Transfer Price Simulator
Analysis results
Key points to document
What is Transfer Pricing?
Transfer pricing refers to the prices at which one company transfers goods, services or rights to another related company, in a cross-border context. These transactions typically concern exchanges between the various entities of a single multinational group, and have an impact on the allocation of income and expenses between different tax jurisdictions.
Transfer pricing regulations
Governments impose strict regulations to ensure that Transfer Prices correspond to what would have been negotiated under conditions of free competition, known as the arm’s length principle. Companies must therefore demonstrate that their transactions comply with this principle to avoid potentially high tax reassessments.
The Importance of Documentation
An essential part of Transfer Pricing compliance is supporting documentation. Companies are required to maintain detailed records establishing the rationalization of their Transfer Pricing policy.
Transfer Pricing Methodology
Various methods are used to establish Transfer Prices, each adapted to specific types of transaction. These methods include arm’s length price comparison, profit allocation, and cost plus, among others.
Transfer Pricing Audit and Litigation
Faced with complex rules and the need for meticulous application, companies are often subject to tax audits targeting Transfer Pricing. In the event of disagreement with the authorities, a tax dispute may ensue.
Tax optimization strategies
Transfer pricing is also a tool for tax optimization, enabling profits to be allocated to group entities located in more advantageous tax jurisdictions.
The role of the Transfer Pricing Expert
Given the complexity of the rules surrounding Transfer Pricing, it is often necessary to call in an expert, such as a tax lawyer, to navigate the subtleties and avoid the pitfalls.
The challenge of Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs)
Multinationals can seek to protect themselves against the risk of reassessment by requesting Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) from the tax authorities. This agreement establishes in advance a Transfer Pricing method for a given period, offering a degree of legal certainty.
Multilateral agreements and international cooperation
Faced with the growing complexity of global transactions, several countries have signed multilateral agreements to simplify processes and harmonize transfer pricing practices, as illustrated by the work carried out by the OECD.
Impact of Tax Reforms
Tax reforms, particularly those inspired by the OECD’s BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) project, have a direct impact on transfer pricing management and the tax strategy of international groups.
Frequently asked questions
Here is a list of frequently asked questions about Transfer Pricing.
What is the purpose of an appropriate Transfer Pricing policy?
The aim is to minimize the risk of tax reassessment and optimize a group’s overall tax position, while complying with the tax legislation in force in the various jurisdictions concerned.
Is a medium-sized company concerned by transfer pricing?
Yes, any company carrying out transactions with related entities abroad must comply with Transfer Pricing rules, although the impact is more significant for large multinationals.
How to prepare transfer pricing documentation
Intra-group transactions must be analyzed and documented, an arm’s length pricing method must be established, and supporting documents must be kept in case of a tax audit.
How do tax authorities check compliance with transfer pricing rules?
Tax authorities may ask to examine Transfer Price documentation and make adjustments if they consider that transactions do not correspond to market conditions.
In the event of a disagreement over transfer pricing, how do I proceed?
In such cases, it is advisable to consult a specialist in tax law, who can analyze the dispute and advise the company on the steps to take, such as negotiating an out-of-court settlement or representing the company in court.