Strategizing International Tax Best Practices – by Keith Brockman

European Parliament urges CBCR public transparency

August 1, 2015

The European Parliament adopted a resolution to tackle tax avoidance and tax evasion via transparency measures to ameliorate limited resources of tax administrations.  A summary and full content of the proposal are referenced herein:

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/summary.do?id=1396472&t=d&l=en

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2015-0265

Key observations:

  • Publish country-by-country reporting (CBCR) template as part of annual reporting; The European Commission is to provide a legislative proposal to amend the Accounting Directive accordingly.
  • Establish a consistent definition of “tax havens” by the end of 2015.
  • Provide a blacklist of countries that do not combat tax evasion or that accept it.
  • New treaties with developing countries should tax profits where value is created.
  • EU Member States should agree on a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB).
  • The EU should be taking a leading role to combat tax havens, tax fraud and evasion, leading by example.
  • Beneficial information should be public; the Financial Action Task Force’s (FAFT) anti-money laundering recommendation is a minimum.
  • Public scrutiny of tax governance and the monitoring of tax fraud cases; protect whistleblowers and journalistic sources.
  • Transition period for developing countries to adopt the Automatic Exchange of Information mechanism.

These initiatives are accelerating the focus and intent for public tax disclosures in the very near future.

Most importantly, inclusion of the CBCR template as required documentation of annual reporting will automatically accelerate the due date for completion of such information.  Thus, the year-end 2017 timeline proposed by the OECD will give way to this proposal and similar unilateral actions.

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OECD, Tax Risk Management

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Tax Risk Training: Tax Risk Framework element

July 29, 2015

As tax authorities, most recently Australia and UK, place added focus on a tax risk framework and providing evidence of diligence re: such procedures, it is critical that new financial leaders receive tax risk training upon entering an organization as well as a review on a recurring basis.  The training should also be reviewed and updated annually for new developments.

Examples of topics for discussion:

  • Beneficial ownership & disclosures (coordinated with Treasury Know Your Customer perspective)
  • Permanent Establishment (PE)
  • General Anti-Avoidance rules (GAAR)
  • Transfer pricing methodologies, internal governance procedures
  • Transfer pricing documentation process
  • BEPS governance strategies
  • Financial statement tax reserve criteria and timing
  • Interrelationship of domestic law and double tax treaties
  • Tax policy
  • Elements of tax risk framework
  • Tax audit protocol
  • Tax audit methodologies
  • Customs / Transfer pricing coordination
  • BEPS Country-by-Country report, future trends

The training generally provides additional awareness, thereby mitigating tax risk exposures and providing a win-win opportunity that cascades across the organization.

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Tax Risk Management

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Brazil: Tax loss offsets / new tax return disclosures

July 24, 2015

The Brazilian government has announced two new programs:

  • Use of tax losses to offset currently disputed Federal tax liabilities
  • Disclosure of tax planning structures that avoid, reduce or postpone taxes; such measures are meant to improve relationships between tax authorities and taxpayers.  This requirement is also meant to align with the OECD BEPS guidelines.  For planning structures implemented in 2014, disclosure is due by 30 Sept. 2015.  

Click to access 2015G_CM5636_Brazil%20uses%20tax%20losses%20to%20encourage%20cos%20to%20settle%20disputed%20tax%20liabilities.pdf

Additional disclosures and initiatives, aligned with BEPS guidelines, will be introduced in legislation by other countries, resulting in additional diligence requirements to avoid penalties.  Tax governance is becoming increasingly difficult and complex, underpinned by dissimilar compliance demands of each country.

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Tax Risk Management

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UK risk proposals: Public tax strategy, Voluntary Code of Practice and Special Measures

July 23, 2015

HMRC has issued consultation documents proposing requirements to publish a “tax strategy,”, voluntary Code of Practice corporate tax processes and creation of a “special measures” regime.  Comments are due by 14 October 2015 for each Consultation document.

These proposals follow closely upon the heels of the ATO issuance of Best Practice methodologies addressing a taxpayer’s tax risk.

Three documents are provided for reference: (1) A Clifford Chance Briefing note, (ii) HMRC’s Consultation document for Improving Large Business Tax Compliance and (iii) HMRC’s Consultation document on Strengthening Sanctions  for Tax Avoidance.

http://www.cliffordchance.com/briefings/2015/07/mandatory_tax_strategiesacodeofpracticean.html

Click to access Improving_Large_Business_Tax_Compliance.pdf

Click to access Strengthening_Sanctions_for_Tax_Avoidance_-_A_Consultation_on_Detailed_Proposals.pdf

Executive brief:

  • Public availability of a company’s tax strategy (financial penalty for non-disclosure) including:
    • Tax internal governance arrangements
    • Risk management approach
    • Tax planning attitude and tax risk appetite, including affirmation that it aims to satisfy the spirit, as well as the letter of the law
    • Attitude to relationship with HMRC
    • Target UK effective tax rate (if applicable), and what measures are being taken to achieve it
  • Voluntary Code of Practice, including affirmations that:
    • Tax planning is consistent with the economic consequences
    • Transactions provide a tax result that is in accordance with the intentions of Parliament: “HMRC will consider a purposive construction of the legislation, and will also consider whether Parliament can realistically have intended to give the proposed result in circumstances that are very different from those that prevailed at the time”
    • Transparent relationship is maintained with HMRC
    • Tax obligations are met
    • Early dialogues for engagement with HMRC to discuss tax planning, strategy, risk, significant transactions and full disclosure of areas providing significant uncertainty
    • Objective evidence is provided to HMRC that decisions with tax implications have been approved by a senior decision maker
  • Special Measures for companies entering into aggressive tax planning / failing to transparently engage withHMRC, including:
    • Providing all documentation (including third party tax advice) related to tax
    • Refusal to provide non-statutory clearances
    • Public naming
    • Automatic 100% tax penalties

Observations in the Documents:

  • Attitudes to tax avoidance and aggressive tax planning have altered significantly, including political interest
  • Intention is to create Best Practices
  • The Government is awaiting the EU Tax Transparency Package consultation, and will consider its findings carefully
  • Proposal is separate from the current SAO regime, as well as the OECD’s country-by-country reporting guidelines
  • A company could be required to state in their tax strategy whether they are a signatory to the Voluntary Code of Practice
  • Non-publication of a tax strategy will be a consideration of HMRC’s tax risk reviews
  • Evidence of “governance in action” to be provided
  • Voluntary Code of Practice is aimed at tax planning that crosses over into tax avoidance
  • The company should reasonably believe that transactions give a tax result which is not contrary to Parliament’s intentions
  • Special measures will remain for a minimum of 2 years

A higher standard of tax excellence is being demanded by public pressures and tax administrations in the form of an objective tax risk framework overseen at the Board level and subject to internal control testing.  HMRC’s proposals are being followed by other countries worldwide, and similar measures would not be unexpected in other jurisdictions.  Accordingly, all interested parties should review the documents, and provide comments thereto.

 

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Tax Risk Management

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ATO Tax Risk Guide: Board is an integral player

July 22, 2015

The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has issued comprehensive and detailed rules addressing requirements for a formal tax risk framework, from which a taxpayer’s risk will be measured.  The guidance includes a tax risk management and governance review guide, in addition to appendices for control testing and directorship responsibilities. The risk guide is focused upon Board and Managerial level responsibilities. EY’s Global Alert and ATO’s tax risk guide and appendices are provided for reference:

Click to access 2015G_CM5625_AU%20TO%20issues%20new%20guidelines%20on%20tax%20corporate%20governance.pdf

https://www.ato.gov.au/business/large-business/in-detail/key-products-and-resources/tax-risk-management-and-governance-review-guide/#Boardlevelresponsibilities

https://www.ato.gov.au/business/large-business/in-detail/key-products-and-resources/tax-risk-management-and-governance-review-guide/?anchor=Directorshipresponsibilities#Directorshipresponsibilities

Key actions:

  • Express requirements for Directors
  • Mandatory self-assurance processes for tax governance for which the ATO may rely in assessing risk
  • A lack of requisite tax controls will affect the risk rating
  • Board controls:
    • Formalized tax control framework (Tax strategy document and policies endorsed by Board of Directors)
    • Formalises company director roles / responsibilities for tax risk management
    • Formal evidence of tax risk review and familiarity with tax risk matters
    • Periodic internal control testing, including senior management’s attestation / formal board review of the testing results
  • Managerial level responsibilities:
    • Clearly defined and documented tax compliance and risk management roles / responsibilities
    • Senior management’s active role and governance with objective criteria  to demonstrate Best Practices
    • Identification of significant transactions via a policy, process, risk rating
    • Ensuring data controls are in place
    • Record-keeping policies, including a formal tax record-retention policy
    • Documented internal control framework
    • Documented procedures explaining significant differences between accounting disclosures, financial statements and the tax return
    • Complete and accurate tax disclosures, including compliance risk review and tax return review
    • Tax governance policies addressing legal and administrative changes
  • Appendices
    • A: Testing of controls to test control design effectiveness, with a (comprehensive) example of a walk-through scenario
    • B: Directorship responsibilities, including a penalty regime, and an appointed public officer

The ATO has set forth new expectations and Best Practices for multinational organisations. The Board of Directors for all MNE’s, not only those operating in Australia, should review the new guidelines, as they set the standard for the future to regulate tax risk management.  

Astute Boards will be acting proactively to ensure all controls are in place to effectively manage global tax risk in this brave new world of post-BEPS introspection.

Other countries will surely follow, limited only by current resources.  

Accordingly, the concept of a Tax Risk Officer and additional focus on tax risk management / governance policies (supported by objective testing) are becoming the new norm for which all MNE’s should embrace.  

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Tax Risk Management

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S. Africa tax initiatives: BEPS

July 21, 2015

The revenue authorities from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zambia shared their thoughts and insights at a Best Practice tax meeting in Pretoria, South Africa on 16 July, 2015.

The Joint Statement of the Commissioners is attached for reference:

Click to access Joint%20statement%20of%20the%20Comissioners%20General%20and%20heads%20of%20delegation%20-%20%20Illicit%20Financial%20Flows%20meeting%20-%2016%20July%202015.pdf

Key considerations:

  • Closer cooperation is needed re: illicit financial flows for tax and customs purposes.
  • The country-by-country (CbC) reporting threshold set by the OECD may need to be less for the African sub-region.
  • Information re: aggressive tax and duty schemes will be shared with existing treaty provisions.
  • Collaborative efforts will ensure to counter direct and indirect tax fraud.
  • Measures should be adopted to mitigate negative effects of profit shifting.
  • Legal frameworks and collaboration efforts will improve.
  • A regional database is to be established to support a risk-based approach.
  • Treaty networking will be emphasized, including the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) Agreement on Mutual Assistance in Tax Matters (AMATM).
  • South Africa will host a technical transfer pricing meeting, as well as convene the next meeting by October 2015.

Regional tax authorities in the African region, and others around the world, are working closer together to formulate Best Practices and join efforts to mitigate base erosion and profit shifting activities.

This collaboration also provides multinational organizations an opportunity to review their proactive efforts with tax authorities around the world to form trusting relationships and win-win opportunities to achieve mutual benefits.

Category:

OECD / UN

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BEPS Early Adopters: Australia-Anti hybrids

July 19, 2015

The Australian government has released Terms of Reference in preparation for anti-hybrid legislation, expected to be announced 12 May, 2016 in the federal budget.  Effective dates may be set as of 1 July, 2016 or 1 January, 2017 for calendar year taxpayers.

Specific rules are under consideration, including:

  • Objectives for eliminating double non-taxation
  • Economic costs for Australia
  • Taxpayer compliance costs
  • Interactions of domestic legislation, tax treaties and new anti-hybrid rules, expected to be announced by the OECD in October 2015.

A PwC Tax Insight summary is included for reference:

Click to access pwc-australia-announces-plans-beps-anti-hybrid-legislation.pdf

Australia, recently following the lead of the UK for diverted profits tax initiatives, has shown its proactive stance for adoption of the new OECD guidelines.

It is important to note that Australia will wait for the final OECD guidelines to pass matching legislation.  This legislative trend, and steps to initiate BEPS proposals quickly, will be a trend to watch for the rest of world countries.  

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OECD / UN

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OECD Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB): Now a reality

July 15, 2015

The OECD’s long-awaited Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB) initiative (posts of 9 June 9, 2013 & 30 January, 2015) has now become a reality.  The program is a collaboration of the OECD with the United Nations (UN) Development Programme.

A framework of international tax experts will augment local tax authorities on current audits, providing advice on transfer pricing and cross-border information exchange that will result in significantly increased tax revenue collection by developing countries.

http://www.oecd.org/tax/launch-of-tax-inspectors-without-borders.htm

Ways of Working / Transparency observations:

  • Will the list of countries’ receiving support be transparent?
  • How will issue consistency be assured for similar issues of different taxpayers across that jurisdiction: will the “experts” also be developing this process?
  • Will the “experts” be assisting in addressing/developing audit queries, issue determination, appeals and/or Competent Authority proceedings?
  • Will the “experts” be available to discuss issues directly with the taxpayer, if they have assisted with determination of such potential issue?
  • Is there a common “Memorandum of Understanding” that is shared with the taxpayer upon commencement of an audit, outlining the relevant processes that will be performed in collaboration by the relevant tax authority?

Answers to these questions, among others, will be helpful in providing additional context and understanding between taxpayers and tax authorities for this important initiative.

The metrics for monitoring such progress should include not only the amount of additional revenues assessed/collected, but should be inclusive of Best Practice methodologies and consistent methods of transfer pricing risk determination aligned with established laws in such jurisdiction.  

It is hopeful the UN and OECD will endeavor to provide additional mutuality and transparency for this initiative that will further enhance win-win opportunities.

 

 

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OECD / UN

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IMF, World Bank: Support for developing countries

July 13, 2015

The World Bank and the IMF have released a new initiative to support tax systems in developing countries; a link to the press release is provided for reference.

http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2015/pr15330.htm

Key observations:

  • World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim’s statement: “If everyone pays their fair share – developing countries can close their financing gaps and promote inclusive growth.”
  • The IMF and World Bank will continue to collaborate with the OECD and other development partners in expanding tax assistance and expertise.
  • Two pillars of development:
    • International tax dialogue to increase their collective voice
    • Developing diagnostic tools to evaluate and strengthen tax policies

These developments will be a key metric to monitor, in view of the increased complexity and documentation demands in a post-BEPS era.

Multinationals may also view these developments as added impetus to be more proactive in engaging with tax authorities in developing countries to better understand their business, as well as provide expertise in the complex transfer pricing arena.

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OECD / UN

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CTO Insights

July 12, 2015

KPMG has provided valuable ideas and observations in the June edition of its Chief Tax Officer (CTO) Insights publication.

Topics addressed in this edition include:

  1. Business Case for Tax Transformation
  2. OECD releases; BEPS impact
  3. Effective Communications
  4. Talent Management
  5. Shared Services Model

Click to access cto-insights-june-2015.pdf

Interesting questions:

  • How do you stay current with emerging trends in tax and governance?
  • Has BEPS changed your international  tax planning model?
  • Do you have a formal dashboard/scorecard to convey metrics?
  • How do you develop internal talent?
  • Has tax moved to a shared service/outsourced model?

These questions are provocative and inviting, as it leads to Best Practice thinking and implementation.  The publication is a valuable and welcome reference tool for CTO’s and other interested parties.

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Tax Risk Management

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European Parliament’s resolution: Ambitious disclosure plan

July 9, 2015

The European Parliament, following its recent push for public disclosure (03 June 2015 post), passed a non-binding resolution by 550 votes to 57 to make this happen.

A copy of the press release is provided for reference:

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/content/20150703IPR73914/html/Tax-MEPs-advocate-country-by-country-reporting-to-help-developing-countries

Key observations:

  • Country-by-country tax reporting (CbCR) should be publicly disclosed to fight tax evasion and avoidance.
  • Perceived benefits of public disclosures include better tax justice and an end to tax havens.
  • All countries should adopt CbCR.
  • Company ownership should be in the public domain.
  • EU institutions should monitor actions by the Member States to determine ongoing funding decisions.

The EU continues to be a proactive force in introducing public disclosure changes, which will be a spark for all other countries to follow.  Accordingly, monitoring such activities will be a key to understanding future trends and disclosures that can be planned for currently.

 

 

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Tax Risk Management

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UAE: Tax system on the horizon?

July 8, 2015

EY’s Alert provides an update on discussions being held in the UAE.

A corporate tax law has been drafted and a common value added tax (VAT) law framework for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has also been drafted.  These discussions are now in an advanced stage, although implementation of a tax would take additional time to implement.

Click to access 2015G_CM5575_Update%20on%20the%20proposed%20introduction%20of%20corporate%20taxation%20in%20the%20UAE.pdf

In efforts to provide financial sustainability, this initiative should be closely followed to plan for the potential impact in the UAE and the Region.

 

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Tax Risk Management

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Tax Function of the Future; Insights

July 3, 2015

PwC’s publication, referenced herein, provides revealing predictions and insights into the tax function of the future.

Click to access pwc-tax-function-of-the-future.pdf

Key observations:

  • Reputation is being impacted by external perceptions, therefore companies need to respond clearly and succinctly to a wider stakeholder base.
  • A course must be charged for continual transformation.
  • Many jurisdictions will legislatively require adoption of a tax control framework, which will be shared with tax authorities.
  • Dedicated tax data hubs will become mainstream; data is the new business currency.
  • Most global tax compliance and reporting activities will be performed via shared service centers and/or third parties.
  • Tax professionals will require strategic risk management skills.

As post-BEPS time nears, with inherent complexities and global disparities, the time to examine current and ideal states of the tax function should be an immediate priority to avoid recurring reactive responses.

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Tax Risk Management

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Poland’s latest Draft Bill accelerates CbC reporting

June 30, 2015

Poland’s latest amendments to its Draft Bill incorporates a major change to the date for submission of a country-by-country report (CbCR).

The original draft (refer to 28 May 2015 post) provided a 1/1/2016 effective date, with the CbCR due at the end of 2017 for 2016 data.  However, the latest draft moves the effective date of the Bill to 1/1/2017, however it also states that the CbCR must be attached to the 2016 corporate income tax return, generally due 3 months after the end of the tax year.

The final version of the bill should be monitored closely, as it would accelerate submission of the CbCR to 31 March 2017 for 2016 activity, which is significantly earlier than the 31/12/2017 date (for calendar year taxpayers) envisioned by the OECD’s BEPS Action 13 Discussion Draft.

The latest changes reflect the increasing emphasis on transparency and assessment of transfer pricing risk, a trend that is closely followed by all other countries in assessing their urgent need for transparency.

The EY publication link is attached for additional reference:

Click to access 2015G_CM5559_TP_Poland%20amends%20draft%20bill%20on%20TP%20documentation.pdf

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OECD, Tax Risk Management

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Australia: Voluntary Tax disclosure proposal

June 29, 2015

Australia continues to lead the way after its completion of cloaking new PE rules within its GAAR legislation, thereby avoiding the protection of the double tax treaty network.

A voluntary tax disclosure code concept is in deliberation by the Australian administration for its 2105-16 Budget.  This disclosure would be in addition to other disclosures, such as country-by-country (CbC) reporting.

KPMG’s commentary herein provides a snapshot of this potential new trend that should be monitored by multinationals, as countries around the world are also watching this recent development for perceived benefits.

Corporate tax disclosure code: next big thing in tax transparency?
by Stephen Callahan, Director, and James Gordon, Senior Manager, Corporate Tax

The 2015-16 Budget proposals to introduce a multinational (MNE) anti-avoidance rule and to levy GST on cross-border digital services grabbed the immediate headlines in the large business market.
However, arguably the more far reaching tax integrity proposal is the Board of Taxation review into the development of a voluntary code for greater public disclosure of tax information by large corporates.

There is the obvious, and as yet, unanswered question as to exactly which businesses the proposal is directed towards. Nevertheless, some initial thoughts on possible influences in this review include:

The controversy and confusion surrounding tax performance analytics based on financial statement tax
disclosures.
The tension between community expectations on disclosures covering tax, related party transactions and investment in subsidiaries as against the need for concise reporting for capital market purposes.
Debates surrounding what comprises a business’ tax contribution to a country and the measurement of effective tax rates.
Global developments on alternate models for improved tax transparency.
Tax contribution reporting by an increasing number of multinationals.
The relationship, if any, between a voluntary disclosure code and an involuntary tax transparency publications by the ATO.

We await with interest to see the terms of reference of the Board of Taxation review.

Category:

Transfer Pricing

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