Spotlight on Tax Partner and Transfer Pricing Expert Salim Rahim

Our Spotlight series highlights the careers and lives of tax professionals around the world. This week’s Spotlight is on Salim Rahim, a partner at Baker McKenzie in Washington, D.C., and chair of the firm’s North America tax practice group.

Rahim specializes in transfer pricing matters, including planning, compliance, and disputes. He advises clients on matters involving examination, appeals, and competent authority. He is a frequent speaker at professional conferences on transfer pricing matters.

Rahim says he plans to take up pickleball in his spare time. “I know I will be less horrible at it than I was at tennis! My goal for this summer is to really invest some time in learning and enjoying what is becoming the hottest sporting activity right now,” he says.

What’s your official title and what does it mean? I’m a tax partner at Baker McKenzie. My practice focuses on international tax and transfer pricing, and I advise clients on audits, appeals, advance pricing agreements, and mutual agreement procedure. I’m also the chair of our firm’s North America tax practice, overseeing talent and business management, recruitment efforts, client initiatives, and more.

Free time: book, audiobook, or podcast? Most definitely a book—less noise.

Tax is a huge subject. What’s your area of special interest? Transfer pricing, with a particular focus on resolving current or potential double tax disputes.

What’s the last movie or show that you watched and loved (DVD, Netflix, or in the theater)? “Ted Lasso.” It is such an amazing show that goes way beyond sports with its focus on teamwork and friendship. Ted’s character is a great example of the power of optimism and kindness. My favorite quote from the show: “Just listen to your gut, and on the way down to your gut, check in with your heart. Between those two things, they’ll let you know what’s what.”

What college did you attend and what did you study? I earned my B.A. in accounting from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, my M.S. in finance from George Washington University School of Business and Public Management, and my J.D. from George Washington University Law School.

Go-to pick-me-up: Coffee or tea? Coffee.

What’s the best tax or financial advice that anyone ever gave you? Save, save, and save. And after you have done that, save a little bit more.

If you weren’t working in the tax profession, what would your dream job be? A veterinarian.

If you had the opportunity to make one change in the tax world—an extra credit, a disallowed deduction, whatever—what would it be? I would increase the number of income tax treaties that provide for mandatory binding arbitration to resolve eligible cases in which the competent authorities have tried but failed to reach agreement.

Favorite food, snack, or candy during tax season or other busy time? Nuts. OK, fine—Raisinets as well!

What tax news or move made the most impact on your practice or clients this past year? Recent developments in the world of transfer pricing that relate to periodic adjustments and/or commensurate with income standard. There could be some surprises for taxpayers in the future.

If you received a big tax refund check right now, what would you do with it? Fifty percent goes into savings, 25% goes to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and 25% goes toward growing my Burgundy red wine collection.

You can learn more about Rahim on LinkedIn and on Baker McKenzie’s website.