GTN Mobility Tax Blog

This article was originally published in TLNT.

As the workforce continues to race toward remote work, digital nomads – office-less, remote workers – are increasingly common.

Latest figures suggest there are there are more than 40 million digital nomads worldwide in 2024, and 17.3 million of these are in the US alone (whose numbers were up 2% in 2023 compared to 2022).

Source: https://pumble.com

The result of this, however, is that countries are pouncing on this growing trend and providing a relatively new visa option: the digital nomad visa.

As remote work has become a mainstream employment option, domestic taxation concerns have never been more pertinent. By 2025, an estimated 32.6 million Americans are expected to be working remotely, representing approximately 22% of the workforce. The rise of “work anywhere” arrangements has transformed how and where people conduct their work, making it crucial to understand the tax implications of these arrangements.

In today's interconnected world, the complexities of managing a global workforce extend far beyond cultural differences and time zones. One of the most intricate challenges facing multinational companies is the nuanced task of international payroll administration.

Picture this: You're a global mobility manager, and you've just wrapped up preparations for your top performer, Susan, to take on a strategic assignment from the United States to Germany. The logistics are in place—her household goods are en route, her work permit is secured, and her cost-of-living allowance is calculated. You're feeling confident until Susan poses a question that catches you off guard: “Will I be paid in dollars or euros?”

Attracting and retaining skilled workers in today’s tight labor market takes more than a competitive salary. Many companies find they can meet their employment needs and their employees’ incentive preferences by offering a portion of their compensation as equity.

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

In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, technology has made it easier to work across different time zones and borders. This connectivity allows seamless collaboration with colleagues worldwide. However, it also means that tax and immigration authorities can more effectively monitor and enforce compliance.

You likely know by now that employees who receive equity-based compensation, and who relocate—domestically or internationally—during the life of the award, create tax withholding and reporting obligations.

Still, when it comes to equity reporting and withholding, companies do not always address the risk with their mobile workforce. Often this comes down to a lack of manpower, information, or technology. 

So, how do you move from the stage of recognizing the problem to finding and implementing a solution?