Strategizing International Tax Best Practices – by Keith Brockman

Posts tagged ‘UK GAAR’

UK Consultation document: Tax Avoidance sanctions

HMRC has released a Consultation document entitled: Strengthening Sanctions for Tax Avoidance.  The document was provided on 30 January 2015, with comments due by 12 March 2015.  The document targets repeat offenders of tax avoidance schemes, and also proposes GAAR penalties and processes.

A link is included for reference:

Click to access Strengthening_sanctions_for_tax_avoidance_-_consultation_document.pdf

Key provisions:

  • It is focused on “tax avoidance” arrangements, specifically targeting “serial avoiders.”
  • A tax surcharge and special measures are suggested for repeated use of tax avoidance schemes.
  • A “name and shame” approach is also suggested, although being wary of reputational damage.
  • GAAR: It is now the right time to reconsider imposition of a GAAR-specific penalty and surcharge.  The document addresses maintenance of the current GAAR Independent Advisory Panel and related guidance, for which a flowchart is provided in Annex B for reference.
  • A series of questions re: Serial Avoiders and GAAR Penalties are provided for comment.

It is interesting to note the surcharge and accelerated payment concepts, also introduced in the controversial Diverted Profits Tax proposal.  Additionally, retaining the GAAR independent panel is a welcome statement that is not proposed for comment.

The inherent subjectivity of “tax avoidance” proposals potentially subject taxpayers and tax administrations to further complexity, additional costs and potential double taxation.  Therefore, all interested individuals and organisations should review this document and prepare comments to address this initiative, as other countries will be following these developments for possible application in their respective jurisdictions.

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Transfer Pricing

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Tax Dispute Resolutions: Best Practices / Update

KPMG provides a timely and relevant update of tax dispute resolution issues, coupled with Best Practice ideas.  The publication can be accessed from this link:

Click to access tdr-quarterly-magazine-winter-2013.pdf

A summary is provided for quick reference:

  • US: New IDR process: Required (new) IDR process for all large-case exams: IDR Collaboration (carrot) & delinquency notice/summons procedures (stick)
  • Risk from whistleblowers: Current climate and Best Practices, including avoidance of retaliation, ethics hotline, procedural awareness, tax dept. procedures, and what to do if you suspect whistle blowing
  • IRS practices, various items of interest
  • Global tax disputes, including a focus on UK GAAR (also refer to a prior blog post)

This publication provides insight into today’s tax challenges and risks, to be mitigated by Best Practice ideas that should be an integral part of all multinationals tax framework.

It will be interesting to note developments into the new procedure by IRS as demonstrated by the agents performing the exam, as the summons procedure process is mandatory and has no exceptions.  Additional time should be spent understanding the issue raised by IRS, as well as collaborating on the draft inquiry, to benefit from undue data collection and audit inefficiencies.

Additionally, the whistleblower comments should be used to test, modifying as necessary, current internal governance procedures.  Such procedures should be reviewed, tested, and modified on an annual / recurring basis.

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Tax Risk Management

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UK Finance Act 2013: GAAR has arrived

Click to access ukpga_20130029_en.pdf

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/avoidance/gaar.htm

The links provide reference to the UK Finance Act 2013 and information about the development and intent of the new general anti-avoidance rule (GAAR).

The GAAR legislation, effective at date of enactment, includes various taxes with its stated purpose as counteracting tax advantages arising from tax arrangements that are abusive.  A “tax arrangement” must also be “abusive” for GAAR to apply. Part 5, in part, is provided herein for reference.

207 Meaning of “tax arrangements” and “abusive”

(1) Arrangements are “tax arrangements” if, having regard to all the circumstances, it would be reasonable to conclude that the obtaining of a tax advantage was the main purpose, or one of the main purposes, of the arrangements.

(2) Tax arrangements are “abusive” if they are arrangements the entering into or carrying out of which cannot reasonably be regarded as a reasonable course of action in relation to the relevant tax provisions, having regard to all the circumstances including

(a) whether the substantive results of the arrangements are consistent with any principles on which those provisions are based (whether express or implied) and the policy objectives of those provisions,

 (b) whether the means of achieving those results involves one or more  contrived or abnormal steps, and

(c) whether the arrangements are intended to exploit any shortcomings in those provisions.

The UK GAAR legislation, as in other countries, is principle based and subjective.  Accordingly,  a comprehensive understanding of the GAAR legislation, and inherent intent, is required.  An interesting aspect of the UK GAAR legislation is the formal procedure to be used by HMRC for application of GAAR.

Best Practices include preparation of a memorandum for planning transactions that objectively states the business / economic reasons to provide rationale for the proposal, thereby deriving business intent for application of the GAAR rules.  Additionally, benefits of early discussions with tax authorities in countries for which co-operative compliance programs are in place (refer to 13 June 2013 post: OECD – A Framework for Co-operative Compliance) should be considered.  

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Tax Risk Management

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GAAR: India & International Perspective

Click to access pwc-white-paper-on-gaar.pdf

This publication provides a very interesting treatise on the development of GAAR in India, including an international perspective in Appendix B for the United States, S. Africa, Germany, China, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia.

Importantly, the publication sets forth the OECD definitions for tax evasion, tax avoidance and tax planning for clarity.

This concept is increasing in importance, and should be followed closely with ideas of forming Best Practices re: tax planning, tax documentation, etc.

Ideas for Best Practice consideration:

  • Address the concepts of GAAR, formal or informal, as part of every tax planning exercise.
  • Ensure the global tax team is informed about the latest GAAR developments to increase awareness and responsibility.
  • Brainstorm ideas about GAAR, forming Best Practices for the organization.
  • Proactively ask for input from external advisors to gain different perspectives on this evolving topic.
  • Share your ideas with your peers from other organizations for a win-win result.

Category:

Tax Risk Management, Transfer Pricing

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