With the “Tax Forum Berlin,” the BDI, together with its member associations, the Institute for Finance and Taxation (ifst), IFA Deutschland, PwC, RSM Ebner Stolz, and the publishers Otto Schmidt and NWB, has launched a new tax conference. The result is a joint, annual, high-profile forum designed to bring together business, tax authorities, politics, the judiciary, and academia. The goal is to shape tax policy for a competitive Germany through a modern format and with high-profile speakers. Once again this year, the BDI has prepared a challenging agenda at the extraordinary “Spreespeicher Berlin” venue—by the business community, for the business community.

First Day of the Conference: Tax Policy Initiatives to Overcome Sluggish Growth

The first day of the conference will take place on Monday, April 7, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by an evening event. Following opening remarks by BDI Chief Executive Tanja Gönner and State Secretary Prof. Dr. Luise Hölscher, the focus will be on an economic policy discussion in the 2025 election year. To this end, Prof. Dr. Lars P. Feld, Director of the Walter Euken Institute and Professor of Economic Policy and Regulatory Economics at the University of Freiburg, will introduce the discussion “What Impulses Does Germany Need in the 2025 Election Year” with a presentation. Prior to this, following a welcoming address by the President of the Federal Finance Court, Dr. Hans-Josef Thesling, Prof. Dr. Johanna Hey will deliver a presentation on the need for corporate tax reform. This will be followed by a discussion with practitioners on the evolving landscape of corporate tax law and the associated issues, challenges, and prospects.

To bridge the transition into the evening, a panel discussion on the topic “Fit for the Future—Skills and Know-How for a New World of Work” is also scheduled, featuring the former President of the Federal Finance Academy, Mr. Robert Heller, the “Steuerfabi,” and other high-profile participants. At the end of the first day, in the extraordinary setting of the “Spreespeicher Berlin,” guests of the Tax Forum Berlin can look forward to a special “Tax Pioneers Evening” featuring a supporting program and ample opportunity for networking.

Second Day of the Conference: In-Depth Technical Sessions and International Tax Law

The second day of the conference will take place on April 8, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A highlight will be the keynote address at the start of the second day by Eva Christiansen, who, as a longtime media advisor and department head for former Chancellor Merkel, will speak about her experiences and the political responsibility of the business community in light of the 2025 election year. Following this, various “Deep Dives” featuring the BDI member associations VCI, VDA, and VDMA will explore the breadth of tax law in greater depth. The range of topics will appeal to all tax professionals from various areas of corporate tax departments. Current topics for the “Deep Dives” include the use of AI and big data in tax law, tax CMS & technology, developments in corporate restructuring, investment incentives, location considerations for globally oriented industries, key points regarding the minimum tax, current issues in withholding tax procedures, as well as a panel on sales tax and payroll tax.

Following this, Prof. Dr. Deborah Schanz, Ludwig-Maximilians-Institut Munich, will deliver a keynote address outlining the need for action in tax policy by 2025, followed by a “Tax Talk” hosted by the Institute for Finance and Taxation (ifst) featuring the (expected) fiscal policy spokespersons from the parliamentary groups in the Bundestag. A highlight at the conclusion of the conference will be a panel on international tax law, organized by IFA Germany with high-profile international speakers. Prof. Dr. Joachim Englisch of the University of Münster (WWU) will introduce the topic “What’s Next for the EU, OECD, and UN?” In between sessions, there will be ample opportunity for networking during various breaks at the Spreespeicher Berlin, located directly on the Spree River with a beautiful view of Berlin.

You can find the latest information about the conference and register here: on the new website.