Sophie Vanhaelst
Sophie co-leads Janson’s Tax practice. She specialises since over thirty years in advising and litigating in tax law, primarily for small and medium sized companies and their directors.
Sophie has been a member of the Brussels Bar since 1989. She joined Janson as a partner on 1 July 2025.
Previously, she founded the tax and criminal law firm Hirsch & Vanhaelst (2011–2025). She was also a partner at Philippe & Partners (2007–2011) and, prior to that, at Afschrift.
Sophie specializes in tax law, which she practices in close connection with corporate and criminal law. She assists her clients in their dealings with the tax authorities, including audits and litigation, and advises companies and their directors on the tax implications of their day-to-day operations.
With over 35 years of experience, she has developed recognized expertise and is able to handle complex and technical matters with confidence.
She also has extensive experience in voluntary disclosure procedures and anti-money laundering regulations.
Sophie is a regular speaker at tax law conferences, where she shares her in-depth expertise on a broad range of tax-related topics.
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For over 25 years, Sophie was a lecturer in the Executive Master in Tax Management at the Solvay Brussels School, where she taught the taxation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
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Assisting in estate distribution and inheritance planning
Advising on the tax treatment of financial income
Providing guidance on the application of the Cayman tax
Assisting with voluntary tax disclosures and anti-money laundering compliance
Supporting the structuring of real estate acquisitions
Representing both individuals and legal entities during tax audits, including investigations by the Special Tax Inspection Unit
Advising companies and individuals in the context of tax ruling requests
Advising individuals and legal entities on the tax aspects of share transfers and company sales
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Taxation of individuals and non-residents
Corporate and legal entity taxation, including non-residents
Tax procedure
Tax compliance analysis
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Education :
LLM in Economic Law (Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1990)
Master in Law (Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1989)
Bar :
Brussels