Emerging Trends in Transfer Pricing

Emerging Tax Trends in Transfer Pricing by Prof Dr Daniel N Erasmus

Article published in SAIT, Tax Talk Magazine, Issue 103 November/ December 2023

Transfer pricing (TP) disputes have always posed challenges to multinational enterprises (MNEs) and tax authorities. The interpretation and implementation of arm’s length principles, the backbone of TP regulations, have led to an increasing number of TP disputes across the globe. This article considers emerging trends, emphasising the critical role of TP expert witnesses in any TP dispute.

The significance of TP expert witnesses in TP disputes

A central theme in any TP dispute resolution process is the selection and preparation of a TP expert witness. Such an expert is often called upon to lend their expertise during the trial; however, their participation is required very early in the TP dispute process to aid in finding workable resolutions.

Selecting the right TP expert witness

The onus of proving the arm’s length price rests with the taxpayer. It is crucial to choose an expert who possesses the requisite technical knowledge and the capability to present findings credibly in a court environment. Whereas there are many TP specialists globally, only a handful have the experience to serve as an effective expert in such a setting. A list of key considerations in selection follows. >>> Click here to download the full article >>>

CHECK OUT THESE POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES IN INTERNATIONAL TAXATION AND TRANSFER PRICING:


PROGRAMMES IN INTERNATIONAL TAXATION


PROGRAMMES IN TRANSFER PRICING


* All programmes are delivered by I/I/T/F Academy of Tax Law and validated and certified by Middlesex University, London. InformaConnect Ltd is the programme partner.

Related Articles

Czech Republic vs RR Donnelley Transfer Pricing Case

The case Czech Republic vs. RR Donnelley Czech s.r.o. revolved around a transfer pricing dispute concerning the application of Section 23(7) of the Czech Income Tax Act (ITA). The core issue was whether RR Donnelley Czech s.r.o. had correctly applied the arm’s length principle in a transaction involving the purchase of hard disk drives (HDDs) on behalf of Banta Ireland, a related entity.

France vs SAS Roger Vivier: TRANSFER PRICING CASE

The judgment revolves around a tax dispute between SAS Roger Vivier Paris, a distributor of luxury goods, and the French tax authorities. The core issue concerns transfer pricing adjustments made for the financial years 2012–2014, with the tax authorities asserting that SAS Roger Vivier Paris indirectly transferred profits to foreign-related parties in non-arm’s length conditions.