Avidor Lapid: The Architect Bridging the Worlds of Law and Finance

The guest on the latest episode of the radio show “Building for the Future,” hosted by Meirav Miller and Aviv Cohen, was attorney and CPA Avidor Lapid, owner of a law firm specializing in family wealth management, tax consulting, support for sporting events, and more. In conversation with them, Attorney and CPA Lapid discusses simplifying the complexities of international taxation, family wealth management, and the exciting challenges and rewards of working with elite athletes and sporting events.

In the latest episode of "Building Far Away," the show hosted by Meirav Miller and Aviv Cohen, which focuses on investment apartments in Athens alongside a variety of other topics, the show featured attorney and CPA Avidor Lapid, who combines the roles of lawyer and accountant—a combination that allows him to offer strategic and comprehensive value to his clients. Lapid describes this combination as “every mother’s dream,” a skill acquired through years of intensive study, difficult exams, and rigorous selection processes. He believes that this dual expertise provides him with a significant advantage, particularly in financial analysis and the interpretation of financial statements, which sets him apart in the market. His experience includes working with a wide range of clients, from private individuals to Israel’s largest businesses, whom he got to know closely during his time at leading firms.

Attorney and CPA Lapid’s professional practice is divided into three and a half main areas of expertise, each of which requires a unique combination of legal and financial knowledge, as well as emotional intelligence.

International Taxation: Navigating Global Complexities

This area is at the heart of Attorney and CPA Lapid’s practice, and he considers it to be particularly complex. A significant portion of his work in this field involves the relocation and return of individuals to Israel, “a phenomenon that has seen a dramatic surge since the COVID-19 pandemic and the events of October 7,” he explains. Attorney and CPA Lapid explains that individuals defined as residents of Israel are legally obligated to pay taxes and report all of their worldwide income.

He also highlights the growing trend of “digital nomads” who have moved to countries such as Thailand, Cyprus, and Greece, particularly Athens. In Athens, for example, there are significant tax benefits for digital nomads, including a 50% tax reduction for seven years, provided they have not previously been residents of Greece. In Cyprus, as in Greece, there are visas such as the “Golden Visa” that people are not always aware of.

Attorney and CPA Lapid elaborates on the definition of “Israeli resident” for tax purposes, which is an evolving and changing concept. In the past, the Israeli Tax Authority used two main tests:

First quantitative test (183 days): staying in Israel for more than 183 cumulative days in a tax year. “This is a ‘tricky’ test,” he said.
Second quantitative test (425 days): Residing in Israel for 425 days over a three-year period. According to attorney and CPA Lapid, this test “trips everyone up because if you pass it, you are automatically subject to reporting requirements.”

However, a new legislative memorandum proposes substantial changes that introduce "irrebuttable presumptions," according to him. This proposal stems from the Tax Authority’s understanding that individuals have strategically planned their stays to avoid Israeli residency and the associated reporting obligations. Under the new proposal, staying in Israel for more than 75 days automatically makes a person an Israeli resident. The old 425-day test is replaced by a “weighted test”:

In the current year of departure, every day counts as a full day.
Last year, each day counted as about a third of a day.
In the previous year, each day was counted as one-sixth of a day. Attorney and CPA Lapid even created Excel spreadsheets and uploaded them to his podcast to simplify this complex calculation for listeners, recognizing that it is difficult for the average person to understand. He refers to these “weighted tests” with great criticism as “abnormal.”

It is important to note, he says, that this is currently a draft bill and has not yet been enacted into law. Attorney and CPA Lapid expresses doubt that the bill will pass through the legislative process in the coming year, and speculates that if and when it does pass (in his view, likely not before 2026), it will not take effect until 2027, due to the current political situation.

Regarding investments abroad, Attorney and CPA Lapid details the specific reporting requirements:

Any transfer of funds exceeding half a million new shekels must be reported.
Ownership of assets valued at more than two million new shekels is also subject to reporting.
Investing through foreign corporations requires reporting the ownership of foreign entities. It clarifies that tax payments are generally made when income is generated, not merely when funds are transferred. For example, in real estate projects, income may not be generated until a year after the initial investment.

Attorney and CPA Lapid points to a unique tax treaty with Greece, which stipulates that the right to tax lies exclusively with Greece. Under Greek regulations, up to two properties per year are tax-exempt; beyond that, taxes apply. He advises his clients to always strive to pay as little tax as possible, within the law.

Strategic Family Wealth Management: Beyond Finance

Attorney and CPA Lapid’s second area of expertise focuses on family wealth management and the intergenerational transfer of family businesses. This process is fraught with emotional complexities and may involve intricate structures involving numerous companies. The primary goal is to establish effective management mechanisms that prevent family disputes and conflicts.

He recounts a specific case in which the children of a widower—whose father had set out on a three-month cruise with a new partner—turned to him with concerns regarding their family’s assets. Attorney and CPA Lapid emphasizes the importance of open communication, advocating for “putting things on the table” and addressing issues directly from the start to prevent misunderstandings and communication breakdowns. He notes that this is often a “man’s conversation,” in the sense of a direct, solution-oriented approach.

Successful family wealth management often requires more than just legal and financial expertise; it demands emotional intelligence and sometimes even the involvement of other professionals, such as psychologists, to navigate the deep emotional layers involved. Attorney and CPA Lapid views this process in stages, much like an accountant who provides structure, which helps clients trust his strategic approach. He believes that the professional must be in control of the situation and not be dictated to by clients. This field also involves handling sensitive issues such as prenuptial agreements. He recommends the book *My Good Sons* by Kineret Rosen-Blum-Alon, which explores the topics of family business and intergenerational transfer.

Empowering Elite Athletes: From the Field to Fortune

This field is particularly close to the heart of Attorney and CPA Lapid. He works with outstanding Israeli athletes, including Olympic medalists such as Sharon Kantor and Sagi Muki, as well as leading soccer players, especially those playing abroad. Attorney and CPA Lapid views these athletes as businesses in their own right, requiring meticulous management, particularly in dealings with tax authorities.

His value proposition extends beyond their performance on the field and includes contract negotiations, dealings with agents and clubs, tax planning, and overall wealth management. He helps athletes plan their finances for “life after their careers end.” In addition, Attorney and CPA Lapid has been involved in making dreams come true by organizing major sporting events in Israel, such as matches between Barcelona and Real Madrid, or Barcelona against Israeli teams like Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa, as well as facilitating trips to meet with key figures in Barcelona. He is also involved in investments in Greece with players through Palmo.

Customer-Centric Philosophy: Building Trust and Value

Attorney and CPA Lapid has a deep affection for his clients and finds great satisfaction in their positive feedback. He cites a significant project for a family dedicated to helping people with special needs as an example of a situation where positive client feedback made the effort worthwhile.

He strongly advocates that clients seek out highly qualified professionals who offer “added value” beyond purely transactional services. He warns against accountants who are merely “technicians” focused solely on reporting, and urges clients to find professionals who provide strategic guidance. For clients involved in international activities, such as relocation, Attorney and CPA Lapid insists on the importance of consulting with local professionals in the destination country (for example, an accountant in Thailand). He even participates in these discussions to ensure that clients fully understand the advice.

Tax Planning Insights and Recommendations

Attorney and CPA Lapid offers practical advice on dealing with tax authorities and managing financial matters:

Turn to true professionals: Hire experts who provide strategic advice and added value, not just technical reports.
Consult with local experts on international matters: When doing business or moving abroad, be sure to consult with professionals in that specific country, as local regulations and tax treaties (such as the one with Greece) are critical.
Proactive Engagement: Clients should initiate regular meetings (for example, quarterly) with their professionals. Attorney and CPA Lapid encourages clients to “keep them on their toes” and demand value, and assures them that professionals will respect such proactivity.
Understand the business thresholds: For self-employed individuals, once annual income exceeds approximately 450,000 NIS, you should consider incorporating a company and consult with an accountant regarding this transition.
Don’t be afraid to ask: Customers should never be shy about asking for value from their service providers. If real value is provided, customers will be willing to pay.

In summary, Attorney and CPA Lapid advocates a comprehensive, client-focused approach that leverages his unique combination of legal and accounting expertise to simplify complex financial and legal challenges, whether they relate to international taxation, family wealth, or the careers of elite athletes. He uses his podcast, “The Secrets Behind Our Taxes,” to help demystify complex tax issues for the general public, as he believes there is “zero awareness” of tax matters. His work aims to provide clients with a clear path and strategic control over their financial future.