OECD Pillar One and Two explained
| The OECDThe Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation comprising 38 member countries, established to foster economic growth, trade, and development on a global scale. Founded in 1961, the OECD provides a forum for governments to collaborate, share policy experiences, and develop solutions to common economic challenges. The OECD's core mission is to promote policies that improve... has now two proposals in process: Pillar One addresses the digital economy and Pillar Two sets forth a global minimum tax system; global anti-base erosion (GloBE) proposal. The proposals are linked herein for reference.Both proposals may have one or more legal entities of a multinational taxed on more than one approach, whether they have a digital business segment, and also dependent on the countries where it is taxed notwithstanding the type of business it operates.This represents a new era of BEPSBEPS stands for "Base Erosion and Profit Shifting". BEPS refers to tax avoidance strategies used by multinational enterprises (MNEs) to exploit gaps and mismatches in the international tax system. By shifting profits from high-tax jurisdictions to low- or no-tax locations, MNEs reduce their overall tax burden, even if little to no economic activity occurs in the low-tax jurisdictions. These practices erode..., and one that demands attention to as the proposals move forward. Pillar One summary· Scope. The approach covers highly digital business models but goes wider – broadly focusing on consumer-facing businesses with further work to be carried out on scope and carve-outs. Extractive industries are assumed to be out of the scope.· New Nexus. For businesses within the scope, it creates a new nexus, not dependent on physical presence but largely based on sales. The new nexus could have thresholds including country specific sales thresholds calibrated to ensure that jurisdictions with smaller economies can also benefit. It would be designed as a new self-standing treaty provision.· New Profit Allocation Rule going beyond the Arm’s Length PrincipleThe Arm’s Length Principle (ALP) is a cornerstone concept in international taxation and transfer pricing. It requires that transactions between related parties, such as subsidiaries or affiliates within a multinational enterprise (MNE), mirror those that would occur between independent entities under similar circumstances. This principle ensures that each entity within an MNE is compensated fairly and transparently, based on the.... It creates a new profit allocation rule applicable to taxpayers within the scope, and irrespective of whether they have an in-country marketing or distribution presence (permanent establishment or separate subsidiary) or sell via unrelated distributors. At the same time, the approach largely retains the current transfer pricingTransfer pricing is a fundamental concept in international taxation that defines the pricing methods and rules applied to transactions between related entities within a multinational enterprise (MNE). In the context of tax regulations, it governs how prices for goods, services, or intangibles (such as intellectual property) are set when these items are exchanged between different branches, subsidiaries, or affiliates of... rules based on the arm’s length principleThe Arm’s Length Principle (ALP) is a cornerstone concept in international taxation and transfer pricing. It requires that transactions between related parties, such as subsidiaries or affiliates within a multinational enterprise (MNE), mirror those that would occur between independent entities under similar circumstances. This principle ensures that each entity within an MNE is compensated fairly and transparently, based on the... but complements them with formula based solutions in areas where tensions in the current system are the highest.· Increased Tax Certainty delivered via a Three Tier Mechanism. The approach increases tax certainty for taxpayers and tax administrations and consists of a three tier profit allocation mechanism, as follows:· Amount A – a share of deemed residual profit6 allocated to market jurisdictions using a formulaic approach, i.e. the new taxing right· Amount B – a fixed remuneration for baseline marketing and distribution functions that take place in the market jurisdiction; and· Amount C – binding and effective dispute prevention and resolution mechanisms relating to all elements of the proposal, including any additional profit where in-country functions exceed the baseline activity compensated under Amount B. Pillar Two Summary Under Pillar Two, the Members of the Inclusive Framework have agreed to explore an approach that leaves jurisdictions free to determine their own tax system, including whether they have a corporate income taxCorporate Tax refers to the tax imposed by governments on the income or capital of corporations. Corporations, considered separate legal entities, are taxed on their profits, meaning the income generated from their operational activities, investments, and other financial undertakings. This tax is generally a key revenue source for governments, helping to fund public services, infrastructure, and other essential functions. The... and where they set their tax rates, but considers the right of other jurisdictions to apply the rules explored further below where income is taxed at an effective rate below a minimum rate. Within this context, and on a without prejudice basis, the members of the Inclusive Framework have agreed a programme of work that contains exploration of an inclusion rule, a switch over rule, an undertaxed payment rule, and a subject to tax rule. They have further agreed to explore, as part of this programme of work, issues related to rule co-ordination, simplification, thresholds, compatibility with international obligations and any other issues that may emerge in the course of the work. Members of the Inclusive Framework agree that any rules developed under this Pillar should not result in taxation where there is no economic profit nor should they result in double taxationDouble Taxation occurs when the same income or financial transaction is taxed twice, typically in different jurisdictions. It can arise in two primary contexts: economic double taxation, where the same income is taxed twice in the hands of different taxpayers, and juridical double taxation, where the same taxpayer is taxed on the same income in more than one country. Double.... This part sets out the global anti-base erosion (GloBE) proposal which seeks to address remaining BEPSBEPS stands for "Base Erosion and Profit Shifting". BEPS refers to tax avoidance strategies used by multinational enterprises (MNEs) to exploit gaps and mismatches in the international tax system. By shifting profits from high-tax jurisdictions to low- or no-tax locations, MNEs reduce their overall tax burden, even if little to no economic activity occurs in the low-tax jurisdictions. These practices erode... risk of profit shiftingProfit Shifting is a strategic practice employed by multinational enterprises (MNEs) to reduce their global tax liability by shifting profits from high-tax jurisdictions to low- or no-tax jurisdictions. The primary method involves transferring income-generating activities, intangible assets, or other high-value components within the group to countries with favourable tax regimes. Profit Shifting is a critical concern for tax authorities and... to entities subject to no or very low taxation It first provides background including the proposed rationale for the proposal and then summarises the mechanics of the proposed rules together with a summary of the issues that will be explored as part of the programme of work. While the measures set out in the BEPSBEPS stands for "Base Erosion and Profit Shifting". BEPS refers to tax avoidance strategies used by multinational enterprises (MNEs) to exploit gaps and mismatches in the international tax system. By shifting profits from high-tax jurisdictions to low- or no-tax locations, MNEs reduce their overall tax burden, even if little to no economic activity occurs in the low-tax jurisdictions. These practices erode... package have further aligned taxation with value creation and closed gaps in the international tax architecture that allowed for double non-taxation, certain members of the Inclusive Framework consider that these measures do not yet provide a comprehensive solution to the risk that continues to arise from structures that shift profit to entities subject to no or very low taxation. These members are of the view that profit shiftingProfit Shifting is a strategic practice employed by multinational enterprises (MNEs) to reduce their global tax liability by shifting profits from high-tax jurisdictions to low- or no-tax jurisdictions. The primary method involves transferring income-generating activities, intangible assets, or other high-value components within the group to countries with favourable tax regimes. Profit Shifting is a critical concern for tax authorities and... is particularly acute in connection with profits relating to intangibles, prevalent in the digital economy, but also in a broader context; for instance group entities that are financed with equity capital and generate profits, from intra-group financing or similar activities, that are subject to no or low taxes in the jurisdictions where those entities are established. https://www.oecd.org/tax/beps/public-consultation-document-secretariat-proposal-unified-approach-pillar-one.pdfhttps://www.oecd.org/tax/beps/programme-of-work-to-develop-a-consensus-solution-to-the-tax-challenges-arising-from-the-digitalisation-of-the-economy.pdf The OECDThe Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation comprising 38 member countries, established to foster economic growth, trade, and development on a global scale. Founded in 1961, the OECD provides a forum for governments to collaborate, share policy experiences, and develop solutions to common economic challenges. The OECD's core mission is to promote policies that improve... has now two proposals in process: Pillar One addresses the digital economy and Pillar Two sets forth a global minimum tax system; global anti-base erosion (GloBE) proposal. The proposals are linked herein for reference. Both proposals may have one or more legal entities of a multinational taxed on more than one approach, whether they have a digital business segment, and also dependent on the countries where it is taxed notwithstanding the type of business it operates.This represents a new era of BEPSBEPS stands for "Base Erosion and Profit Shifting". BEPS refers to tax avoidance strategies used by multinational enterprises (MNEs) to exploit gaps and mismatches in the international tax system. By shifting profits from high-tax jurisdictions to low- or no-tax locations, MNEs reduce their overall tax burden, even if little to no economic activity occurs in the low-tax jurisdictions. These practices erode..., and one that demands attention to as the proposals move forward. Pillar One summary· Scope. The approach covers highly digital business models but goes wider – broadly focusing on consumer-facing businesses with further work to be carried out on scope and carve-outs. Extractive industries are assumed to be out of the scope.· New Nexus. For businesses within the scope, it creates a new nexus, not dependent on physical presence but largely based on sales. The new nexus could have thresholds including country specific sales thresholds calibrated to ensure that jurisdictions with smaller economies can also benefit. It would be designed as a new self-standing treaty provision.· New Profit Allocation Rule going beyond the Arm’s Length PrincipleThe Arm’s Length Principle (ALP) is a cornerstone concept in international taxation and transfer pricing. It requires that transactions between related parties, such as subsidiaries or affiliates within a multinational enterprise (MNE), mirror those that would occur between independent entities under similar circumstances. This principle ensures that each entity within an MNE is compensated fairly and transparently, based on the.... It creates a new profit allocation rule applicable to taxpayers within the scope, and irrespective of whether they have an in-country marketing or distribution presence (permanent establishment or separate subsidiary) or sell via unrelated distributors. At the same time, the approach largely retains the current transfer pricingTransfer pricing is a fundamental concept in international taxation that defines the pricing methods and rules applied to transactions between related entities within a multinational enterprise (MNE). In the context of tax regulations, it governs how prices for goods, services, or intangibles (such as intellectual property) are set when these items are exchanged between different branches, subsidiaries, or affiliates of... rules based on the arm’s length principleThe Arm’s Length Principle (ALP) is a cornerstone concept in international taxation and transfer pricing. It requires that transactions between related parties, such as subsidiaries or affiliates within a multinational enterprise (MNE), mirror those that would occur between independent entities under similar circumstances. This principle ensures that each entity within an MNE is compensated fairly and transparently, based on the... but complements them with formula based solutions in areas where tensions in the current system are the highest.· Increased Tax Certainty delivered via a Three Tier Mechanism. The approach increases tax certainty for taxpayers and tax administrations and consists of a three tier profit allocation mechanism, as follows:· Amount A – a share of deemed residual profit6 allocated to market jurisdictions using a formulaic approach, i.e. the new taxing right· Amount B – a fixed remuneration for baseline marketing and distribution functions that take place in the market jurisdiction; and· Amount C – binding and effective dispute prevention and resolution mechanisms relating to all elements of the proposal, including any additional profit where in-country functions exceed the baseline activity compensated under Amount B. Pillar Two Summary Under Pillar Two, the Members of the Inclusive Framework have agreed to explore an approach that leaves jurisdictions free to determine their own tax system, including whether they have a corporate income taxCorporate Tax refers to the tax imposed by governments on the income or capital of corporations. Corporations, considered separate legal entities, are taxed on their profits, meaning the income generated from their operational activities, investments, and other financial undertakings. This tax is generally a key revenue source for governments, helping to fund public services, infrastructure, and other essential functions. The... and where they set their tax rates, but considers the right of other jurisdictions to apply the rules explored further below where income is taxed at an effective rate below a minimum rate. Within this context, and on a without prejudice basis, the members of the Inclusive Framework have agreed a programme of work that contains exploration of an inclusion rule, a switch over rule, an undertaxed payment rule, and a subject to tax rule. They have further agreed to explore, as part of this programme of work, issues related to rule co-ordination, simplification, thresholds, compatibility with international obligations and any other issues that may emerge in the course of the work. Members of the Inclusive Framework agree that any rules developed under this Pillar should not result in taxation where there is no economic profit nor should they result in double taxationDouble Taxation occurs when the same income or financial transaction is taxed twice, typically in different jurisdictions. It can arise in two primary contexts: economic double taxation, where the same income is taxed twice in the hands of different taxpayers, and juridical double taxation, where the same taxpayer is taxed on the same income in more than one country. Double....This part sets out the global anti-base erosion (GloBE) proposal which seeks to address remaining BEPSBEPS stands for "Base Erosion and Profit Shifting". BEPS refers to tax avoidance strategies used by multinational enterprises (MNEs) to exploit gaps and mismatches in the international tax system. By shifting profits from high-tax jurisdictions to low- or no-tax locations, MNEs reduce their overall tax burden, even if little to no economic activity occurs in the low-tax jurisdictions. These practices erode... risk of profit shiftingProfit Shifting is a strategic practice employed by multinational enterprises (MNEs) to reduce their global tax liability by shifting profits from high-tax jurisdictions to low- or no-tax jurisdictions. The primary method involves transferring income-generating activities, intangible assets, or other high-value components within the group to countries with favourable tax regimes. Profit Shifting is a critical concern for tax authorities and... to entities subject to no or very low taxation It first provides background including the proposed rationale for the proposal and then summarises the mechanics of the proposed rules together with a summary of the issues that will be explored as part of the programme of work. While the measures set out in the BEPSBEPS stands for "Base Erosion and Profit Shifting". BEPS refers to tax avoidance strategies used by multinational enterprises (MNEs) to exploit gaps and mismatches in the international tax system. By shifting profits from high-tax jurisdictions to low- or no-tax locations, MNEs reduce their overall tax burden, even if little to no economic activity occurs in the low-tax jurisdictions. These practices erode... package have further aligned taxation with value creation and closed gaps in the international tax architecture that allowed for double non-taxation, certain members of the Inclusive Framework consider that these measures do not yet provide a comprehensive solution to the risk that continues to arise from structures that shift profit to entities subject to no or very low taxation. These members are of the view that profit shiftingProfit Shifting is a strategic practice employed by multinational enterprises (MNEs) to reduce their global tax liability by shifting profits from high-tax jurisdictions to low- or no-tax jurisdictions. The primary method involves transferring income-generating activities, intangible assets, or other high-value components within the group to countries with favourable tax regimes. Profit Shifting is a critical concern for tax authorities and... is particularly acute in connection with profits relating to intangibles, prevalent in the digital economy, but also in a broader context; for instance group entities that are financed with equity capital and generate profits, from intra-group financing or similar activities, that are subject to no or low taxes in the jurisdictions where those entities are established. https://www.oecd.org/tax/beps/public-consultation-document-secretariat-proposal-unified-approach-pillar-one.pdfhttps://www.oecd.org/tax/beps/programme-of-work-to-develop-a-consensus-solution-to-the-tax-challenges-arising-from-the-digitalisation-of-the-economy.pdf |
Source: Keith Brockman
