The arm’s length principle does not require the application of more than one method for a given transaction (or set of transactions that are appropriately aggregated following the standard described at paragraph 3.9), and in fact undue reliance on such an approach could create a significant burden for taxpayers. Thus, these Guidelines do not require either the tax examiner or taxpayer to perform analyses under more than one method. While in some cases the selection of a method may not be straightforward and more than one method may be initially considered, generally it will be possible to select one method that is apt to provide the best estimation of an arm’s length price. However, for difficult cases, where no one approach is conclusive, a flexible approach would allow the evidence of various methods to be used in conjunction. In such cases, an attempt should be made to reach a conclusion consistent with the arm’s length principle that is satisfactory from a practical viewpoint to all the parties involved, taking into account the facts and circumstances of the case, the mix of evidence available, and the relative reliability of the various methods under consideration. See paragraphs 3.58–3.59 for a discussion of cases where a range of figures results from the use of more than one method.
TPG2022 Chapter II paragraph 2.12
Posted on | By OECD
Category: OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines (2022), TPG 2022 Chapter II: Transfer Pricing Methods | Tag: Difficult cases where no one approach is conclusive, Transfer pricing methods, Use of more than one method
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