exempt business owner in Netanya sells digital products abroad through a platform like Gumroad. He thinks he is exempt from VAT, but that is not always correct. There are special reporting requirements for digital sales abroad. We help clarify what obligations apply to him and what do not.

Common Mistakes We See — and How to Avoid Them

Failing to report foreign income at all. This is the biggest mistake. People assume that if income is deposited in a foreign bank account and not in Israel, then there is no reporting obligation. This is incorrect. The Israeli tax authority requires reporting of all income, whether earned in Israel or abroad.

Not reporting foreign assets. If you have a bank account, real estate, or investments abroad, you must report them. If you have not reported them, it can be a major issue in an audit.

Using a tax treaty without meeting reporting requirements. Tax treaties (tax treaties) are powerful tools, but to benefit from them you must meet certain requirements, such as correct residency status and accurate reporting. If you do not meet the requirements, you cannot use the treaty.

Not properly documenting foreign income. If you are self-employed or a business owner, you must document all income, all expenses, and all transactions. This affects your annual tax return, income tax, and possibly also social security contributions.

Not consulting a professional when there are questions. If you are uncertain whether something requires reporting, it is better to ask than to miss it. An audit by the tax authority can be costly and lengthy.

Why Ben Or Kook in Netanya?

We are not a firm that works with everyone on every matter. We specialize in freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small to medium-sized companies that need support with accounting, taxation, and management. In the field of international taxation, we primarily assist freelancers and companies in Netanya that have income from abroad or assets abroad.

What sets us apart is that we do not just report — we also plan. If you are a startup owner or entrepreneur with the potential to expand internationally, we can help you plan your reporting in advance, so you don't face problems later on.

Our service is personal and accessible. If you have a question, you can come to a meeting in Netanya or work with us digitally. We speak the language of business — not just accounting.

When to Contact an Accountant in Netanya Regarding International Taxation

If you are still in the thinking stage — you are considering whether you might have foreign income or you are considering starting an international business — it is best to speak with a professional now. Planning ahead saves a lot of trouble.

If you already have foreign income and are unsure whether you have reported it correctly, this is also a good time to check. If you have questions about reporting foreign assets, tax treaties, or relocation, we are here to help.

Ben Or Kook offers a first consultation meeting at no cost. In the meeting, we understand your case, identify the important points, and suggest a way forward. If you are in Netanya or the surrounding area (Ramat Gan, Petah Tikva, the Central District), you can attend the meeting at our office. If you are outside the area, we also work digitally.