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by Greg Lambrecht, CPAMarch 19, 2026

International Tax for CPA Firms: The McGuire Sponsel Alternative

International tax has moved from a niche specialty to a recurring reality for CPA firms of all sizes. Cross-border ownership, foreign reporting obligations, export incentives, and global structuring issues now affect middle-market clients as frequently as multinational enterprises. Yet many CPA firms still face a familiar crossroads: either handle international matters in-house, lean on a large-firm alliance, or unintentionally overlook responsibilities and planning opportunities altogether.

McGuire Sponsel provides an alternative solution.

International Tax - When “Doing It Yourself” Isn’t Sustainable

When “Doing It Yourself” Isn’t Sustainable

Some firms attempt to manage international compliance and planning in-house. While well-intentioned, this often overextends teams. International regulations change rapidly, and penalties for missed filings are significant. Even a minor oversight, such as an incomplete ownership form or misunderstood reporting threshold, can invalidate a return. Over time, maintaining compliance can divert resources from core client service and advisory growth.

The challenge is not capability, but scale and specialization. Global tax demands ongoing experience, technical expertise, and real-world application across various industries and structures. Replicating this internally requires significant investment.

The Limits of Large-Firm Alliances

Other firms rely on strategic alliances with large international accounting firms. While these relationships may solve a technical need, they can create new challenges such as reduced visibility, limited flexibility, and concerns about client ownership. In many cases, the CPA firm becomes a pass-through rather than a central advisor, weakening its role in the client relationship.

McGuire Sponsel was built specifically to avoid that dynamic.

A CPA-Centric Alternative

From day one, our model has been designed to serve as an extension of CPA firms—never in competition with them. We partner with more than 500 CPA firms nationwide, supporting international compliance, transfer pricing, IC-DISC, and global structuring with a relationship-first approach.

Whether a firm needs a fully turnkey international compliance solution or targeted technical support, our team adapts to fit existing workflows and client expectations. Engagements are structured to ensure CPAs remain in control, informed, and positioned as the trusted advisor.

Turning Risk into Opportunity

International tax is not only about compliance; it is also about identifying value. Many firms focus solely on meeting filing requirements while missing opportunities to plan for global activity. Exporters may qualify for IC-DISC benefits. Multinational structures may require transfer pricing support long before an audit arises. Growing businesses may require guidance on structuring global expansion efficiently from the start.

Our commitment extends beyond execution. We actively educate CPA firms on international tax triggers, emerging risks, and planning opportunities through CPE, practical tools, and direct access to experienced professionals who live in this space every day.

Built to Support Growing Firms

McGuire Sponsel dynamically serves CPA firms as their client needs evolve. As international complexity increases, we scale with you by offering proven technical expertise, responsive collaboration, and a professional presence that builds client confidence.

For CPA firms navigating international taxation, the key question is not if support is needed, but which approach will best protect client relationships, strengthen advisory capabilities, and position the firm for future success.

That’s the McGuire Sponsel alternative.

Built to Support Growing Firms

Greg Lambrecht, CPA is a Shareholder in the firm’s Global Business Services practice and advises clients on international tax matters including understanding the consequences and opportunities associated with global tax planning decisions. He also assists clients in managing increasingly complex compliance requirements of companies with international operations.

Lambrecht joins McGuire Sponsel from the Big Four with over a decade of experience leading complex international tax projects for Fortune 150 clients and over 20 years of total experience in international tax.

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