International Tax, Transfer Pricing News
Worldwide base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) news
Qatar and Uruguay have signed a tax treaty on December 7.
The tax treaty includes several technical provisions related to the regulation of income taxes across various sectors, most notably the international transport sector, as well as the taxation of associated enterprises, dividends, interest, and royalties.Continue Reading
The tax treaty between Switzerland and Jordan has entered into force and will generally apply from January 1, 2026.Continue Reading
On December 19, 2025, officials from Japan and the Kyrgyz Republic signed a tax treaty in Tokyo.Continue Reading
The Income Tax Division of Isle of Man has published detailed guidance on mutual agreement procedure (MAP) framework under tax treaties.Continue Reading
San Marino, on December 11, 2025, became the first jurisdiction to deposit its instrument of ratification for the Multilateral Convention to Facilitate the Implementation of the Pillar Two Subject to Tax Rule (the STTR Convention), the OECD said.Continue Reading
New peer review results published by the OECD show strong compliance with BEPS Action 5 minimum standard on the exchange of information on tax rulings.Continue Reading
The OECD has released a new batch of updated transfer pricing country profiles for 12 tax jurisdictions.
The latest profiles reflect the current transfer pricing legislation and practices of Austria, Belgium, Canada, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and Spain.
These latest profiles present new information on country-specific legislation and practice regarding the transfer pricing treatment of hard-to-value intangibles and the simplified and streamlined approach for baseline marketing and distribution activities, as a result of the work on Amount B as part of the Two-Pillar Solution to Address the Tax Challenges Arising from the Digitalisation of the Economy.
The OECD has published transfer pricing country profiles since 2009.
The reports may be viewed on the OECD’s website.
The UK government has published draft legislation that would incorporate several changes to the current legislation that targets those who promote or enable marketed tax avoidance.
The draft includes a criminal offence for the failure of a promoter of tax avoidance arrangements to notify arrangements to the tax authority. It updates the civil penalty under the disclosure of tax avoidance schemes (DOTAS) regime so that the tax authority may directly issue DOTAS penalties instead of seeking approval from the tribunal.
The government had announced at Autumn Budget 2024 that it would consult on these measures.
The OECD has published a report that notes progress in the implementation of each of the four base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) minimum standards.
The report presents a series of measures agreed by the Inclusive Framework to reduce implementation burdens. It highlights renewed priorities for the future of the BEPS project, particularly the continuous provision of support tailored to the growing demands of developing jurisdictions.
It provides a brief overview of the status of implementation of each of the four minimum standards, outlines agreed measures to reduce burdens and highlights renewed priorities for the Inclusive Framework aimed at maintaining progress and futureproofing the value proposition of the BEPS project, including by ensuring that all interested developing countries can fully benefit from the work.
The revised peer review methodology for BEPS Action 5 on Harmful Tax Practices is included in the Annex to the report.
The Group of Seven member countries have agreed to exempt the United States from the 15 percent global minimum corporate tax rate.
In a statement released on June 28, the Canadian G7 Presidency said that a ‘side-by-side’ solution would exempt US parented groups from the Income Inclusion Rule (IIR) and Undertaxed Profits Rule (UTPR) in recognition of the existing US minimum tax rules to which they are subject.
“There is a shared understanding that a side-by-side system could preserve important gains made by jurisdictions in the Inclusive Framework in tackling base erosion and profit shifting and provide greater stability and certainty in the international tax system moving forward,” the statement notes.
The global minimum tax, which is based on the Global Anti-Base Erosion Model Rules, ensures that large multinational enterprises pay a minimum level of tax (at the rate of 15%) on their income in each jurisdiction where they operate, thereby reducing the incentive for profit shifting and placing a floor under tax competition, bringing an end to the race to the bottom on corporate tax rates. The US never ratified the proposal.
A side-by-side system would fully exclude US parented groups from the UTPR and the IIR in respect of both their domestic and foreign profits. It would include a commitment to ensure any substantial risks that may be identified with respect to the level playing field, or risks of base erosion and profit shifting, are addressed to preserve the common policy objectives of the side-by-side system.
“Delivery of a side-by-side system will facilitate further progress to stabilize the international tax system, including a constructive dialogue on the taxation of the digital economy and on preserving the tax sovereignty of all countries,” the statement notes.
Switzerland is consulting stakeholders on rules relating to the exchange of information under the OECD minimum tax.Continue Reading
The UK Government has published for comments draft guidance for Multinational Top-up Tax and Domestic Top-up Tax.Continue Reading
The EU Code of Conduct Group for business taxation has re-elected María José Garde as its chair, for a second term of two years starting on February 5, 2025.Continue Reading
US House Republicans have introduced legislation aimed at protecting American jobs and economic growth from the OECD’s global minimum tax.Continue Reading
India’s Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued a Circular setting out key guidance on the applicability of the principal purpose test (PPT) under India’s tax treaties.Continue Reading
On December 19, 2024, the tax treaty between Ecuador and the UK entered into force.
The treaty applies from January 1, 2025, for withholding taxes.
On January 15, 2025, Bahrain and Oman signed a tax treaty.
Further details will be provided as and when available.
On January 15, 2025, the OECD released a compilation of qualified domestic rules to streamline the coordinated administration of the global minimum tax.Continue Reading
US President Donald Trump has announced withdrawal of the United States from the global minimum tax deal supported by over 100 countries.Continue Reading
The OECD has published a Model Competent Authority Agreement to facilitate the implementation of its political commitment on Amount B of Pillar One.Continue Reading
Nine jurisdictions signed a new multilateral treaty that will allow early adopters to swiftly implement the new Pillar Two Subject to Tax Rule.Continue Reading
India has withdrawn its two percent Google Tax in the country’s latest Budget.
The latest Budget, announced on July 23, states that the Google Tax (known as equalization levy) shall not apply from August 1, 2024.
The two percent Google Tax applied to consideration received for e-commerce supply of goods or services by non-residents. India was one of the first countries to adopt a Google Tax in the form of a unilateral domestic tax measure to tackle digital economy taxation.
At the time of introduction, the Indian government held the view that it will not wait for an international consensus on tackling the tax challenges posed by the digital economy under the aegis of the OECD.
The US Trade Representative had concluded that India’s Google Tax was discriminatory because it unfairly targeted US businesses. India, however, maintained its position that the tax was not discriminatory.
Last month, the OECD said that it is nearing international agreement on Pillar One, which would require countries to withdraw unilateral digital tax measures. It is not clear if India will sign this international agreement in view of the reservations expressed by the Indian government to the OECD.
The US Treasury Secretary had earlier publicly criticized India for stalling the OECD’s digital tax reform process.
India’s withdrawal of the Google Tax, however, is not linked to the discussions taking place at the OECD level because the Budget clearly notes that the tax has been abolished because it was ambiguous and led to compliance burden.
Bermuda has tabled in Parliament the Corporate Income Tax Agency Bill, 2024.Continue Reading
The US Ways and Means Republicans have called on the Biden Administration to take swift and strong steps against Canada’s decision to impose a discriminatory digital services tax (DST) on US businesses.Continue Reading
UK Government has published guidance on preparing for the two new taxes introduced in the UK as part of the international response to the challenges of digitalization.Continue Reading
The Bahamas’ Finance Ministry has published guidance on the mutual agreement procedure (MAP) framework set out in the Tax Information Exchange Agreement between The Bahamas and Japan.Continue Reading
Statutory corporate tax rates are stabilizing worldwide after a lengthy period of falling rates, according to new OECD data.Continue Reading
The OECD has published for stakeholders’ comments a draft version of the XML Schema and User Guide developed as part of the OECD’s work on formulating the Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) model tax rules.Continue Reading
The Government of Hong Kong has gazetted a new “patent box” tax incentive.Continue Reading
Gibraltar is mulling to increase the statutory corporate tax rate from 12.5 percent to fifteen percent.Continue Reading
On June 20, 2024, Canada enacted the Digital Services Tax Act aimed at ensuring that digital companies pay their fair share of tax in the absence of timely implementation of an international, multilateral system.Continue Reading
On June 17, 2024, the OECD published additional guidance on Amount B of Pillar One package to address digital economy taxation.Continue Reading
Bermuda has gazetted the Corporate Income Tax Act, 2023, which imposes a corporate income tax on certain Bermuda businesses forming part of large MNE groups.
Starting January 1, 2025, corporate income tax shall be chargeable to a Bermuda Constituent Entity Group on its net taxable income for each fiscal year. The amount of corporate income tax chargeable to the Bermuda Constituent Entity Group for a fiscal year shall be 15 percent of the net taxable income of the Bermuda Constituent Entity Group.
The corporate income tax shall apply to Bermuda businesses that are part of MNE Groups with annual revenue of over EUR 750 million.
The Government has introduced certain tax credits to support Bermuda’s economic goals and maintain the global attractiveness of the jurisdiction.
The Finance Ministry has issued frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the Corporate Income Tax Act, 2023, to assist entities in determining if and when they are within the scope of the Act, and to provide guidance as to how certain provisions of the Act are to be interpreted.
Vietnam’s National Assembly, on November 29, approved the resolution on the application of a global minimum tax in Vietnam.Continue Reading
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has won a court case that, for the first time, considered the diverted profits tax – a new tool to ensure multinationals pay the right amount of tax.Continue Reading
On November 22, 2023, the Swiss Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the approval and implementation of an additional agreement supplementing the country’s tax treaty with France.Continue Reading
Bermuda has issued a third public consultation paper on the proposed corporate income tax that would be apply to MNEs with annual revenue of EUR750m or more.Continue Reading
Barbados will levy an increased corporate tax rate of nine percent for most corporations from January 2024.Continue Reading
Azerbaijan has become the 102nd tax jurisdiction to sign the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (the BEPS Convention).Continue Reading
Indian tax authority has signed a record number of bilateral advance pricing agreement (APAs) in the 2022-23 financial year.Continue Reading
New Zealand will implement a digital services tax in 2025 if international agreement on the issue fails to pass through, Finance Minister Grant Robertson has said.Continue Reading
Indonesia’s Minister of Investment has dismissed the global minimum tax proposal as a self-serving ‘trick’ being pulled by developed nations.Continue Reading
Tunisia has deposited its instrument of ratification for the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS Convention).Continue Reading
Taiwan is conducting an international tax training program for tax officials between August 21-September 1.Continue Reading
The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) has welcomed proposed reforms to the UK legislation on transfer pricing, permanent establishments, and diverted profits tax.Continue Reading
Germany has signed protocols to amend its tax treaties with Austria and Switzerland.Continue Reading
Finnish government is seeking views on draft Minimum Taxation Act that would implement the EU Directive on global minimum tax into Finnish domestic tax law.Continue Reading
Czech government has approved a draft tax law that would implement a global minimum tax at the rate of 15 percent.Continue Reading
A majority of UK tax leaders expect their tax planning and business operations to experience moderate to significant change once the global minimum tax is implemented, according to a EY Tax and Finance Operations Survey.Continue Reading
The General Court of the European Union has dismissed a legal challenge to EU Directive 2022/2523 of 14 December 2022, on ensuring a global minimum taxation for multinational enterprise (MNE) groups.Continue Reading
Australia is inviting multinational enterprises (MNEs) to share their views on the implementation of the global minimum tax rules.Continue Reading
The United Nations (UN) Secretary General has published an advance, unedited report highlighting the role of the UN in promoting effective and inclusive international tax cooperation.Continue Reading
The global minimum tax is expected to bring over USD 600 million to Swiss cantons, according to a report by the Swiss Federal Department of Finance.Continue Reading
Bermuda is consulting stakeholders on a new corporate tax regime from 2025 in view of the OECD’s proposed global minimum tax rules.Continue Reading
Australian government has announced a slew of tax reform measures aimed at tackling tax adviser misconduct in the wake of the PwC tax leaks matter.Continue Reading
TP News is announcing its first annual International Tax Law Student Essay Writing Competition 2023.
We are now inviting original submissions from students enrolled in a full-time undergraduate law course around the world. Co-authorship is possible.
The submission must seek to identify and answer a point of law that involves interpretation of one or more provisions of a tax treaty. The essay should not be descriptive in nature and must show outstanding analysis, while adding to the existing tax treaty jurisprudence.
We will not accept submissions over 3,000 words. We do not accept footnotes or endnotes, use hyperlinks instead.
All submissions will go through two rounds of selection process. Based on an initial screening by TP News team, shortlisted submissions will be sent out for blind peer review. We, therefore, encourage students to avoid mentioning their names/affiliations anywhere in their essays. Please note that all submissions will be put through our standard plagiarism detection process.
The top three entries will be published on TP News.
Submissions must be emailed to us as Microsoft Word documents by 11:59 pm UTC on November 7, 2023. We expect to receive a high number of entries and would be unable to respond individually.
Winners will be announced on our website and social media handles in January 2024.
For questions or clarifications, please contact: editor@transferpricingnews.com
Canada’s decision to levy a digital services tax despite OECD’s moratorium is shortsighted, Anne Gordon, Vice President for International Tax Policy, National Foreign Trade Council, has said.Continue Reading
Canada’s government is seeking public input on draft tax legislation to implement a global minimum corporate tax rate, commonly known as GloBE, approved by the OECD’s Inclusive Framework.Continue Reading
The Dutch tax authority has released an unofficial English translation of the Transfer Pricing Decree 2022, which came into effect in July last year.Continue Reading
West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) has issued an advisory asking its members to carry out revenue impact analysis to ensure that the OECD’s proposed Pillar One, Amount A rules deliver positive revenue outcome before committing to its implementation.Continue Reading
A vast majority of tax leaders from multinational enterprises (MNEs) are preparing for the impact of international tax changes resulting from OECD’s Pillar Two project, Deloitte’s 2023 Global Tax Policy Survey has revealed.Continue Reading
Slovakia’s Finance Ministry is seeking public input on draft tax law aimed at implementing a 15 percent global minimum corporate tax rate.Continue Reading
UK tax authority has published draft tax law aimed at imposing tougher legal consequences on promoters of tax avoidance schemes.Continue Reading
Members of the Ways and Means Committee, the chief tax-writing committee of the US House of Representatives, have expressed deep concerns about the Biden Administration’s ongoing negotiations with the OECD on the global minimum tax.Continue Reading
The increase in additional tax revenue from OECD’s international tax reform would be rather ‘moderate’ for Germany, Florian Neumeier, Head of the ifo Research Group Taxation and Fiscal Policy, has said.Continue Reading
On 28 July 2023, the Luxembourg Council of Ministers adopted a bill transposing the EU Directive on global minimum tax into the country’s domestic tax law.Continue Reading
South Korea has published draft 2023 Tax Law Amendment Bill, noting that the UTPR rules would apply from January 1, 2025.Continue Reading
Vietnamese government will submit its policy on global minimum tax to the National Assembly in October this year.Continue Reading
Ireland’s Department of Finance is seeking stakeholders’ views on implementing into Irish legislation the EU tax directive on Pillar Two rules, also known as Global anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) rules.Continue Reading
The OECD has developed three tax instruments to strengthen the fight against base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) in West Africa.Continue Reading
Business at OECD (BIAC) has said that there is still important work to be done in relation to the OECD’s ongoing tax work on Pillar Two rules, commonly known as GloBE.Continue Reading
International tax policy of the United States should be set by the United States, not by other countries, David Schizer, Dean Emeritus, Columbia Law School, has said.Continue Reading
Gibraltar is seeking to implement a new tax regime for companies within the scope of OECD’s proposed Pillar Two tax rules, and a domestic minimum top-up tax, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said while delivering the draft Budget for 2023-24.Continue Reading
UK government has published draft legislation to implement the undertaxed profits rule under its domestic law.Continue Reading
Japan is one of the early adopters of the OECD’s 15 percent global minimum tax proposal (also commonly known as GLoBE). In March, the Japanese Diet legislated the 2023 tax reform package setting out the basic framework for a global minimum tax, followed by governmental and ministerial regulations issued by the Cabinet and the Ministry of Finance in June 2023. Continue Reading
The OECD has published further administrative guidance on the global minimum tax rules under Pillar Two, including two new safe harbors.Continue Reading
The OECD is consulting stakeholders on a vital aspect of its two-pillar solution to address digital economy taxation.Continue Reading
The US Chamber of Commerce has urged the Canadian government to refrain from unilaterally imposing a digital services tax pending international agreement.Continue Reading
Jenny Austin has been named chair of the American Bar Association’s (ABA’s) Transfer Pricing Committee.
According to ABA, the Committee aims to establish itself as the “most important forum for global transfer pricing issues.” It will provide advice to members as well as US and foreign government agencies that administer transfer pricing rules.
Austin concentrates her practice on federal tax controversy and litigation, working across all industries, including medical device, pharmaceutical, health care, retail, and technology companies. Her tax controversy experience spans a diverse array of subject matter areas: transfer pricing, cross-border acquisition issues, debt-equity issues, settlement agreements, withholding, privileges, summons enforcement, and penalties. She also has experience with transfer pricing issues at the state level.
Canada’s Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has said that the government will implement its domestic digital services tax measures from January 2024 in the absence of any multilateral agreement on Pillar One.Continue Reading
138 tax jurisdictions have agreed an ‘Outcome Statement” on ways to move forward with historic, major reform of the international tax system.Continue Reading
EU digital companies have written to the OECD asking it to extend the standstill agreement on digital services tax.Continue Reading
The OECD has rubbished media claims that it pressured Australian government into weakening the country’s tax bill aimed at tackling tax avoidance.Continue Reading
Brazil’s Special Secretariat of the Federal Revenue is consulting stakeholders on a draft Normative Instruction that would regulate the country’s new transfer pricing regime.Continue Reading
Netherlands may have been on Obama’s blacklist in 2009, but it now leads the fight against tax avoidance, Marnix van Rij, Dutch State Secretary for Tax Affairs has said.Continue Reading
The Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) has provided temporary relief from accounting for deferred taxes arising from OECD’s international tax reform.Continue Reading
Law No. 14596/2023 introduced new transfer pricing rules in the Brazilian tax system, in line with the arm’s length standard. The transfer pricing reform is a result of a long project carried out by the Brazilian Federal Revenue Office since 2018, with support from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the United Kingdom (UK), aiming at convergence of Brazil’s transfer pricing rules and the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines.Continue Reading
The OECD has launched an improved version of the BEPS MLI matching database that will allow tax authorities and other interested parties to make projections on how the MLI modifies a specific tax treaty.Continue Reading
Pakistan has amended its domestic tax law to expand the definition of permanent establishment to include virtual presence.Continue Reading
Denmark’s Finance Ministry has published for public input a draft bill seeking to implement the EU Directive on Pillar Two into the country’s domestic tax law.Continue Reading
The reason for this is simple:
There are 137 countries coloured on that map. Each has signed up to the OECD global minimum tax (sometimes referred to as GLoBE or “Pillar Two”).
Some are already implementing – including such free market stalwarts as Singapore. Others are discussing implementation details. And many others have signed but are yet to kick off implementation – international tax measures are always slow, and there have been distractions. There is an interactive version of our OECD globe here.1
This means GLoBE is likely to have a critical mass of implementing countries. Its design renders that very important.Continue Reading
The OECD has published new results on preferential tax regimes noting that tax jurisdictions continue making progress on implementing the international standard under BEPS Action 5 to address harmful tax practices.Continue Reading
The United States would lose over USD 120 billion in tax under the OECD’s global minimum tax, or Pillar Two, according to an analysis by Joint Committee on Taxation. Continue Reading
Singapore will implement the Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) Rules, that is, Income Inclusion Rule and Undertaxed Profits Rule, and Domestic Top-up Tax from January 1, 2025.Continue Reading
Japan and Algeria signed a tax treaty on February 7.Continue Reading
The OECD, on February 2, released technical guidance to assist governments with implementation of the 15 percent global minimum corporate tax rate.Continue Reading
Manal Corwin shall be the next Director of the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration from April 3, 2023.Continue Reading
New OECD analysis reveals that revenue from implementation of latest international tax reform measures will be higher than previously expected.Continue Reading
The UK tax authority is consulting on the draft Transfer Pricing Records Regulations, 2023.Continue Reading
The OECD, today, released key documents as part of its two-pillar solution to reform international tax rules to address the tax challenges arising from globalization and digitalization.Continue Reading
US Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, has welcomed EU agreement on implementation of a global minimum tax on corporations.Continue Reading
Almost 50,000 exchanges of tax information have taken place to date in respect of 23,000 tax rulings, as per a new OECD report.
The 2021 Peer Review Reports on the Exchange of Information on Tax Rulings includes the latest peer review assessments for 131 jurisdictions in relation to the compulsory spontaneous exchange of information on tax rulings.
Released on December 14, this is the sixth annual peer review of the implementation of the BEPS Action 5 minimum standard on tax rulings, which aims to provide tax administrations with the necessary information concerning their taxpayers to efficiently tackle tax avoidance and other BEPS risks.
The new peer review results show that 73 jurisdictions are fully in line with the BEPS Action 5 minimum standard, with the remaining 58 jurisdictions receiving a total of 61 recommendations to improve their legal or operational framework to identify the relevant tax rulings and exchange information.
EU member states, on December 12, reached agreement to implement a minimum tax rate for large businesses at the EU-level.Continue Reading
The Australian Government is consulting stakeholders on draft legislation to implement a new tax treaty with Iceland.Continue Reading
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has held that the EU DAC6 Directive violates the right to respect for communications between a lawyer and his or her client.Continue Reading
The OECD is consulting stakeholders on the main design elements of Amount B under Pillar One as part of its ongoing work on digital economy taxation.Continue Reading
The Dutch State Secretary of Finance, Marnix van Rij, has expressed the government’s concerns regarding the recent UN resolution to establish an international tax cooperation framework.Continue Reading
The Dutch finance ministry has launched a new project to tackle “remarkable tax arrangements.”Continue Reading
A global minimum corporate tax rate and the reallocation of taxing rights between jurisdictions must be implemented in due time to provide a fairer and more stable global corporate tax system, Paolo Gentiloni, European Commissioner for Economy, has said.Continue Reading
Spain has been awarded for taking the shortest time in closing transfer pricing cases under the mutual agreement procedure (MAP) set out in tax treaties.
The 2021 MAP Statistics were presented during the OECD Tax Certainty Day, where tax officials and stakeholders took stock of the tax certainty agenda and discussed ways to further improve dispute prevention and resolution. The MAP Award is given in recognition of efforts by competent authorities in dealing with MAP cases.Continue Reading
The Swiss Federal Council has appointed Tamara Pfammatter as the new Director of the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) with effect from April 1, 2023.
Pfammatter, who will succeed Adrian Hug, is currently an ambassador and a member of management at the State Secretariat for International Finance (SIF). As the Head of the Tax Division, she is responsible for Switzerland’s international tax dossiers and for the multilateral negotiations in the OECD’s project on taxing the global economy.
For over a year prior to her current post, she was deputy divisional head in the Tax Division and divisional head in the Corporate Taxation Policy Division at SIF. From 2009 to 2020, she worked as a project leader in the Tax Policy Division of the FTA.
The Australian government is expanding its tax treaty network to provide improved certainty to taxpayers and guard against tax avoidance practices.
New negotiations are planned with Bulgaria, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. These countries add to the current program which includes Portugal, Slovenia, Greece, and Luxembourg.Continue Reading
Law firm White & Case LLP has roped in Carlos Martinez as a partner in the firm’s Global Tax Practice.
Martinez will be based out of Mexico. Martinez joins White & Case from Creel Abogados, S.C.
Martinez has extensive experience providing tax advice to domestic and multinational companies on corporate transactions. He also provides advice on international taxation, transfer pricing and tax litigation.
White & Case partner Sang I. Ji, Global Head of the Tax Practice, said: “Carlos brings a wealth of experience acting as tax counsel on complex, cross-border deals. Further strengthening our tax capabilities in Mexico through Carlos’s arrival will support the continued growth and development of our corporate practice in this key market.”
This year’s report represents 2,468 corporate entities, who paid a combined AUD 68.6 billion in income tax, AUD 11.4 billion or 19.8 percent more than the previous year and the highest since reporting began.Continue Reading
The letter calls upon the Biden administration to withdraw its termination of the tax treaty and promptly consult with Congress on a bipartisan basis to address any concerns with the tax treaty or any other of the United States’ current bilateral tax treaties.Continue Reading
The amount of corporate income taxes paid by Inter IKEA Group decreased to EUR 322 million (EUR 398 million in the 2021 financial year). However, the total tax contribution increased slightly to EUR 1,996 million (EUR 1,916 million in the 2021 financial year).Continue Reading
The paper finds that global corporate profits have grown much faster than global income between 1975 and 2019. “The share of profits in global income has increased by a third over this period, from about 15 percent to close to 20 percent. This increase is due both to the rise of the share of global output originating from corporations and the rise of the capital share of corporate output,” it states.Continue Reading
The Commission has decided to extend the scope of its original investigation to specify further the measure in favour of MJN GibCo, in line with the Court’s indications, and reassess the information submitted by the UK in relation to MJN GibCo 2012 tax ruling.Continue Reading
Under the new regime, taxpayers can still be exempted from tax in respect of the specified foreign-sourced passive income received in Hong Kong if they have a substantial economic presence in Hong Kong. Continue Reading
The manual is intended as a guide to tax administrations and taxpayers for streamlining the bilateral APA process.Continue Reading
The EU tax blacklist now consists of 12 jurisdictions: American Samoa, Anguilla, Bahamas, Fiji, Guam, Palau, Panama, Samoa, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands, and Vanuatu.Continue Reading
UK government, on July 20, released draft rules aimed at ensuring multinational enterprises (MNEs) operating within the UK pay a global minimum level of tax.
The draft rules are in line with the agreement on a 2 Pillar solution to reform the international tax framework made by the G20 — Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) last year.Continue Reading
By Dr. Björn Heidecke (Director, Transfer Pricing, Deloitte, Germany) & Neeraj-Kumar Popat (Senior Manager, Transfer Pricing Deloitte, Germany)
On June 8, 2021 Germany implemented modifications to the Transfer Pricing Legislation in both the Foreign Tax Act (Außensteuergesetz) and the Fiscal Code (Abgabenordnung). Most of the modifications were already proposed with a previous initiative in March 2020 (for further information see Link: Proposed modifications to the German Transfer Pricing Legislation), however, this initiative was excluded from the final legislation passing process. In a subsequent initiative, most of the modifications from the previous initiative were included and proposed in January 2021. This proposal was now finally implemented in June 2021.Continue Reading
The Convention will enter into force on January 1, 2022, for these countries.Continue Reading
The reporting will take place within 12 months of the date of the balance sheet for the financial year in question. The directive sets out the conditions under which a company may defer the disclosure of certain information for a maximum of five years. Continue Reading
Anguilla, Dominica, and Seychelles are now included in the state of play document (Annex II), which covers jurisdictions that do not yet comply with all international tax standards but that have committed to implementing tax good governance principles.Continue Reading
Indian transfer pricing regulations were enacted via the Indian Finance Act 2001 by introducing a separate code under Sections 92 to 92F of the Income- tax Act , 1961 (‘the Act’) read with Income- tax Rules, 1962 (‘the Rule’s) 10A to 10ETHD. The regulations are largely and principally based on OECD guidelines and describe the various transfer pricing methods, requirement for transfer pricing documentation, and contain penal provisions for non-compliance. The Indian regulations deal with intra-group transactions and is applicable from April 1, 2001.Continue Reading
The data underlines the importance of the two-pillar plan being advanced by over 130 members of the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on BEPS to reform international taxation rules and ensure that multinational enterprises pay a fair share of tax wherever they operate.Continue Reading
The consultation will run until September 10.Continue Reading
DAC6 Schema Version 1.1 is applicable for all exchanges until July 31, 2021.Continue Reading
Comments must be received by August 16, 2021.Continue Reading
The two-pillar package aims to ensure that large multinational enterprises (MNEs) pay tax where they operate and earn profits, while adding much-needed certainty and stability to the international tax system.Continue Reading
By Muzammal Rasheed (Co-founder, CEO & Head of Practice, WTS Global, Pakistan)
The Federal Government has announced several anti-avoidance tax measures in the Finance Bill 2021, presented as part of its third Budget before the National Assembly. The Government tags this budget as “No New Tax Budget” and emphasizes on the expansion of tax bases. This article outlines some of the anti- avoidance measures of the new tax policy introduced through Finance Bill 2021.Continue Reading
The two-pillar package aims to ensure that large multinational enterprises (MNEs) pay tax where they operate and earn profits, while adding much-needed certainty and stability to the international tax system.Continue Reading
The tax reform package will include a reallocation of taxing rights – where companies pay tax wherever they conduct business – and a global minimum effective tax rate of at least 15 percent to tackle aggressive tax planning and stop the corporate tax “race to the bottom.” Continue Reading
The guidance clarifies the terms and conditions that taxpayers must fulfil to avail MAP, including access to MAP, submitting MAP requests, and the various deadlines, among others.Continue Reading
By Carmen McElwain (Partner, Minter Ellison, Melbourne, Australia)
On 21 May 2021 the High Court of Australia (comprised of Chief Justice Kiefel and Justice Gordon) heard and refused an application for special leave sought by the Commissioner of Taxation (Commissioner) in relation to the Full Federal Court’s decision in Commissioner of Taxation v Glencore Investments Pty Ltd (2020) [2020] FCAFC 187; 384 ALR 252 (Glencore). Continue Reading
By Kardelen Lule (ADMD / MAVIOGLU & ALKAN, Turkey)
The rate of corporate tax was amended significantly with the Law No.7316 Amending the Law on Collection of Public Receivables and Certain Laws (“Law No.7316”) published in the Official Gazette dated April 22, 2021.
The rate which was earlier determined for 2018, 2019, and 2020 was 22%. Article 11 of the Law No.7316 amended the corporate tax rates by adding Temporary Article 13 to Corporate Tax Law No.5520 (“CTL”) which increased corporate tax rates to 25% for 2021 and to 23% for 2022. For institutions subject to special accounting periods (the regular period is January 1 to December 31), the mentioned rates will be applied to the earnings of these institutions for the accounting periods starting in the relevant year.Continue Reading
By Varapa Aurat (Consultant, Tilleke & Gibbins, Thailand)
On May 6, 2021, a new transfer pricing notification from Thailand’s Tax Department was officially published in the Government Gazette. The Notification of the Director-General of the Tax Department Re: Income Tax (No. 400), which was first announced earlier in the year, prescribes the criteria, methods, and conditions for Tax Department officials on how to assess income and adjust expenses for transactions between related parties (as defined in Section 71 bis of the Tax Code) that engage in intercompany transactions where conditions between the two parties in their commercial or financial relations differ from those that would be made between independent parties (i.e., where the transaction is not an “arms length” transaction).Continue Reading
Yellen has said that the global minimum corporate tax pairs well with our domestic corporate income tax proposals and has the special virtue of helping level the playing field for US business.Continue Reading
Under this tax scheme, interest deductibility is denied in relation to loan arrangements between affiliated companies established within the EU, irrespective of whether the terms and conditions of those arrangements remain at arm’s length or not.Continue Reading
The WCO facilitator focused on the Customs valuation treatment of related-party transactions and instruments adopted by the Technical Committee on Customs Valuation. The OECD facilitator elaborated on the arm’s length principle and its application, comparability analysis, and transfer pricing documentation. Continue Reading
The G7 (which includes the UK, the US, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, plus the EU) agreed the principles of an ambitious two Pillar global solution to tackle the tax challenges arising from an increasingly globalized and digital global economy.Continue Reading
The tax ruling was given on November 18, 2020. According to Coca-Cola, the US Tax Court’s ruling raises fundamental questions of tax, administrative, and constitutional law warranting further consideration by a full Tax Court.
The facts of the tax dispute are as follows. Upon examination of the company’s 2007-2009 returns, IRS determined that the company’s methodology did not reflect arm’s length principle because it overcompensated the supply points and undercompensated the company for the use of its intellectual property.
The US tax authority reallocated income between the company and the supply points employing a comparable profits method that used the company’s unrelated bottlers as comparable parties. These adjustments increased the company‘s aggregate taxable income for 2007-2009 by more than USD 9 billion.
In its decision, the Tax Court said that the IRS did not abuse its discretion by reallocating income to the company by employing a comparable profits method that used the supply points as the tested parties and the bottlers as the uncontrolled comparables. The US Tax Court further held that the tax authority did not err by re-computing the company’s losses after the comparable profits method changed the income allocable to the company’s Mexican supply point, a branch of the company.
In a Motion for Reconsideration of findings or opinion filed on June 2, the company said that “the IRS is attempting to impose billions of dollars in additional taxes on Coca-Cola in this case under a different tax calculation method than that on which Coca-Cola justifiably relied and which the IRS audited and approved for over a decade before retroactively requiring Coca-Cola to use a new and different method for tax years long past. The IRS’s attempt is arbitrary, capricious, and unconstitutional.”
The company added that the US Tax Court has the opportunity to correct these fundamental errors now, and with the utmost respect, Coca-Cola asks the Court to reexamine its opinion in this nationally important, precedential tax case.
The US Tax Court enjoys substantial discretion to reconsider findings of fact and conclusions of law under Tax Court Rule 161, the company said.
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable at editor@transferpricingnews.com
The OECD has received comments from 22 stakeholders including the Big 4, Mexican Institute of Public Accountants, International Chamber of Commerce, European Business Initiative on Taxation, Business at OECD (BIAC), and Vienna University of Economics and Business, among others.Continue Reading
By CPA David Ndiritu Mwangi (Principal Consultant, Hisibati Consulting, Nairobi, Kenya)
The Kenyan government tabled the Finance Bill 2021 in Parliament on 11/05/2021. Unlike the prior year, the bill does not introduce new taxes. However the bill proposes significant changes that will indeed have a far reaching effect on multinational organizations operating in Kenya.Continue Reading
On June 2, 2020, USTR initiated investigations into digital services tax adopted or under consideration in ten jurisdictions: Austria, Brazil, the Czech Republic, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and the UK.Continue Reading
The reporting will take place within 12 months from the date of the balance sheet of the financial year in question. The directive sets out the conditions under which a company may obtain the deferral of the disclosure of certain elements for a maximum of five years.Continue Reading
The Observatory will be fully independent in conducting its research, objectively informing policymakers and suggesting initiatives that could help to better tackle tax avoidance and aggressive tax planning, among other things.Continue Reading
The paper analyzes corporate tax spillovers in Europe with a focus on the channels and magnitudes of both profit shifting and corporate income tax competition.Continue Reading
By Muzammal Rasheed (Co-founder, CEO & Head of Practice, WTS Global, Pakistan)
The Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue of Pakistan (ATIR) has disapproved applicability of Section 111 on Non-Residents in the case (2020) 122 TAX 10 (Trib.).
ATIR is the second forum of appeal against the Tax Assessment Orders issued by the Tax Authority. The appeal was filed by a Non-Resident Individual, challenging the best judgment assessment finalized by the Inland Revenue Department under section 121/111 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 on ex parte basis.
Apart from the technical grounds raised before ATIR, the major thrust of the arguments on behalf of appellant involved the contention that the taxpayer was a non-resident person, having no Pakistan source income during the relevant tax year. Continue Reading
The Budget proposes to increase the income tax rate for C corporations from the existing rate of 21 percent to 28 percent. The proposal would be effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2021. Continue Reading
The revised proposals respond to both the Inclusive Framework blueprint report released for public consultation in October 2020 and the recent proposals from the US to revise the blueprint proposals.Continue Reading
Public comments on the draft guidance must be received by June 18, 2021.Continue Reading
By Zaina Zahir (Senior Associate, CTL Strategies, Maldives)
Transfer Pricing Landscape
With the commencement of the Income Tax Act in January 2020, the transfer pricing landscape has significantly changed in the Maldives. Within the past 12-months, the Maldives tax administration – Maldives Inland Revenue Authority – has published the Transfer Pricing Regulation, the Country-by-Country Reporting Regulation and the Advance Pricing Arrangement Regulation.
Through the Transfer Pricing Regulation and the Country-by-Country Reporting Regulation, the Maldives – aligning its practices with the OECD’s Transfer Pricing Guidelines – implements the three tiers of transfer pricing documentation which require qualifying enterprises to prepare the Master File, the Local File, and Country-by-Country Reports.
Hence, the subsequent issuance of the APA Regulation on 16 March 2021 has provided taxpayers with the much-needed certainty in the domain of transfer pricing in the Maldives. Taxpayers now have the option to enter into an ahead of time arrangement with the Maldives tax administration, agreeing on the transfer pricing methodology and the prices to be applied to a set of related party transactions for a period not exceeding 5 consecutive years. Taxpayers can enter into unilateral, bilateral or multilateral APAs. This is expected to provide a more promising, non-adversarial environment for investors.
APA Regulation
The APA Regulation sets out the procedure to be followed in entering into an APA and introduces several provisions on the administration of the APA. This includes the imposition of an annual compliance report filing requirement, details on circumstances under which the arrangement can be revoked or cancelled and more significantly, introduction of a roll back provision which would allow taxpayers to enter into APAs retrospectively.
The application process
The Maldives, similar to many other jurisdictions, implements a 3-phase process in entering into an APA. Initially, a pre-filing consultation is required, through which the scope of the arrangement is identified, the controlled transaction in question is understood and discussions are held in relation to the broader terms of the arrangement.
Subsequently, a formal application requesting for an APA can be lodged with detailed information on the elected transfer pricing methodology, comparability analysis, company’s group structure, and other relevant information. From thereon, the application is passed through evaluation and a final decision is made. Once the parties have successfully entered into an APA, an annual compliance report is to be filed along with the income tax return.
The APA process is comprehended to be a lengthy and comprehensive process. While the regulation does not specify a time frame within which the Maldives tax administration is to complete the process, it is still believed to be less time consuming than dealing with hefty transfer pricing audits and the resulting dispute resolution efforts.
Rollback to prior years
The regulation states that having considered certain factors, an APA can give coverage to tax years for which the deadline for submission of the income tax return has already elapsed. Overall, the allowability of such a retrospective coverage can be viewed as a more efficient method to administer and resolve unsettled transfer pricing disputes.
However, the application of the provision is unclear – the Regulation merely states that in permitting a roll back, the tax administration will look into the APA duration of participating jurisdictions; surrounding circumstances of the transaction in question; whether a tax audit or investigation is being carried out; or whether any legal actions are being taken in relation to the transaction in question.
Hence, a complete guideline on the applicability and limitations of the roll back provision is still awaited.
Other considerations
The Regulation comprises provisions on possible revisions or cancellation of an APA in case of a material change in any of the critical assumptions or conditions or changed economic circumstances. On the other hand, in cases of fraud, deliberate misrepresentation of information or non-compliance, the arrangement may even be declared void ab-initio.
Takeaways
The inclusion of the option to enter into an APA with the Maldives tax administration is viewed as a diversion from the customary audit techniques applied to related party transactions which often results in robust assessments – paving the way to reduce the much frequent transfer pricing disputes in the Maldives.
It may be beneficial for multinational enterprises doing business in the Maldives to enter into an APA especially if the underlying set of related party transactions involve complex business restructuring, intercompany financing and intangibles. Though, when entering into an APA, consideration should always be put on whether the surrounding facts will remain constant for the coming years.
The letter states that “there is bipartisan consensus for ensuring that every country plays by the same rules, including China – as President Joe Biden recently said. No OECD agreement should provide carve-outs or exceptions for our biggest foreign competitors, including China.”Continue Reading
Tállai emphasized that Hungary would not relinquish one of the most important elements of its economic sovereignty, the right to set taxes. According to him, the idea of a global minimum tax is in the interests of several high-taxing economic powers, because they were disadvantaged by international tax competition.Continue Reading
These reports evaluate the progress made by these eight tax jurisdictions in implementing any recommendations resulting from their stage 1 peer review. The results from the peer review and peer monitoring process demonstrate positive changes across all eight jurisdictions, although not all show the same level of progress.Continue Reading
By Błażej Kuźniacki (Attorney-at-Law, Deputy Director for Strategic Tax Advice & Dispute Resolution,PwC Poland) & Katarzyna Kotowska (Senior Associate, Transfer Pricing, PwC Poland) & Piotr Niewiadomski (Tax Advisor, Director in Transfer Pricing, PwC Poland)
The definition of controlled transaction in the light of Polish Corporate Income Tax Act (CIT Act) and explanatory memorandum
According to Article 11a point 6 of the CIT Act, a controlled transaction refers to economic activity identified on the basis of actual behavior of the parties to the transaction, including allocation of income to the foreign permanent establishment (PE), where the conditions are imposed/made as a result of existing relations.Continue Reading
The US Treasury expressed its belief that the international tax architecture must be stabilized, that the global playing field must be fair, and that we must create an environment in which countries work together to maintain our tax bases and ensure the global tax system is equitable.Continue Reading
The Conference has agreed that as with any international agreement, the MLI shall be interpreted in good faith in accordance with the ordinary meaning to be given to the terms of the treaty in their context and in the light of its object and purpose.Continue Reading
By Aditi Sharma (Partner, Khaitan & Co, India) & Krutika Chitre (Principal Associate, Khaitan & Co, India)
The Delhi High Court in its recently pronounced decision in the case of Concentrix Services Netherlands BV WP (C) 9051/2020 and Optum Global Solutions International BV WP (C) 882/2021 invoked the ‘Most Favoured Nation’ (MFN) clause under the India-Netherlands double taxation avoidance agreement (Tax Treaty) and applied a reduced 5% withholding rate on dividend income paid by Indian companies to Dutch shareholders.
The Manual is focused on transfer pricing in a global environment, while it provides guidance on design principles and policy considerations. It also addresses the practical implementation of a transfer pricing regime in developing countries and shares examples of country practices from developing countries, such as Brazil, China, India, Kenya, Mexico, and South Africa.Continue Reading
Donohoe said that he desired “an outcome that is a fair and balanced compromise by and for all the 139 countries in the OECD Inclusive Framework.”
Ireland’s commitment remains resolute towards reaching an agreement on digital economy taxation, Ireland’s Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, has said.Continue Reading
The consultation period will run until May 7, 2021.
Ireland’s Finance Minister on April 7 launched a public consultation on Ireland’s future tax treaty policy, particularly in the context of potential outcomes of international tax discussions at the OECD.Continue Reading
The reports evaluate the progress made by these eight jurisdictions in implementing any recommendations resulting from their stage 1 peer review. They take into account any developments in the period January 2018- August 2019 and build on the MAP statistics for 2016-2018.Continue Reading
The data compiled for this peer review demonstrate that the BEPS Multilateral Instrument has been the tool used by the vast majority of jurisdictions that have begun implementing the Action 6 minimum standard, and that the MLI has started to impact tax treaties of jurisdictions that have ratified it.Continue Reading
The Arbitration Profiles have been developed to provide taxpayers with additional information on the application of Part VI of the MLI for each jurisdiction choosing to apply that Part. The Arbitration Profiles also allow those jurisdictions to make publicly available clarifications on their position on the MLI Arbitration.
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By Simon Webber (Managing Director, Duff & Phelps LLC, New York) & Ryan Lange (Director, Duff & Phelps LLC, New York)
On October 12, 2020 the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework (IF) released the Report on Pillar One Blueprint. This is a working document that presents the IF’s current thinking on the scope and application of changes to the international tax system to address the Tax Challenges Arising from Digitalization. Specifically, the OECD is seeking broader consensus and approval for its proposals before moving forward further into a more detailed design.Continue Reading
For Estonia, the BEPS MLI will enter into force on May 1, 2021. Continue Reading
In a release issued on January 14, the USTR said that the each one of these digital services taxes discriminates against US companies, is inconsistent with prevailing principles of international taxation, and burden or restricts US commerce.Continue Reading
The meeting will be held virtually and will be open to the public.
In particular, the Presidency will address the challenges of European taxation, including the model for taxation of the digital economy, under the principles of fairness and tax efficiency.Continue Reading
The Blueprints reflect the convergent views of the Inclusive Framework on many of the key policy features, principles and parameters of both Pillars, and identify remaining technical and administrative issues as well as policy issues where divergent views among Inclusive Framework members remain to be bridged.Continue Reading
The US Trade Representative said that it has decided to suspend the tariffs in light of the ongoing investigation of similar DSTs adopted or under consideration in ten other jurisdictions.Continue Reading
US Trade Representative has published findings on digital service tax in India, Italy, and Turkey calling it discriminatory and burdensome.Continue Reading
The meeting will be held on January 14-15, 2021.Continue Reading
Barbados has ratified the BEPS MLI covering 31 of its tax treaties.Continue Reading
Maltese tax authority issues key guidance on DAC6 reportable cross-border arrangements. The guidance explains key concepts with the help of illustrations.Continue Reading
The UK tax authority, HM Revenue and Customs, has announced that it will repeal the DAC6 reporting requirement in 2021 and replace it with the OECD’s mandatory disclosure rules (MDR).
The announcement was made after completion of the negotiations between the UK and the EU on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
In a letter sent to stakeholders on December 31, HMRC said that reporting under DAC6 will still be required for a limited time, but only for arrangements which meet hallmarks under Category D, in line with the UK’s obligations under the FTA.
Category D sets out specific hallmarks concerning automatic exchange of information and beneficial ownership.
The International Tax Enforcement (Disclosable Arrangements) (Amendment) (No. 2) (EU Exit) Regulations, 2020 – laid before the House of Commons on December 30 – state that “(5) For the purposes of these Regulations, the DAC is to be read as if— (h) in Annex IV, Part 1 [the Main Benefit Test] and hallmark categories A, B, C and E in Part II were omitted.”
In the coming year, the UK will consult on and implement the OECD’s MDR as soon as practicable, to replace DAC6 and transition from European to international rules, HMRC told stakeholders.
The guidance on transfer pricing implications of the COVID-19 pandemic represents the consensus view of the 137 members of the OECD Inclusive Framework on BEPS.Continue Reading
Germany and Pakistan have deposited their instrument of ratification for the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (MLI).Continue Reading
The public consultation meeting will be held virtually on January 14-15, 2021.Continue Reading
The information provides with a better understanding of the extent to which the HTVI approach described in Chapter VI of the Transfer Pricing Guidelines has been adopted and is applied in practice by countries around the world. Continue Reading
81 jurisdictions are now fully in line with the BEPS Action 5 minimum standard.Continue Reading
The Australian Taxation Office said that the multinational anti-avoidance law has been successfully implemented, with the restructures resulting in more than AUD 8 billion additional taxable sales being booked in Australia.Continue Reading
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore stated that some jurisdictions have implemented unilateral measures to address the tax challenges of digitalization adding that “companies may have incurred additional taxes overseas due to such measures.”Continue Reading
Canada states that Denmark’s reservation “exceeds the scope of cases for which a reservation may be made under that provision.”Continue Reading
Richard Minor has joined the US Council for International Business (USCIB) as its International Tax Counsel.Continue Reading
Comments must be received by December 18.Continue Reading
Around 85 percent of the MAPs concluded for transfer pricing cases in 2019 fully resolved the issue, which reflects an improvement in the collaborative approach taken by competent authorities.Continue Reading
DAC6 has been implemented into Maltese legislation by virtue of legal notice L.N. 342 of 2019.Continue Reading
The exact meeting times during this band of dates and the modalities of the meetings will be advised shortly.Continue Reading
The Suggested Approach is aimed at helping African countries that are considering implementing digital service tax to tax transactions of highly digitalized businesses.Continue Reading
In July 2020, the General Court annulled the Commission’s 2016 decision concluding that Ireland granted illegal State aid to Apple through selective tax breaks.Continue Reading
For Jordan, the BEPS MLI will enter into force on January 1, 2021.Continue Reading
The BEPS MLI will enter into force for both countries on January 1, 2021.Continue Reading
More than 2,500 bilateral relationships for CbC exchanges are now in place.Continue Reading
The new tax treaty implements the minimum standards in accordance with the OECD’s project on base erosion and profit shifting. Continue Reading
By Maurício Barros (Partner at Gaia Silva Gaede Advogados in São Paulo, former Taxpayer-Appointed Judge at the São Paulo Taxes and Fees Court – TIT/SP (2014-2019) and a former Visiting Professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation and at the Mackenzie Presbiteryan University) & Luiz Guilherme de Medeiros Ferreira (Tax lawyer, São Paulo and Member of the Tax Litigation Commission at the Brazilian Bar Association)
Amid the covid-19 pandemic and the imminent financial crisis of companies, Draft Bill (DB) 2358/2020, drafted by Deputy João Maia, is making its way through the Brazilian Congress. If it becomes law, it will institute a digital services tax (DST) in Brazil, like similar taxes levied in other countries.Continue Reading
Companies engaged in undesirable tax planning can apply for individual support if they satisfy two tax-related conditions concerning business location and transactions.Continue Reading
Gurría was responding to recent statements and exchanges regarding the ongoing negotiations to address the tax challenges of the digitalisation of the economy.Continue Reading
By Catherine O’ Meara (Partner, Matheson, Dublin)
The ability to claim relief from double taxation for transfer pricing adjustments is increasingly important as taxpayers face audits worldwide. The Irish Revenue Commissioners (“Revenue”) have recently issued new guidelines for taxpayers seeking correlative adjustments (“CA Guidance”) in Ireland for transfer pricing adjustments by tax treaty partner jurisdictions. Continue Reading
By Luís Eduardo Schoueri (Full Professor of Tax Law at University of São Paulo & Senior partner at Lacaz Martins, Pereira Neto, Gurevich & Schoueri Advogados) & Mateus Calicchio Barbosa (PhD Candidate and M.Sc. at University of São Paulo & Tax partner at Lacaz Martins, Pereira Neto, Gurevich & Schoueri Advogados)
It is said that in every crisis lies an opportunity. If the quote means that possibilities may emerge, in the tax realm taxpayers also have a new momentum to the danger component of the notion. In Brazil, outdated – not to say dangerous – tax alternatives have been put on the table to meet the recent budgetary needs. Certain wealth and capital taxes on both companies and individuals, despite previous and frustrated propositions since mid-90s, have been discussed while the government seeks a way out of an unprecedented public debt in the years to come.Continue Reading
By Kelechi Ugbeva (Managing Partner, Blackwood & Stone, Nigeria)
Existing global tax rules such as, the arm’s length principle and principle of physical presence may not be robust enough to accommodate the peculiarity of digital activities and digital taxation. To this end, the OECD has come up with a few proposals on how digital activities may be taxed. Continue Reading
The guidance states that the OECD’s Multilateral Instrument on BEPS adopted in Finland on February 13, 2019, must be taken into account when applying tax treaties.Continue Reading
The measure will apply to financial flows to countries with a corporate tax rate of under nine percent and to countries on the EU blacklist, even if the Netherlands has a tax treaty with them.Continue Reading
The amendments generally apply from July 1, 2019.
These ten trading partners are: Austria, Brazil, the Czech Republic, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.Continue Reading
The Bill seeks to give effect to five key changes to the way the digital economy is currently taxed, to better capture value created into the tax system.Continue Reading
By Lokesh Shah (Partner, L&L Partners, New Delhi) & Devashish Poddar (Advocate, L&L Partners, New Delhi)
Technology, considered as a factor of production, has virtually been adopted in all sectors of the economy in order to enhance productivity, enlarge market reach, and reduce operational costs. The adoption of technology is demonstrated by the spread of broadband connectivity in businesses, which in almost all countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) is universal for large enterprises and reaches 90% or more even in smaller businesses.Continue Reading
The six member states are: Cyprus, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, and the Netherlands.Continue Reading
By Ramon Tomazela Santos (Partner, Mariz de Oliveira e Siqueira Campos Advogados)
The taxation of large technology companies has been at the center of the global debate in recent years, as their disruptive business models allows the exploitation of the market of a country without a physical presence. The underlying assumption surrounding the debate is that the application of current tax rules to companies operating in the digital economy has led to a misalignment between the place where profits are taxed and the place where value is created, due to the growing relevance of interaction and engagement with a user base for digital business.Continue Reading
By Kardelen Lule (ADMD / MAVIOGLU & ALKAN, Turkey) & Zeynep Ozbaran (ADMD / MAVIOGLU & ALKAN, Turkey)Continue Reading
The Commission clarified that the beginning of application of DAC6 will remain July 1, 2020, and the reportable arrangements made during the postponement period will have to be reported once the deferral has terminated. Continue Reading
The suspension of DAC 6 reporting obligation applies both to domestic and cross-border tax arrangements.Continue Reading
By Ritu Shaktawat (Partner, Khaitan & Co, India) Raghav Kumar Bajaj (Principal Associate, Khaitan & Co, India)
India’s Union Budget for the fiscal 2020-21 was announced in February 2020 and the tax proposals, after undergoing some important changes, were approved by the Indian Parliament and received Presidential assent on March 27, 2020. With this, the annual exercise of amending India’s tax law was completed, and the tax changes are effective from April 1, 2020.
On the tax front, some significant amendments have been made – such as widening the scope of digital tax, abolition of dividend distribution tax, more stringent tax residency rules for non-resident Indians etc.
We have analyzed here the key international tax changes impacting non-residents (MNEs and others having Indian business or nexus).Continue Reading
By Stefanie Perrella (Managing Director, Duff & Phelps’, New York) and Zachary Held (Director, Duff & Phelps’, New York)
On February 11, 2020, the OECD released its Final Report, Transfer Pricing Guidance on Financial Transactions, (Final Guidance), which was simultaneously incorporated into the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines. With respect to inter-company loans, the new Chapter X of the Transfer Pricing Guidelines is not limited to considerations for interest rate pricing, but also includes a framework for assessing the instrument’s accurate delineation as debt. Going forward, taxpayers with lenders or borrowers in OECD countries should consider this new guidance and augment their documentation accordingly. Below are some of the items that these taxpayers should consider to offer a proactive defense of potentially scrutinized areas.Continue Reading
By Luis Schoueri (University of Sao Paulo; Lacaz Martins, Pereira Neto, Gurevich & Schoueri Advogados)
Introduction
There is no divine truth about what the Arm’s Length Standard (ALS) actually means. Its content can only be determined by a decision, which can be reached by a court or by means of political consensus. There is no international tax court with jurisdiction to promote harmonization among countries on the content of the ALS and all efforts in this direction are made by means of negotiation. Such decisions affect not only the extent to which double (non-)taxation will be avoided, but also concern the country to which income is allocated, which may render the issue controversial where countries present distinct patterns of capital in- and outflow[1].Continue Reading
The Government is introducing from April 1, 2020, a new two percent digital services tax on the revenues earned by certain digital businesses.Continue Reading
By Géry Bombeke (Partner, Baker McKenzie, Brussels)
On February 25, 2020, the Belgian Tax Administration published a new transfer pricing Circular (Circular 2020/C/35) (TP Circular) summarizing the post-base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS), OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines and reflecting the tax authority’s views thereon.Continue Reading
Comments must be received by May 27.Continue Reading
The new treaty will be effective from January 1, 2021. Continue Reading
The Budget proposes to restrict net interest expense deductions to 30% of earnings for assessment years starting January 1, 2021.
The reports highlight how well these jurisdictions are implementing BEPS Action 14 minimum standard on making tax treaty dispute resolution more timely, effective, and efficient.Continue Reading
International Tax Authority informs BVI Constituent Entities, that are part of Multinational Entity Group, that it will soon be ready to receive filings for CbC reporting.Continue Reading
The report would include CbC financial filings for the information, including profits, taxes, employees, and tangible assets – that these corporations already provide to the IRS on an annual basis.Continue Reading
The definition of “significant global entity” to include members of large business groups headed by private companies, trusts, partnerships, investment entities, and individuals.Continue Reading
The OECD analysis shows that Pillar Two could raise a significant amount of additional tax revenues.Continue Reading
The report contains guidance on how the accurate delineation analysis applies to the capital structure of an MNE within an MNE group. Continue Reading
Comments must be received by March 6, 2020.Continue Reading
The “safe harbour” issue is included in the list of remaining work, but a final decision on this issue will be deferred until the architecture of Pillar One has been agreed upon.Continue Reading
Between 2019-2020, HMRC secured GBP 480 million through DPT investigations.Continue Reading
The webcast will be held on January 31, 2020, at 14:00-15:00 (CET).Continue Reading
The BEPS MLI will enter into force for these two countries on May 1, 2020.Continue Reading
The deadline for filing country-by-country reports and master files is December 10-23, 2020.Continue Reading
The BEPS MLI will enter into force for Liechtenstein on April 1, 2020.Continue Reading
The additional interpretative guidance contains complete set of guidance concerning the interpretation and operation of BEPS Action 13 issued so far.Continue Reading
By Professor William Byrnes (Texas A&M University School of Law)
The OECD will hold a public consultation meeting on December 9. Continue Reading
French Finance Minister, Bruno Le Maire, termed the US’ proposed action as unacceptable.Continue Reading
The Commission may bring the cases before the Court of Justice of the EU if Austria and Ireland do not act by February 1, 2020.Continue Reading
The tax treaty and Protocol implement the BEPS minimum standards to tackle tax planning strategies that exploit gaps and mismatches in tax rules.Continue Reading
International tax veteran Brian Abbey has joined Global Tax Management as Managing Director, International Tax.Continue Reading
Earlier in July 2019, the US Trade Representative opened an investigation into whether the French DST is discriminatory in nature and harms US’ interests.
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The tax treaty will enter into force after both countries have completed their respective internal procedures.Continue Reading
Comments must be received by December 16, 2019.Continue Reading
Any proposed tax must be levied on profits and not revenue, Amazon’s Vice President (Global Tax), Kurt Lamp, said.Continue Reading
Comments must be received by December 2.Continue Reading
The protocols contain an anti-abuse clause.Continue Reading
The additional interpretative guidance will help MNE Groups in avoiding common errors made in preparing CbC reports.Continue Reading
Comments must be received by November 12, 2019. Continue Reading
For Denmark the BEPS MLI will enter into force on January 1, 2020.Continue Reading
By Ricardo Rendón (Partner, Chevez, Ruiz, Zamarripa y Cía, S.C., Mexico)
On September 8, 2019, the Executive Branch of the Mexican Government submitted to the Congress Tax Reform for 2020, which includes key tax changes to the country’s tax law primarily inspired by the OECD’s base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) project.Continue Reading
By Catherine O’ Meara (Partner, Matheson, Dublin)
The Irish Government recently published a Transfer Pricing Rules Feedback Statement, which confirms that changes to the country’s transfer pricing rules and their implementation are forthcoming.Continue Reading
According to the statistics, transfer pricing cases continue to take more time with average time being approximately 33 months (30 months in 2017).Continue Reading
Gurría also described the delivery of the OECD’s BEPS package in 2015 as one of the two “big bang” developments that transformed the global tax landscape in recent years.Continue Reading
Amazon is a major UK employer and currently employs over 27,500 UK people. The company said that this number would increase to over 29,500 this year.
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The review reveals that countries have largely adopted their domestic CbC reporting rules in line with the BEPS Action 13 minimum standard.Continue Reading
The proposals would be included in Finance Bill, 2019 and, if enacted, would apply for chargeable periods commencing January 1, 2020.Continue Reading
Mandatory binding arbitration clause is included in the tax treaty protocols to resolve tax treaty disputes.Continue Reading
The BEPS MLI will enter into force in both countries on December 1, 2019.Continue Reading
While members of the Inclusive Framework on BEPS did not yet agree on the conclusions, they committed to work together to deliver a final report in 2020, with an update in 2019.Continue Reading
By Maulik Doshi (Partner, Head of Transfer Pricing & International Tax, SKP Group) and Kamlesh Kaltari (Principal, Transfer Pricing Services, SKP Group)
On July 4, 2018, Hong Kong’s Inland Revenue Department passed the country’s final Inland Revenue (Amendment) (No. 6) Bill 2017, (the Amendment Bill).
This Amendment Bill (which became law on July 13, 2018) specified the documentary requirements from a transfer pricing perspective and also introduced measures to address various recommendations under BEPS Action Plans.Continue Reading
Austria proposes to impose a five percent digital tax to close tax loopholes and ensure that large digital corporations are called to account.Continue Reading
For Georgia the BEPS MLI will enter into force on July 1, 2019. Continue Reading
Armenia has newly joined the OECD’s Inclusive Framework on base erosion and profit shifting.Continue Reading
For Ireland, the BEPS MLI will enter into force in May 2019.Continue Reading
Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department has clarified that starting from April 2019, the Department will not accept voluntary filing of a country-by-country (CbC) report for an accounting period ended on or before March 31, 2018.Continue Reading
By Maulik Doshi (Partner, Head of Transfer Pricing & International Tax, SKP Group) and Kamlesh Kaltari (Senior Manager, SKP Group)
In India, the 2016 Finance Act introduced a three-tiered transfer pricing documentation regime with a view to aligning the Indian transfer pricing documentation rules with Action 13 of the OECD’s base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) project.
Accordingly, Indian subsidiaries of multinational groups were required to comply with new “master” and “local” files requirements and a new country-by-country reporting requirement from the 2016-17 financial year.Continue Reading
The treaty will be effective from April 1, 2019.Continue Reading
By Anas Salhieh (Senior Tax Executive, Al Tamimi & Company, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Zakat and Income Tax has published for public comments draft transfer pricing bylaws as part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the OECD’s base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) project.Continue Reading
Cook Islands has newly joined the OECD’s Inclusive Framework on base erosion and profit shifting.Continue Reading
The new anti-abuse measures entered into force on January 1, 2019.Continue Reading
The BEPS MLI will enter into force for Singapore on April 1, 2019.Continue Reading
Gibraltar must recover unpaid taxes of around EUR100m from companies that benefited from the corporate tax exemption regime for interest and royalties as well as from the five tax rulings.Continue Reading
The OECD has made 60 jurisdiction-specific recommendations on issues such as improving the timeliness of the exchange of information and ensuring that exchanges of information are made with respect to preferential tax regimes that apply to income from intellectual property.Continue Reading
By Elizabeth Sidi (Senior Tax Consultant, PwC, Bulgaria)
Bulgaria is introducing new interest limitation rules and a new controlled foreign corporation regime from January 1, 2019.
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Important process of ratifying the BEPS MLI is on. In 2019-2020, the provisions will come into effect, says Akhilesh Ranjan.
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The legislation is intended to enter into force in July 2019. Continue Reading
According to IMF Chief Christine Lagarde, governments should figure out a world-wide answer on tax.Continue Reading
The legislation seeks to incorporate the OECD’s proposals under Action 5 of the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) project, on countering harmful tax practices, as well as the new EU substance requirements.Continue Reading
By Catherine O’ Meara (Partner, Matheson, Dublin) and Brian Doohan (Senior Associate, Matheson, Dublin)
On November 27, 2018, Ireland’s Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe announced the details of a Competent Authority Agreement between Ireland and Malta (Agreement). The clear aim of the Agreement is to end what is referred to as the “Single Malt” tax structure.Continue Reading
France and Germany urged the EU Council to adopt the proposed digital services tax by March 2019.Continue Reading
By Bram Markey (Director, Transfer Pricing, PwC Belgium)
The Belgian tax authority has issued a draft Circular on the 2017 update to the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and Tax Administrations.Continue Reading
Qatar is the 85th jurisdiction to sign the BEPS Convention, which now covers nearly 1,500 bilateral tax treaties.Continue Reading
An arbitration clause is included in the new tax treaty to resolve double taxation disputes.Continue Reading
The majority of the Board of Directors’ meetings must be held in Mauritius, or the executive management of the company must be regularly exercised in Mauritius.
The tax treaty provides for a low withholding tax rate of five percent for dividend payments. Interest, royalties, and fees are subject to a low withholding tax rate of ten percent.Continue Reading
The Australian tax authority has allowed “significant global entities” time until January 15, 2019, to lodge their country-by-country (CbC) reports.
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The Australian Taxation Office is reviewing international arrangements that mischaracterize intangible assets to understate Australian profits.
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The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable at editor@transferpricingnews.com
Netherlands will be putting into place stricter requirements for the issue of international tax rulings by the end of June 2019.
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The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable at editor@transferpricingnews.com
Ireland and Malta have agreed to close the “Single Malt” – an aggressive tax planning structure in which some multinational corporations use a company incorporated in Ireland but tax-resident in Malta.
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Michael Smith has joined BDO Melbourne’s transfer pricing team as a partner.
Smith has nearly 20 years’ of transfer pricing experience from around the world. He has worked in London, New York, and Sydney. Continue Reading
India has signed a Protocol to amend its tax treaty with China.
The Protocol incorporates changes required to implement tax treaty-related minimum standards agreed under the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) project.
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Dealing with cases that have potential transfer pricing implications in Panama requires a high level of expertise in the realm and an extended experience in cases where the common OECD practices are not applicable (Panama is not a member of the OECD).
Panama’s transfer pricing regime constitutes a hybrid insofar as OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines are concerned. While the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines cannot be applied directly, they could be relied upon for interpreting rules provided they are not in conflict with the Panamanian Tax Law. Thus, a transfer pricing study undertaken by one experienced in non-OECD tax jurisdictions – such as www.transferpricing.com.cy – is recommended.Continue Reading
The Norwegian Government has submitted to the Parliament a proposal to ratify the OECD’s Multilateral Instrument to implement tax treaty-related measures to tackle base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS).Continue Reading
By Bram Markey (Director, Transfer Pricing, PwC Belgium)
The EU Joint Transfer Pricing Forum has published a report, which aims to address the lack of guidance on bilateral and multilateral transfer pricing audits.
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DIGITALEUROPE, which represents the digital technology industry in Europe, has called upon governments to negotiate a comprehensive, global, long-term tax solution at the OECD-level to address the tax challenges of the digital economy.
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The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The OECD has published a report covering the assessment of 53 preferential tax regimes as part of its work under base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) Action 5, on harmful tax practices.
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Cabo Verde is the newest member to the OECD’s Inclusive Framework on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS).
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The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The Australian tax authority has settled a transfer pricing dispute with BHP in relation to the mining giant’s marketing operations in Singapore.
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The aim of the hearing is to assess the progress made by these multinational enterprises in the implementation of the base erosion and profit shifting project.Continue Reading
On November 14, 2018, Ireland’s Department of Finance published for public comments a consultation document on the hybrid mismatch and interest limitation measures to be introduced as part of the implementation of the EU Anti-Tax Avoidance Directives (ATAD and ATAD2).
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The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
Barbados Cabinet has decided to put in place new measures to ensure that the country’s tax regime is compliant with the OECD’s base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) recommendations, Minister of International Business and Industry, Ronald Toppin, said on November 15.
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China’s colossal economy and its predominant role within the global market result in the emergence of an increasing interest towards China’s transfer pricing regime. Since China is not a member of the OECD, any transfer pricing endeavor goes far beyond the classic transfer pricing practices, though.Continue Reading
By Erinda Xhaferraj (Tax Manager, PwC, Albania) and Edland Graci (Transfer Pricing Senior Associate, PwC, Spain)
The amendment in 2014 of Albania’s Income Tax Law and the release of the Transfer Pricing Instruction introduced changes that are of importance to Albanian taxpayers performing cross-border transactions. For the first time taxpayers were faced with a complex and sophisticated legislation, which required the application of arm’s length in intra-group transactions.Continue Reading
The OECD is seeking taxpayers’ input for the seventh round of base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) Action 14 Stage 1 peer reviews of further eight jurisdictions.
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The OECD has published new guidance for the development of synthesised texts to facilitate the interpretation and application of tax agreements modified by the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS MLI).Continue Reading
More than 60 delegates from 16 countries met recently at the regional meeting of the Inclusive Framework on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) in Eastern Europe and Central Asia to discuss implementation of the BEPS measures.Continue Reading
The Jersey Government has issued details of new legislation that would introduce economic substance requirements for companies resident in Jersey for tax purposes.Continue Reading
Audit, tax, and advisory firm KPMG LLP has named Manal S. Corwin as the principal-in-charge of the firm’s Washington National Tax practice.
Corwin is based in Washington DC and succeeds Joe Pari. Corwin has served the firm for over five years as national leader of the firm’s International Tax practice and principal-in-charge of international tax policy.Continue Reading
Curtis Best has joined the New York office of Andersen Tax as Managing Director.
Curtis has over 26 years of experience in several areas, including international tax structuring. Best will be a part of the firm’s Commercial Practice group, with a particular focus in international services.Continue Reading
Loren Ponds has joined US law firm Miller & Chevalier as a Member in the firm’s tax department.
Previously, Ponds served as Tax Counsel to the US House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means, where she was instrumental in the development of the international tax provisions included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.Continue Reading
The UK Government is seeking stakeholders’ views on the detailed design, implementation, and administration of the proposed two percent digital services tax (DST).Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
Hong Kong Government has gazetted law to allow enhanced tax deduction for expenses incurred by business enterprises on research and development (R&D) activities in Hong Kong.
The measure was announced by Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, in her 2017 Policy Address.Continue Reading
By Ritu Shaktawat (Partner, Khaitan & Co, India) and Shabnam Shaikh (Principal Associate, Khaitan & Co, India)
In a decision delivered on October 5, India’s Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, New Delhi ruled that the Indian Income Tax Act cannot limit the claim of expenses of a permanent establishment in the absence of such limitation in the India-Mauritius tax treaty.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
UK would introduce a two percent digital services tax (DST) to ensure digital businesses pay tax that reflects the value they derive from UK users, UK Chancellor Philip Hammond announced in his October 29 Budget Speech.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The US-based Association of International Certified Professional Accountants has called for international coordination to develop a global solution to the tax challenges posed by the digital economy.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
Ukraine has published a draft law aimed at implementing some of key measures proposed under the OECD’s base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) project.
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The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
Ireland’s Government has signed an Order to facilitate ratification of the OECD’s Multilateral Instrument to implement tax treaty-related measures to prevent base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS).Continue Reading
Grenada has newly joined the OECD’s Inclusive Framework on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS).Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has issued a statement noting “strong” concerns with countries’ consideration of a digital services tax proposal.
In March 2018, the EU Commission announced it proposal to introduce an interim tax, which would cover the main digital activities that currently escape tax altogether in the EU.Continue Reading
Senior tax experts met at an event in Portugal on October 23 to discuss the strategic importance of the OECD’s work on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) and the challenges faced by tax administrations in implementing the BEPS proposals.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The US Senate Committee on Finance has asked the European Commission to “abandon” its proposal to introduce a three percent digital services tax on revenues arising from the supply of certain digital services.Continue Reading
Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have newly joined the OECD’s Inclusive Framework on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS).
The Inclusive Framework on BEPS allows interested countries and jurisdictions to work with the OECD and Group of Twenty nations on monitoring the implementation of the BEPS proposals.Continue Reading
Japan and Spain signed a new tax treaty on October 16. The tax treaty wholly amends the existing tax treaty between Japan and Spain, which entered into force in 1974.
As per the new tax treaty, a withholding tax exemption applies to investment income from interest and royalties. Withholding tax on dividends is also exempt in certain situations.Continue Reading
Japan and Croatia signed a new tax treaty on October 19.
The new tax treaty provides for a reduced withholding tax on dividends, interest, and royalties. In some case, these are exempt.Continue Reading
The Swiss Federal Council on October 17 decided to expand the list of countries with which Switzerland would exchange country-by-country (CbC) reports.
The legal basis for the exchange of CbC reports entered into force for Switzerland on December 1, 2017. Switzerland had then submitted to the OECD a list of 108 countries with which the Government will exchange CbC reports.Continue Reading
The OECD on October 10 published its 2017 mutual agreement procedure (MAP) statistics covering 85 tax jurisdictions.
According to the 2017 MAP statistics, new transfer pricing MAP cases are up by 25 percent and other MAP cases by 50 percent. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the increase in new MAP cases is due to a range of factors including the effects of the new reporting framework and increased awareness of and expectations from taxpayers about MAP, the OECD noted.Continue Reading
By Bram Markey (Director, Transfer Pricing, PwC Belgium)
The Large Enterprises Division of the Belgian tax administration has announced the launch of a two-year pilot project aimed at transforming the traditional approach of ex-post tax investigations towards a system of proactive, real-time, and constructive dialogue on corporate tax affairs.
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
Ireland would introduce key international tax measures in Finance Bill 2018 to comply with the EU Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said in his 2019 Budget Statement released on October 9. The Finance Bill 2018 is due to be published on October 18.Continue Reading
The Australian Taxation Office has updated its guidance on the mutual agreement procedure (MAP) framework contained in tax treaties to resolve disputes.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The Norwegian Government on October 8 presented the country’s National Budget 2019, which includes a series of measures to tackle base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS).Continue Reading
Dominican Republic has newly joined the OECD’s Inclusive Framework on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS).Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
New Zealand Government has revealed details about the new research and development (R&D) tax incentive aimed at encouraging businesses to invest more in R&D activities.
The rate for the tax incentive will be set at 15 percent for income years starting 2019-20. All businesses, regardless of legal structure, will be eligible to claim the tax incentive.Continue Reading
The tax treaty between Japan and Iceland will enter into force on October 31, 2018, Japan’s Finance Ministry has announced.Continue Reading
The protocol to amend the Switzerland-Latvia tax treaty entered into force on September 3, 2018, and will take effect from January 1, 2019. Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The Australian Government on October 2 launched for public comments a consultation document aimed at creating a fairer and more sustainable corporate tax system for the digitalized economy.Continue Reading
Senior tax officials from over 20 countries recently met at a workshop to share experiences from the first year of country-by-country (CbC) reporting and explore how information can be used most effectively in the tax risk assessment of MNE groups.Continue Reading
Aruba has now joined the OECD’s Inclusive Framework on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS).
The Inclusive Framework on BEPS allows interested countries and jurisdictions to work with the OECD and Group of Twenty nations on monitoring the implementation of the BEPS proposals.Continue Reading
Australia, France, Japan, and the Slovak Republic have deposited their instruments of ratification of the OECD’s Multilateral Convention to implement tax treaty-related measures to prevent base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS).
For these four countries, the BEPS Convention would enter into force from January 1, 2019. The Convention entered into force last month for New Zealand, Serbia, Sweden, and the UK.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The Tax Court of Canada has ruled in favour of leading uranium miner Cameco in a CAD2.2bn transfer pricing dispute with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Cameco had disputed reassessments issued by CRA for the 2003, 2005, and 2006 tax years.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
Japan on September 26 deposited to the OECD the instrument of acceptance of the Multilateral Convention to implement tax treaty-related measures to prevent base erosion and profit shifting.
The BEPS Convention will enter into force for Japan on January 1, 2019.Continue Reading
By Adv. (Eco.) Eyal Bar-Zvi (Partner and Head of Transfer Pricing, Herzog Fox & Neeman)
The Israel Tax Authority, on September 5, 2018, published two safe harbor Circulars (which remained in draft mode for several months), noting the tax authority’s expected profit levels for marketing services and for low-risk distributorship activities carried out in Israel by multinational entities (MNEs), and providing guidance on non-value-added services.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The EU Commission is now to withdraw infringement proceedings against Ireland as the Government has now completed full recovery of the alleged State aid from Apple.Continue Reading
Saudi Arabia has become the 84th tax jurisdiction to sign the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) Multilateral Convention.
The BEPS Convention, negotiated by over 100 countries and jurisdictions, updates the existing network of 1,400 bilateral tax treaties and reduces opportunities for tax avoidance by multinational enterprises.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The EU Commission on September 19 decided that Luxembourg’s tax treatment of McDonald’s Europe Franchising does not violate the Luxembourg-US tax treaty and that tax rulings granted to McDonald’s do not infringe EU State aid rules.
The decision follows an in-depth investigation launched in December 2015, based on doubts that Luxembourg might have misapplied its tax treaty with the US.Continue Reading
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has largely welcomed the OECD’s public discussion draft on the transfer pricing aspects of financial transactions.
The discussion draft deals with follow-up work in relation to base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) Actions 8-10, on assuring that transfer pricing outcomes are in line with value creation.Continue Reading
The OECD has published a set of newly established bilateral for the exchange of country-by-country (CbC) reports with respect to Bermuda, Curaçao, Hong Kong (China), and Liechtenstein.Continue Reading
Former OECD Head of Transfer Pricing, Jefferson P. VanderWolk, has joined international law firm Squire Patton Boggs as a partner in the Tax Strategy & Benefits Practice. VanderWolk will work from the firm’s Washington DC office.Continue Reading
The OECD has issued further interpretative guidance on the implementation of country-by-country (CbC) reporting to provide certainty to tax administrations and multinational enterprises (MNEs).Continue Reading
Israel and Lithuania have newly deposited with the OECD their instrument of ratification for the Multilateral Instrument to implement tax treaty-related base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) measures.Continue Reading
By Amaka Samuel Onyeani (Senior Manager, Transfer Pricing, Andersen Tax, Nigeria) & Abisola Agboola (Assistant Manager, Transfer Pricing, Andersen Tax, Nigeria)
Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) recently released the revised Income Tax (Transfer Pricing) Regulations, 2018 (the Transfer Pricing Regulations). The Transfer Pricing Regulations are one of the efforts of the FIRS in improving the administration of transfer pricing in the country, increasing revenue collection via taxes, and protecting Nigeria’s tax base.Continue Reading
The Tax Executives Institute has responded to the OECD’s public discussion draft on the transfer pricing aspects of financial transactions.
The discussion draft deals with follow-up work in relation to base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) Actions 8-10, on assuring that transfer pricing outcomes are in line with value creation.Continue Reading
The OECD has published new transfer pricing country profiles for Costa Rica, Greece, Republic of Korea, Panama, Seychelles, South Africa, and Turkey. The OECD has also updated the information contained in Singapore’s profile.Continue Reading
By Mika Ohtonen (Head of Tax, Roschier, Finland) & Laura Puro (Senior Associate, Roschier, Finland)
Finland’s Ministry of Finance last month published a draft proposal on amending the Finnish controlled foreign corporation (CFC) statute. While the purpose of the draft is to implement the CFC provisions of the Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive (ATAD), the proposed changes are materially stricter than required by the ATAD.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
Ireland’s Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has published the country’s Corporation Tax Roadmap outlining the steps that the Government will take in the area of international tax law over the next few years.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Integrity and Other Measures No.2) Act, 2018 – which gives effect to the OECD Hybrid mismatch rules in Australia – received Royal Assent on August 24.Continue Reading
A new OECD report reveals that countries have used recent tax reforms to lower corporate income tax.
Tax Policy Reforms 2018 highlights the continuation of a trend toward corporate income tax rate cuts, which has been largely driven by significant reforms in a number of large countries with traditionally high corporate tax rates.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The Indian tax authority, Central Board of Direct Taxes, has published its second annual report on advance pricing agreement (APA) highlighting the progress made in 2017-18.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The OECD on August 30 published stage 1 mutual agreement procedure (MAP) peer review reports of the following eight jurisdictions: Australia, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand, and Portugal.Continue Reading
India’s tax authority has extended the earlier deadline of August 10 to submit comments on the newly introduced “significant economic presence” test to tax profits of foreign businesses.Continue Reading
Transfer pricing advisory firm Quantera Global has announced its strategic partnership with Africa Transfer Pricing, a professional services firm specializing in transfer pricing in South Africa.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
New Zealand Inland Revenue is seeking public input on draft tax guidance aimed at helping businesses comply with the Taxation (Neutralising Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) Act, which was enacted earlier this year.Continue Reading
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is re-establishing the Large Business Unit to ensure that the unit is responsive to the challenges currently being faced by SARS.Continue Reading
The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has newly joined the OECD’s Inclusive Framework on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS).Continue Reading
The Swiss Federal Council on August 22 adopted the dispatch concerning a protocol of amendment to the Swiss-UK tax treaty for the attention of Parliament.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The Swiss Federal Council on Wednesday adopted the dispatch on the OECD’s Multilateral Convention to implement tax treaty-related base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) measures.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
Over 40 multinational enterprises (MNEs) have restructured their business operations in response to Australia’s crack down on MNE tax avoidance law, ATO Deputy Commissioner Mark Konza has said.Continue Reading
By Sami Tuominen (Partner, Head of Tax, Bird & Bird, Finland) & Marianna Santamala (Associate, Bird & Bird, Finland)
The Finnish Ministry of Finance recently proposed amendments to the current Finnish legislation concerning controlled foreign corporations (CFC). On August 6, 2018, the Finance Ministry submitted a proposal for Government Bill on the amendments to the Act on taxation of members of controlled foreign companies (Act). The Act is currently going through a consultation round and the Ministry would accept input until the end of this month. The purpose of the Act is to prevent the avoidance of taxation in Finland by utilizing corporations established in states with low taxation.Continue Reading
By Ricardo Rendón (Partner, Chevez, Ruiz, Zamarripa y Cía, S.C., Mexico)
The Mexican tax authorities last month issued the Second Resolution of modifications to the 2018 Miscellaneous Tax Resolution (MTR) in which the rules regarding transfer pricing adjustments were amended and certain additional provisions were included. This article discusses the relevant modifications to the miscellaneous tax rules on transfer pricing adjustments.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The Australian Parliament on August 16 passed a legislation to give the force of law to the OECD’s Multilateral Convention to implement tax treaty-related measures to tackle base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS).Continue Reading
The Swiss Federal Council on August 15 adopted the dispatch on the tax treaty with Saudi Arabia.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The Government of Bermuda has issued an updated tax guidance to assist businesses on complying with Bermuda’s country-by-country (CbC) reporting requirement.Continue Reading
By Stefaan De Ceulaer (Director, Tax and Legal Support, PKF International)
The Belgian Parliament on June 29 adopted the Programme Act, which introduces in Belgian tax law specific transfer pricing documentation requirements, that is, in article 321/1 to 321/7 of the Income Tax Code (Programme law of July 1, 2016 gazetted on July 4, 2016), in response to Action 13 of the OECD’s base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS project. Continue Reading
By Marcin Jamroży (Associate Professor, Warsaw School of Economics, and Partner, Rödl & Partner, Poland)
Poland’s Finance Ministry recently published a draft tax Bill to implement key changes to the country’s transfer pricing documentation rules. The draft Bill is aimed at simplifying Poland’s transfer pricing regulations and lowering the bureaucratic and administrative burden for enterprises. The philosophy of a simple, transparent, and friendly tax system should be written into the law. At the same time, it is underlined that the draft Bill should be sealed against loopholes and incorporate the new OECD recommendations. The new regulation is proposed to be effective from January 1, 2019.Continue Reading
Taxpayers can report rounded figures in their country-by-country (CbC) reports, Singapore’s tax authority has clarified.Continue Reading
By Mario Ortega Calle (Partner, Garrigues, Madrid) and Laura Jiménez (Associate, Garrigues, Madrid)
Spain’s General State Budget for 2018, published by Law 6/2018 of July 3, 2018, in the Official Gazette, has amended the country’s patent box regime to bring it in further alignment with the “nexus approach” developed by the OECD under Action 5 of the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) project.Continue Reading
Guernsey’s Government is consulting businesses on a law that would require companies tax-resident in Guernsey to demonstrate they have sufficient substance in the island.Continue Reading
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has published for public comments Schedule 2 to Practical Compliance Guideline (PCG) 2017/4DC, which discusses the tax authority’s compliance approach to tax issues relating to cross-border, related-party financing arrangements and related transactions.Continue Reading
Japan and Colombia have completed tax treaty negotiations, Colombia’s Finance Minister, Mauricio Cárdenas, announced on July 30.Continue Reading
The tax treaty between Singapore and Nigeria will enter into force on November 1, 2018, and will take effect on January 1, 2019.Continue Reading
By Ross B. Newman (CEO and Chief Economist with Altus Economics and Chairman of the Altus Transfer Pricing Network)
The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on June 29 issued the Transfer Pricing Examination Process (TPEP), which replaces the 2014 Transfer Pricing Audit Roadmap (Roadmap) and provides a guide to best practices and processes involved in the three phases of a transfer pricing examination: planning, execution, and resolution.
New Zealand’s Inland Revenue today announced that the Government has ratified the OECD’s Multilateral Convention to implement tax treaty-related measures to prevent base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS).Continue Reading
Taiwan’s Finance Ministry is holding the 2018 International Tax Academy from July 30 to August 17 this year.
The event was launched in 1984 and is conducted every year in cooperation with the School of Law of Southern Methodist University.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The Australian Treasury has published for comments a draft tax Bill that would implement two key changes to improve the country’s thin capitalization regime. The changes – first proposed in the 2018-19 Budget – are intended to apply from income years beginning on July 1, 2019.Continue Reading
South Africa’s tax authority on July 25 published general guidance on the mutual agreement procedure (MAP) framework incorporated in tax treaties to resolve disputes.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The UK tax authority, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), raised GBP388m from the diverted profits tax (DPT) legislation in 2017-18, according to the Transfer Pricing and Diverted Profits Tax Statistics published on July 31.Continue Reading
By Guillermo Villaseñor-Tadeo (Partner, Sánchez Devanny, Mexico) and Pedro Palma-Cruz (Attorney, Sánchez Devanny, Mexico)
Mexico’s Tax Administration Service on July 11, 2018, updated the country’s existing regulations concerning transfer pricing adjustments as set out in rules 3.9.1.1 to 3.9.1.5 of the Resolución Miscelánea Fiscal. The changes are aimed at clarifying many questions that arose from the enactment of the first set of regulations on transfer pricing adjustments last year. In broad terms, the regulations can be classified as: definition and types, application, requirements, and timing issues and deadlines. These are discussed below.Continue Reading
By Ritu Shaktawat (Associate Partner, Khaitan & Co, India) and Krutika Chitre (Associate, Khaitan & Co, India)
Ritu Shaktawat and Krutika Chitre of Khaitan & Co discuss the consultation document addressing the tax challenges of digital economy released by Indian’s Central Board of Direct Taxes on July 13, 2018.
Soon after having introduced ‘Google Tax’ in 2016, India becomes one of the first tax jurisdictions to treat ‘significant economic presence’ of a foreign enterprise as its taxable presence in India (effective from April 1, 2018 (that is, from assessment year 2019-20)).Continue Reading
The OECD is seeking taxpayers’ input for the sixth round of base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) Action 14 Stage 1 peer reviews of eight new jurisdictions.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The Government of Malaysia has said that it will not grant new approvals to companies in respect of tax incentives provided under MSC Malaysia Bill of Guarantee No.5.Continue Reading
By Reuven Avi-Yonah (Irwin I. Cohn Professor of Law, University of Michigan)
On July 24, 2018, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the US Tax Court decision in Altera Corp. v. Commissioner, 145 T.C. 91 (July 27, 2015), which had invalidated Treas. Reg. § 1.482- 7A(d)(2).[1]Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
Multinational enterprises (MNEs) are “changing their behavior” as a direct result of recent tax measures taken to tackle base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS), the OECD has told the Group of Twenty (G-20) Finance Ministers.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The Australian Government is consulting stakeholders on a law that would extend the definition of a “significant global entity” to ensure multinational tax laws apply uniformly to all relevant entities.Continue Reading
Ukraine has become the 83rd tax jurisdiction to sign the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) Multilateral Convention.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The OECD has published a progress report setting out the major tax developments that took place in the last year concerning the OECD’s base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) project.Continue Reading
Senior tax officials from 20 countries in Europe and Central Asia recently met in Georgia to discuss ways to tackle tax avoidance and to implement the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) proposals.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The Confederation of European Business (BusinessEurope) has said that a global agreement is needed on changes to international tax rules concerning the digital economy to ensure a global level-playing field encompassing all major tax jurisdictions.Continue Reading
By Diletta Fuxa (Senior Manager), Studio Associato Servizi Professionali Integrati, Member of Fieldfisher
On May 14, 2018, Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance issued a Decree, which lays down new transfer pricing guidelines in compliance with the provisions set forth in article 110 (7) of the Income Tax Code (Testo Unico delle Imposte sui Redditi).Continue Reading
The Platform for Collaboration on Tax – a joint initiative of the IMF, the OECD, the UN, and the World Bank Group – has published for public comments a revised version of its report on taxation of offshore indirect transfers of assets.Continue Reading
The UK Government has published a final list of its reservations and notifications under the Multilateral Convention to implement tax treaty-related base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) measures.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued final regulations on inversions and related transactions.
The final regulations – issued on July 12 – address transactions that are structured to avoid the purposes of sections 7874 and 367 of the Internal Revenue Code and certain post-inversion tax avoidance transactions.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The Hong Kong Government today gazetted the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (No.6) Ordinance 2018, to implement the minimum standards agreed under the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) project and to codify the transfer pricing principles into the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112).Continue Reading
Canada has successfully initiated its first round of exchanges of country-by-country (CbC) tax reports of multinational enterprises (MNEs), Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, has announced.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The UK Government has published draft legislation that would make technical amendments to the country’s corporate interest restriction rules to ensure the corporation tax regime works as intended.Continue Reading
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on July 4 issued Tax Determination (TD) TD 2018/12, which provides guidance on the application of “direct connection test” under the Multinational Anti-Avoidance Law (MAAL).Continue Reading
By Daksha Baxi (Head of International Taxation, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas) and Jyoti Anumolu (Associate, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas)
India’s Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) at New Delhi last month delivered a significant decision in the case of Nokia Networks OY (taxpayer) on the issue of whether it’s Indian subsidiary, Nokia India Private Limited (NIPL) (which was assigned installation contracts by the taxpayer or entered into independent installation contracts with customers) constituted a permanent establishment (PE) for the taxpayer.Continue Reading
Guernsey has signed a new tax treaty with the UK. The new tax treaty replaces the one that has been in force since 1951.
The new tax treaty is based, broadly, on the OECD Model Tax Convention, which Guernsey has generally followed in its negotiations with other jurisdictions in recent years. The text of the tax treaty incorporates some of the recent international standards designed to prevent base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS). Continue Reading
The governments of UK and Isle of Man signed a new tax treaty on July 2.
The tax treaty is based on the latest OECD Model Tax Convention and includes provisions to reflect the OECD’s base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) measures.Continue Reading
The OECD today called for stakeholders’ input on a discussion draft on financial transactions, which deals with follow-up work in relation to base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) Actions 8-10, on assuring that transfer pricing outcomes are in line with value creation.
Continue Reading
By Josh Bamfo (Partner & Head, Transfer Pricing Services, Andersen Tax, Nigeria)
The Federal Government of Nigeria finally published the much anticipated Income Tax (Country-by-Country Reporting) Regulations, 2018 (the CbC Regulations) on June 19, 2018 (with a commencement date of January 1, 2018). This is in line with Nigeria’s signing of the OECD’s Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement on January 27, 2016, providing for automatic exchange of CbC reports.
As a sequel to my earlier publication on the potential implications of the draft CbC reporting Regulations to affected taxpayers, which was published four months ago, this article presents the key highlights of the CbC reporting Regulations and re-assesses the potential implications based on the content of the final, published version.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
Kazakhstan, Peru, and the UAE have signed the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) Multilateral Convention, the OECD has announced, adding that Estonia intends to sign the Convention on June 29.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
A bill aimed at tackling multinational tax avoidance will come into force on July 1, 2018, New Zealand’s Revenue Minister, Stuart Nash, has announced.Continue Reading
On June 21, 2018, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) published for stakeholders’ comments draft Practical Compliance Guideline (PCG 2018/D4) to assist taxpayers who may be affected by the country’s hybrid mismatch rules and wish to unwind or restructure out of existing hybrid arrangements.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
On June 21, 2018, the OECD released two reports setting out key guidance on the application of the approach to hard-to-value intangibles, and on the application of the transactional profit split method, as part of its work on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) project.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) will exchange this month 109 country-by-country (CbC) reports of multinational enterprises’ (MNEs) with 35 foreign tax jurisdictions.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The United Nations has published the 2017 update to the UN Model Tax Convention, which incorporates changes agreed as part of the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) project.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
60 out of 90 countries have introduced tax legislation to implement country-by-country (CbC) reporting obligation for multinational enterprises (MNEs), in line with Action 13 of the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) project, according to a May 24 OECD report.Continue Reading
The UAE has newly joined the OECD’s Inclusive Framework on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS).
The Inclusive Framework on BEPS allows interested countries and jurisdictions to work with the OECD and Group of Twenty nations on monitoring the implementation of the BEPS proposals.Continue Reading
Introduction
When states attain membership of the European Union (EU), the governments are in charge of enacting and implementing their local direct taxation policy. The tax framework of the member-states shall not contravene or interfere the laid down policies and directives of the EU institutions; therefore, the sovereignty of member states is extremely safeguarded. Although the EU faces difficulties to come up with results that would be generally accepted by all member states, it has taken every step to integrate all Member States’ corporate direct taxation systems since the 1950s.Continue Reading
By Maulik Doshi (Partner, Head of Transfer Pricing & International Tax, SKP Group) and Kamlesh Kaltari (Senior Manager, SKP Group)
As an active participant in the OECD’s base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) project, India has implemented nearly all the BEPS recommendations and has taken several steps to amend the country’s domestic tax laws appropriately. The Indian Finance Act, 2016 implemented BEPS Action Item 13 by introducing a three-tiered transfer pricing documentation structure and made it effective from the 2016-17 financial year.Continue Reading
The Indian tax authority has published for public comments a draft Notification, which will implement the OECD’s proposals under Action 5 of the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) project.Continue Reading
India’s Union Cabinet has approved revision of the country’s tax treaty with Qatar.
The revised tax treaty includes a limitation of benefits clause to prevent treaty shopping. It meets the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) minimum standards on treaty abuse (BEPS Action 6) and mutual agreement procedure (BEPS Action 14).Continue Reading
The OECD has released additional guidance on the attribution of profits to permanent establishment (PE), as part of its work on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) Action 7.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The OECD’s Multilateral Convention to implement tax treaty-related measures to prevent base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) will enter into force on July 1, 2018.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The OECD on March 16 released its Interim Report on the Tax Challenges Arising from Digitalisation, noting a lack of consensus among countries on either the merit or the need for interim measures to address the tax challenges posed by the digital economy.Continue Reading
On March 12, 2018, the OECD published mutual agreement procedure (MAP) peer review reports of the following eight jurisdictions: Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Korea, Norway, Poland, Singapore, and Spain. Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
On March 8, 2018, the Australian Government released for public comments revised exposure draft legislation aimed at tackling hybrid mismatch arrangements.Continue Reading
On March 5, 2018, the Hong Kong Government launched an online portal to enable Hong Kong entities to file their country-by-country (CbC) reports. The Portal can be accessed through: https://aeoi.ird.gov.
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
In his recent address to the Irish Tax Institute, Ireland’s Finance Minister, Paschal Donohoe, outlined views on critical tax issues such as the country’s low corporate tax rate, the impact of US tax reforms, and digital taxation.Continue Reading
Anguilla has newly joined the OECD’s Inclusive Framework on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS).Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
In a 24-page long letter to the country’s Parliament, Dutch State Secretary for Finance, Menno Snel, has set out a detailed tax plan to tackle multinational tax avoidance, including measures to prevent the internationally-oriented Dutch tax system from being used as a conduit to tax havens.Continue Reading
By Marco Greggi (Professor, International Tax Law, University of Ferrara)
The Italian Finance Ministry, on February 21, 2018, published for stakeholders’ comments two draft transfer pricing regulations. The first Regulation is a proposed decree that deals with substantive aspects of transfer pricing regulations (analyzed in this article), while the second Regulation concerns corresponding adjustments (procedural aspects). The second Regulation on corresponding adjustments will be analyzed in a forthcoming article.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The OECD is working with Brazil to examine the similarities and gaps between the Brazilian and OECD approaches to valuing related-party, cross-border transactions for tax purposes.Continue Reading
By Ahmed Jooma (Independent Tax, Legal, and Public Policy Consultant)
On February 21, 2018, South Africa’s Finance Minister, Malusi Gigaba, presented the country’s National Budget, which will be tougher on the populace than on multinational corporations. Most of the tax changes that will affect cross-border transactions are of a technical nature. A continued focus on base erosion and profit shifting is expected to assist in arresting the deteriorating fiscal environment. This is further exacerbated by pressure to maintain a relatively low corporate tax rate in the face of tax competition.
Continue Reading
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA-ANZ) has stressed that by implementing the Taxation (Neutralising Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) Bill in its current form, the New Zealand Government would be “going further than most other OECD countries.”Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
Europe is determined to introduce key changes to the EU corporate tax framework to address the tax challenges posed by the digital economy, EU Tax Commissioner Pierre Moscovici has said.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
On February 20, 2018, the UK Government published “Statement of Practice 1 (2018)” on the country’s mutual agreement procedure (MAP) framework. The Statement supersedes “Statement of Practice 1 (2011).”Continue Reading
Serbia has newly joined the OECD’s Inclusive Framework on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS).Continue Reading
India on February 17 signed a tax treaty with Iran. The treaty is similar to the ones entered into by India with other countries.Continue Reading
By Alex Cooper
The New Zealand Inland Revenue is seeking to rectify a drafting error in a new rule to limit the rate of deductible interest on related-party, cross-border debt (the restricted transfer pricing rule) in the Taxation (Neutralising Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) Bill.Continue Reading
Ireland and Ghana signed a new tax treaty on February 7, 2018. The procedures to ratify the treaty are underway.
Ireland is also negotiating and renegotiating existing treaties with foreign jurisdictions.
According to the tax authority, Ireland’s existing treaty base will also be updated to incorporate provisions set out in the Multilateral Convention to implement tax treaty-related measures to prevent base erosion and profit shifting.
By Aurelio Massimiano (Partner, Maisto e Associati) and Matteo Cataldi (Associate, Maisto e Associati)
On December 29, 2017, the Italian Government published Law No. 205 of December 27, 2017 (Budget Law) in the Italian Official Journal, which contains key tax measures including a new tax on digital transactions (Web Tax) and revisions to the definition of permanent establishment (PE) in the domestic law.Continue Reading
By Terence WILHELM (Attorney at Law, Managing Partner, CARA Avocats, France)
On December 31, 2017, the French Government gazetted Finance Act, 2018, which revises the current transfer pricing documentation requirements in France. Accordingly, companies falling within the ambit of the new requirements will need to newly submit to the tax authority a two-fold documentation comprising “master” and “local” files, developed under Action 13 of the OECD’s base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) project. The revised transfer pricing documentation requirement is inserted in Article L13AA of the French Procedural Tax Book (Livre des procedures fiscales) and is applicable to fiscal years beginning January 1, 2018.
Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The OECD today released additional guidance for tax administrations and multinational corporations on the implementation of country-by-country (CbC) reporting requirement.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
The Australian Government today published for stakeholders’ comments a draft legislation to implement the OECD’s Multilateral Convention to implement tax treaty-related base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) measures in Australia.Continue Reading
On January 31, 2018, Bermuda’s Finance Ministry released an updated list of tax jurisdictions that will be treated as “reportable jurisdictions” for the purposes of the country-by-country (CbC) reporting standard for the 2016 and 2017 reporting periods.Continue Reading
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has reminded significant global entities to file, by February 15, 2018, their country-by-country (CbC) reporting statements for the year ending December 31, 2016.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
On February 1, 2018, India’s Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley, issued the country’s 2018 Budget, which introduces a new permanent establishment (PE) nexus based on virtual economic presence to tax business profits of foreign enterprises.Continue Reading
By Josh Bamfo (Partner & Head, Transfer Pricing Services, Andersen Tax, Nigeria)
Since the signing of the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and its subsequent ratification by the Federal Executive Council in 2016, most Nigerian taxpayers and tax practitioners have been keenly waiting for the implementation of a country-by-country (CbC) reporting requirement, developed under Action 13 of the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) project. Nonetheless, we were still surprised by the FIRS’ communication via its official Twitter handle on 24 January, 2018, that the Income Tax (Country-by-Country Reporting) Regulations, 2018, (CbC Regulations) has now been signed by the Federal Government of Nigeria, and will be gazetted soon.Continue Reading
Senior officials from Greece and Bulgaria met on January 18, 2018, to discuss ways to tackle base erosion and profit shifting by certain Greek businesses, who transfer their headquarters to Bulgaria to benefit from a low corporate tax rate in Bulgaria.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
Barbados, Côte d’Ivoire, Jamaica, Malaysia, Panama, and Tunisia have newly signed the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) Multilateral Convention, the OECD announced on January 24, 2018.Continue Reading
On January 15, 2018, the Government of Hong Kong announced that it has entered into a bilateral arrangement with France to automatically exchange country-by-country (CbC) reports filed by multinational corporations.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
Mel Stride, Financial Secretary to the UK Treasury, has said that the Government has brought in and protected more than GBP8bn in 2016-17 from UK’s largest companies.Continue Reading
Maltese Finance Minister, Edward Scicluna, has stressed that the country’s international tax regime is in line with the OECD’s BEPS proposals.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
On December 29, 2017, Hong Kong gazetted the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (No. 6) Bill, 2017, which provides for an implementation framework for country-by-country (CbC) reporting in Hong Kong.Continue Reading
Mongolia has joined the OECD’s Inclusive Framework on BEPS, bringing the total number of countries participating in the project on an equal footing to 111.
Members of the framework work together with other OECD and G-20 countries on implementing the BEPS package consistently and on developing further standards to address BEPS issues.
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
On December 18, 2017, the OECD released the 2017 edition of the OECD Model Tax Convention, which incorporates significant changes developed under BEPS project.Continue Reading
The author is Alex Hunter, Editor, TP News. He oversees and updates the publication and also regularly writes news stories about transfer pricing and international tax law. Alex is reachable on email (editor@transferpricingnews.com) and by phone (+447808558597).
There are now over 1,400 automatic exchange relationships in place among tax administrations committed to exchanging country-by-country (CbC) reports as of mid-2018.Continue Reading
The Irish Tax and Customs is has opened the filing facility for the receipt of country-by-country (CbC) reports for fiscal years ending in 2016.Continue Reading
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