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Understanding sponsored content on The Local

A guide to sponsored content on The Local.

Published: 1 November 2017 00:00 CET
Updated: 25 March 2020 10:48 CET

The Local produces a variety of content with funding from external sponsors. This revenue supports our journalism and allows us to bring our readers a wider variety of stories.

Different content labelling and presentation helps make it clear to readers how different content has been produced, who has paid for it, and how – if at all – sponsors were involved.

One of three labels will appear on content funded by sponsors: ‘Presented by’, ‘In partnership with’, or ‘Supported by’.

1) Presented by
The ‘Presented by’ label is used to describe content that is produced by The Local’s Client Studio and paid for by an advertiser. The advertiser and the Client Studio work in close cooperation in developing the content and the advertiser has final approval before publication. The Local’s newsroom journalists are not involved in producing this content.

This content is also marked with a salmon-coloured frame on the homepage and bar across the top of the article page, as well as a disclaimer at the bottom of the article.

Click here to see a collection of sponsored articles with the ‘Presented by’ label

2) In partnership with
The ‘In partnership with’ label applies to a branded section of articles on a particular theme or topic that a sponsor wants to have its brand or logo associated with, and has thus paid for that privilege. A section with the ‘In partnership with' label consists primarily of articles produced by The Local's editorial team – sponsors have no influence over the content of the articles. However, the sponsor and The Local do agree on what type of articles will appear in the section. In addition, sponsored articles ‘Presented by’ the sponsor may also appear in the section, but will be clearly marked as such.

Click here to see Tech News on The Local Sweden, an example of a branded section produced ‘in partnership’ with Data Centers by Sweden.

3) Supported by
The ‘Supported by’ label is used to describe editorially independent content about a particular theme or topic that a sponsor wants to have its brand or logo associated with, and has thus paid for that privilege. A sponsor whose logo appears beside 'Supported by' content may have a role in suggesting what topics are covered, but the content is produced independently by The Local. The sponsor is not involved in the production of the content and does not have the right to review content for approval before publication.

 

To learn more about different sponsored content options on The Local, visit our advertising page, which features additional examples of sponsored content, answers to common questions, as well as a form for contacting our sales team.

 

4) Affiliate links
Our articles containing 'affiliate links' allow us to earn commission from certain retailers when our readers visit their sites and make purchases. We produce these articles completely independently, which means that the retailers have no influence over the content, format or timing of the articles.
 
In many cases the affiliate links in our articles are provided by third party affiliate aggregators, which have relationships with many different retailers. We pick those which we think will be most relevant to our readers. When a reader clicks on one of the links, a cookie is placed on the reader's device to track any purchase made following the click. If so, then The Local earns a small commission from that purchase. In other cases we will have an affiliate agreement with an advertiser directly and the tracking will work in the same way. 

You can also send an email directly to The Local's Client Studio.

TAXES

Hassle-free tax preparation for Americans in Germany

If you dread filing your US expat taxes each year, you are not alone. But Greenback Expat Tax Services can prepare your taxes efficiently, accurately and at a fair and honest price with no hassle guaranteed.

Published: 5 March 2014 20:32 CET
Hassle-free tax preparation for Americans in Germany

Company name: Greenback Expat Tax Services

Name of Interviewee: David McKeegan, owner

What inspired you to start the company?
My wife and I are expats ourselves, and spent many frustrating years abroad trying to prepare our own taxes. Our US accountants weren’t experienced in expat taxes, the big four accounting firms were too expensive and using tax software wasn’t an option. So we decided to create the kind of company we were searching for.

What was most important to you when creating the company?
We wanted the most experienced expat CPAs and IRS Enrolled Agents so our clients would get the very best tax preparation and save the most money possible. And we were committed to flat-free pricing—what we quote is what you pay. Nothing is more frustrating than surprise fees at the end!

What was your greatest challenge?
At first, customers were really nervous about the idea of not sitting down face to face with their accountant to do their taxes. When we first started out in 2009, people weren't as comfortable with communicating virtually. But over time this challenge has become a strength; working with clients virtually means we keep our costs down (and pass those cost savings onto the client) as well as hiring the best accountants from all over the US. Now our clients are really comfortable with (and happy) to talk with their accountants via email, Skype, and phone.

What is the nicest thing a customer has said about your company?
We get a lot of wonderful compliments from our clients, but I particularly liked this review because it highlights the high level of customer service we strive to provide:  “Greenback Expat Tax Services has provided a fantastic service. From my initial contact to submitting my taxes, my accountant made the whole process painless. Best of all, this was done at an incredibly reasonable price. I am now a Greenback client for life and will happily refer any other expats to their service. Thank you Greenback!“– Tara V.

Who do you help?
We help Americans living in Germany and around the world. From employees and contractors to retirees and property investors – we help them all.

Is the process complicated?
No! It’s simple. You work one-on-one with your accountant, uploading necessary documents through our secure online portal and communicate via email, phone or Skype—it’s all very convenient for the client.

How long does it take to get a return prepared?
Returns are completed within one week of Greenback receiving all the tax documents.

What if someone is behind on their tax filings?
We can definitely help. Our accountants are highly experienced in helping Americans who get caught up on their US tax obligations. We can file back taxes, as well as help prepare the necessary returns and forms if the client chooses to enter one of the IRS amnesty programs for delinquent filers.

If I contact your company, will your staff be able to speak with me in English?
Yes. You can call our US Toll Free number at 1-888-362-5032 from 9am to 5pm EST. If you leave us a message during our off-hours we will respond to you within one business day.