Internal data are essential to assess the values of the respective contributions of the parties to the controlled transaction. The determination of such values should rely on a functional analysis that takes into account all the economically significant functions, assets and risks contributed by the parties to the controlled transaction. In those cases where the profit is split on the basis of an evaluation of the relative importance of the functions, assets and risks to the value added to the controlled transaction, such evaluation should be supported by reliable objective data in order to limit arbitrariness. Particular attention should be given to the identification of the relevant contributions of unique and valuable intangibles and the assumption of economically significant risks and the importance, relevance and measurement of the factors which gave rise to these.
TPG2022 Chapter II paragraph 2.178
Posted on |
By OECD
Category: OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines (2022), TPG 2022 Chapter II: Transfer Pricing Methods | Tag: Assumption of risk, Internal data, Profit split method (PSM), Relative value of contributions, Transfer pricing methods, Unique and valuable contributions
« Prev |
Next » Related Guidelines
- TPG2022 Chapter II paragraph 2.138Where the contributions are highly inter-related or inter-dependent upon each other, the evaluation of the respective contributions of the parties may need to be done holistically. That is, a high degree of integration may also affect whether contributions by the enterprises are considered to be unique and valuable. For instance,...
- TPG2022 Chapter II paragraph 2.177Internal data may also be helpful where the profit splitting factor is based on a cost accounting system, e.g. employee costs related to some aspects of the transaction, or time spent by a certain group of employees on certain tasks, etc....
- TPG2022 Chapter II paragraph 2.176Similarly, where cost-based profit splitting factors are used that are based on data extracted from the taxpayers’ profit and loss accounts, it may be necessary to draw up transactional accounts that identify those expenses that are related to the controlled transaction at hand and those that should be excluded from...
- TPG2022 Chapter II paragraph 2.175For instance, where an asset-based profit splitting factor is used, it may be based on data extracted from the balance sheets of the parties to the transaction. It will often be the case that not all the assets of the taxpayers relate to the transaction at hand and that accordingly...
- TPG2022 Chapter II paragraph 2.174Where comparable uncontrolled transactions of sufficient reliability are lacking to support the division of the relevant profits, consideration should be given to internal data, which may provide a reliable means of establishing or testing the arm’s length nature of the division of profits. The types of such internal data that...
- TPG2022 Chapter II paragraph 2.168However, it can be difficult to find reliable comparables data that can be used in this manner. Nevertheless, external market data can be relevant in the profit split analysis to assess the value of contributions that each associated enterprise makes to the transactions. In effect, the assumption is that independent...
- TPG2022 Chapter II paragraph 2.164For example, two associated enterprises, each with its own manufacturing specialisation and unique and valuable intangibles, agree to contribute the intangibles to produce innovative, complex products. The accurate delineation of the transaction determines that the enterprises in this example share the assumption of risks associated with the success or otherwise...
- TPG2022 Chapter II paragraph 2.151It can be difficult to determine the relative value of the contribution that each of the associated enterprises makes to the relevant profits, and the approach will depend on the facts and circumstances of each case. The determination might be made by comparing the nature and degree of each party’s...
- TPG2022 Chapter II paragraph 2.150Under a contribution analysis, the relevant profits, which are the total profits from the controlled transactions under examination, are divided between the associated enterprises in order to arrive at a reasonable approximation of the division that independent enterprises would have achieved from engaging in comparable transactions. This division can be...
- TPG2022 Chapter II paragraph 2.130Contributions (for instance functions performed, or assets used or contributed) will be “unique and valuable” in cases where (i) they are not comparable to contributions made by uncontrolled parties in comparable circumstances, and (ii) they represent a key source of actual or potential economic benefits in the business operations. The...
