Expert Analysis

The Indian transfer pricing regulations are expected to provide a more robust framework for taxpayers and the revenue authorities alike to demonstrate the arm’s-length character of their related-party transactions. However, Amit Agarwal of Ernst & Young argues that the wide discretion conferred on the revenue authorities in the interpretation and implementation of these regulations has spawned a cesspool of tax controversies leading to substantial tax adjustments. It is reported that in the latest round of transfer pricing audits the cumulative value of these adjustments was $8.9 billion.

The OECD released a number of reports relating to transfer pricing recently. The draft on intangible assets was released ahead of schedule in June, but the organisation has also produced a draft on safe harbours and memorandums of understanding and another on timing issues. Sophie Ashley considers the practical implications of these reports.

Antonio Tomassini and Alessandro Martinelli, of DLA Piper, analyse a recent Italian circular which gives clarity on mutual agreement procedures (MAP) and look at how its guidelines will interact with domestic law.

Join Grant Thornton and insightsoftware on April 23 for a free ITR webinar exploring how flexible tax software aligns with your existing processes, enabling smoother adoption, integration, and phased implementation across complex organisations

Join ITR for a free webinar on February 4 as senior tax practitioners from BDO India analyse a highly significant ruling by the Indian Supreme Court

Interview with Candy Ye Tang, tax and business advisory leader, Deloitte China

Antonio Ruiz and Alejandra Arguedas of EY Central America, Panama and Dominican Republic explain how tax, geopolitical factors, and trade agreements shape foreign investment in Central America, offering guidance for companies navigating the region

David Hamzah Damian of DDTC Consulting examines recent procedural changes in Indonesia’s tax disputes process and the Supreme Court’s stance on tax evidence, highlighting key implications for taxpayers facing audits, objections, and appeals

Eddie Morris, Josep Serrano Torres, and Jen Breeze of Deloitte compare transfer pricing controversies in the pharmaceutical and automotive sectors, highlighting how DEMPE functions, regulation, and intangibles drive both common themes and sector-specific challenges

Maria Gouveia of Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados examines the most widespread misconceptions surrounding the regime, clarifying its tax deferral mechanism, effective rates, eligibility criteria, and scope

Rafael Calvo Salinero and Fernando Brioso de la Rica of Garrigues examine the implications of a Spanish Supreme Court ruling on treaty relief when the Interest and Royalties Directive exemption is denied

Federico Vincenti and Carola Valente Della Rovere of Valente Associati GEB Partners/Crowe Valente examine the challenges and methodologies involved in determining arm’s-length prices for transactions involving intangible assets, addressing how to ensure compliance and mitigate tax risks