Is your tax department game ready? - EY's Asia-Pacific guide 2021 launched

Click here to read EY's Asia-Pacific guide 2021 

In collaboration with EY, ITR brings you the key themes that tax departments in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond should consider as they prepare for the tax world of tomorrow.

On the track to financial recovery from COVID-19, Asia-Pacific has been the early pacesetter. Though, unsurprisingly, business – and tax consequences – have been far from plain sailing.

Leading the response from the front, chief financial officers are tasked with taking a strategic view of managing the entire finance function, including their tax operations, to access and unleash potential for their teams. Conspicuously, the pandemic has meant that operation models in the region have altered beyond recognition and that decentralised networks are increasingly becoming the norm.

Compliance and reporting have become more complex, with digitalisation, social responsibility and the demand for corporate transparency being key drivers. It is hoped that intelligent systems – such as enterprise resource planning and enterprise performance management platforms – have the potential to improve working processes.

The high level of political focus on tax means that multilateralism is rising and tax administrations are more empowered and synchronised than before. The OECD, along with organisations such as the IMF, United Nations and the World Bank, have rallied for collaboration in response to complex and novel challenges.

On a national level, in the face of global trade stand-offs and increased trade risk, the growing presence of free trade agreements in Asia-Pacific is welcome news for businesses operating out of the region. Away from home, the guide also takes a closer look at the Biden administration’s proposals and the knock-on effect that the US’s political flip has for global MNEs and tax policy.

As tax transforms in Asia-Pacific, professionals from EY will play a pivotal role in assisting in-house tax departments – from multinational corporations to family businesses – stay on target for the challenges ahead. We hope that you enjoy reading the practical insights from those leading the progression in our second EY Asia-Pacific guide.

Click here to read EY's Asia-Pacific guide 2021

Prin Shasiharan

Senior commercial editor ITR LinkedIn profile E: prin.shasiharan@euromoneyplc.com Prin Shasiharan drives thought leadership with global tax advisors for ITR’s insight projects, in addition to managing contributions from partner firms. He has hosted and moderated high-level events involving eminent tax practitioners. He also manages commercial collaborations for other Euromoney brands including The Deal, Managing IP and IFLR. Prin has experience in tax compliance, financial crime and regulatory roles, and has previously worked for international organisations including the United Nations and the Council of Europe.