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Transfer pricing as a tax compliance risk

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  • Sven P. Jost
  • Michael Pfaffermayr
  • Hannes Winner

Abstract

This paper studies the role of transfer pricing as a critical compliance issue. Specifically, we analyse whether and to what extent the perceived risk associated with transfer pricing responds to country-, industry- and firm-specific characteristics. Empirically, transfer pricing risk awareness is measured as a professional assessment reported by the person with ultimate responsibility for transfer pricing in their company. Based on a unique global survey conducted by a Big 4 accounting firm in 2007 and 2008, we estimate the number of firms reporting transfer pricing being the largest risk issue with regard to subsequent tax payments. We find that transfer pricing risk awareness depends on variables accounting for general tax and transfer pricing specific strategies, the types and characteristics of intercompany transactions the multinational firms are involved in, their individual transfer pricing compliance efforts and resources dedicated to transfer pricing matters.

Suggested Citation

  • Sven P. Jost & Michael Pfaffermayr & Hannes Winner, 2014. "Transfer pricing as a tax compliance risk," Accounting and Business Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(3), pages 260-279, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:acctbr:v:44:y:2014:i:3:p:260-279
    DOI: 10.1080/00014788.2014.883062
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    Cited by:

    1. Thiess Buettner & Michael Overesch & Georg Wamser, 2018. "Anti profit-shifting rules and foreign direct investment," International Tax and Public Finance, Springer;International Institute of Public Finance, vol. 25(3), pages 553-580, June.
    2. Andrea Lassmann & Benedikt Marian Maximilian Zoller-Rydzek, 2019. "Decomposing the Margins of Transfer Pricing," KOF Working papers 19-450, KOF Swiss Economic Institute, ETH Zurich.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • H25 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Business Taxes and Subsidies

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