IRB ADVANCE PRICING ARRANGEMENT 2024

The Advance Pricing Arrangement (APA) provides a framework for taxpayers and tax authorities to avoid future transfer pricing disputes by determining the transfer pricing methodology (TPM) for transactions between related parties across borders. Here’s a detailed analysis of the key components and provisions of the APA based on the provided information:

1. Purpose and Types of APAs

• Objective: The main purpose of an APA is to define a TPM that will ensure cross-border transactions between a taxpayer and its foreign affiliates are conducted at arm’s length. This preemptive measure aims to establish the pricing methodology ahead of time to prevent future disputes and inconsistencies in tax assessments.
• Types of APAs:
  • Unilateral APA (UAPA): Involves only the taxpayer and the Director General of Inland Revenue (DGIR) of Malaysia, under Section 138C(1)(a) of the Act.
  • Bilateral APA (BAPA) and Multilateral APA (MAPA): These involve agreements between the Competent Authorities (CAs) of two or more countries, facilitating cross-border transactions under Section 132 of the Act.

2. Benefits of an APA

• Certainty in Taxation: APAs provide certainty regarding the tax treatment of cross-border transactions, allowing businesses to predict future tax liabilities more accurately.
• Avoidance of Double Taxation: Particularly with BAPAs and MAPAs, they help ensure profits are appropriately allocated and taxed only once, which is crucial for multinational companies.
• Reduced Compliance Costs: By settling transfer pricing methods beforehand, APAs can reduce the need for extensive documentation and the risks of costly audits and potential litigation.
• Predictability of Operational Costs: Knowing in advance the TPM to be applied helps in budgeting and financial planning.

3. Eligibility and Application Requirements

• Eligible Applicants:
  • Companies engaged in cross-border transactions liable under the Malaysian Income Tax Act.
  • The business operations related to the covered transactions must generate at least RM100 million in taxable business income.
  • Permanent establishments (PEs) where the APA pertains to transactions covered under applicable tax treaties.
• Application Conditions:
  • High-revenue businesses with covered transactions that significantly impact their financial statements are prioritized.
  • Specific thresholds must be met in terms of transaction value relative to sales or purchases.
  • Applicants must not be currently under audit or investigation.
  • Businesses should have been operational for a set period (minimum 12 months, with additional conditions based on business maturity).

4. APA Application Process

• Stages Involved:
  1. Pre-filing meeting: Initial discussions about the feasibility and scope of the APA.
  2. Formal application submission: Detailed documentation and proposed TPMs are presented.
  3. Review and negotiation: DGIR reviews and negotiates the terms and methodologies proposed.
  4. Implementation: Once agreed, the APA is formally implemented.
  5. Monitoring and compliance: Ongoing review to ensure adherence to the agreed terms.
• DGIR’s Role: Can propose changes to the methodology, adjust the scope of transactions covered, or reject the application based on non-compliance or incomplete disclosures.

5. Compliance and Monitoring

• Obligations: Taxpayers must keep detailed records and remain compliant with the terms set in the APA. Any significant changes in business operations or transfer pricing factors (like FAR – Functions, Assets, and Risks) must be reported.
• Adjustments and Renewals: APAs are typically time-bound and may need renewal or adjustment if the business conditions or applicable tax laws change significantly.

Download IRB Advance Pricing Arrangement Guideline

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