|
|
Fernando Giacobbo |
Mark Conomy |
On March 29 2017, the Brazilian tax authorities (RFB) published Solução de Consulta 191/2017 (SC 191/2017) (dated March 23 2017), confirming that withholding tax and Contribuição sobre Intervenção no Domínio Econômico (CIDE) should apply on payments made in relation to importations of software as a service (SaaS) from abroad.
The tax treatment of payments in relation to software has been a controversial issue over the years. Common issues include whether the software should be considered as an off-the-shelf product versus a customised technical service versus a royalty type license to use. Depending on the nature of the payments, the tax consequences can differ substantially, reinforcing the need for careful analysis and definition of what is being imported.
In the particular circumstances contemplated by SC 191/2017, the company making the importation of the SaaS was involved in the commercialisation of access/usage authorisations acquired from abroad for resale to users/clients in Brazil. The SaaS could be accessed by users from any computer/mobile device using a password. Authorisation for access occurred remotely via the internet where the users could access a databank in the 'cloud' rather than a determined location. The access authorisations contemplated two elements:
Network protection against viruses, spam and other threats; and
Access to online conferences, meetings, training and internet projects and information for real time sharing.
It was highlighted that while offered to clients on a broad basis, the SaaS was not a product made to order or a multiple-copy software that should be considered an off-the-shelf product. The RFB also clarified that in the present case, the SaaS being imported was a licence to use for resale as opposed to a license to commercialise/distribute.
The RFB examined the elements of what was being imported, concluding that the monthly payment for the SaaS was in consideration for diverse services similar to a package of utilities. When determining whether the SaaS should be considered a technical service, the RFB relied on the concept of a technical service set out in Normative Instruction 1,455/2014 which included activities rendered through automated structures with clear technological content within the relevant definition.
Pursuant to SC 191/2017, the RFB concluded that withholding tax and CIDE should be levied at source on amounts paid, credited, delivered, employed or remitted abroad as compensation for the SaaS, which they considered as technical services, depending on specialised knowledge in computer science and coming from automated structures with clear technological content.
By way of background, a Solução de Consulta is a formal response by the RFB to consultation made by a taxpayer and although this document does not represent legal precedent, it does provide further support and guidance for Brazilian entities in relation to how the RFB are treating such arrangements from a transactional tax.
Fernando Giacobbo (fernando.giacobbo@pwc.com) and Mark Conomy (mark.conomy@pwc.com)
PwC
Tel: +55 11 3674-2582 and +55 11 3674-2519
Website: www.pwc.com.br
