Lexel AB v Sweden (Skatteverket): JUDGMENT
Case Information
- Court: Court of Justice of the European Union (First Chamber)
- Case No: C‑484/19
- Applicant: Lexel AB (Sweden)
- Defendant: Skatteverket (Swedish Tax AgencyTax authorities are fundamental institutions within government frameworks, overseeing tax assessment, collection, and administration. Their operations ensure that tax laws are enforced and public funds are collected efficiently. This article delves into tax authorities' purpose, responsibilities, and structure, offering insights into their essential role in supporting government functions and economic stability. What is a Tax Authority? A tax authority is...)
- Judgment Date: 20 January 2021
This case is translated from the original language into English.
In Lexel AB v Skatteverket (Case C‑484/19), the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that Swedish tax legislationTax laws form the backbone of any nation’s revenue system, setting the rules that govern how individuals and corporations contribute financially to support government functions. These laws define the types of taxes, the applicable rates, and the regulations regarding payment and compliance. They also outline the rights and obligations of taxpayers, ensuring a balanced and fair approach to funding public..., which denied Lexel AB the right to deduct interest payments made to a group company located in another EU Member State (France), infringed upon the freedom of establishment protected under Article 49 TFEU. The judgment is crucial for multinational enterprisesWhat are Multinational Enterprises (MNEs)? Multinational Enterprises, commonly referred to as MNEs, are corporations that operate in multiple countries through various subsidiaries, branches, or affiliates. These entities maintain a central management structure while leveraging diverse resources, labour markets, and customer bases across borders. The fundamental aspect that distinguishes MNEs from other corporate forms is their cross-border activity, which can include... (MNEsWhat are Multinational Enterprises (MNEs)? Multinational Enterprises, commonly referred to as MNEs, are corporations that operate in multiple countries through various subsidiaries, branches, or affiliates. These entities maintain a central management structure while leveraging diverse resources, labour markets, and customer bases across borders. The fundamental aspect that distinguishes MNEs from other corporate forms is their cross-border activity, which can include...) operating across borders within the EU as it clarifies that differences in tax treatment of intra-group cross-border transactionsIntra-Group Transactions are interactions between entities within the same multinational enterprise (MNE). Such transactions form the backbone of related-party dealings and are essential in managing global operations and aligning business objectives across jurisdictions. Understanding intra-group transactions is critical in international tax and transfer pricing, as they directly impact a company's tax obligations, profitability, and compliance standing. Tax professionals, accountants, lawyers,... are impermissible unless clearly justified by public interest reasons such as anti-avoidance.