Transfer mispricing

Transfer mispricing, also known as transfer pricing manipulation or fraudulent transfer pricing,[1] refers to trade between related parties at prices meant to manipulate markets or to deceive tax authorities. The legality of the process varies between tax jurisdictions; most regard it as a type of fraud or tax evasion.

Generally, if two independent, unrelated parties negotiate with one other for a financial transaction and eventually reach a price, a transaction in correct market price will take place. According to the arm's length principle, the price at which the transaction occurs is preferred for tax purposes, as it is a fair reflection of the value of the goods or services.[2]

However, when the parties that negotiate a transaction are related, they may set an artificially lower price with the intention to minimise their taxes. Because of these tax benefits, transfer mispricing is favored by a majority of large enterprises.[3]

  1. ^ "Transfer Pricing". Tax Justice Network. Taxjustice Network. Archived from the original on 2012-10-13. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
  2. ^ "How transfer mispricing works". The Daily Star. Star Business Desk. 15 July 2012. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
  3. ^ Juranek, Steffen; Schindler, Dirk; Schjelderup, Guttorm (February 2018). "Transfer pricing regulation and taxation of royalty payments". Journal of Public Economic Theory. 20 (1): 67–84. doi:10.1111/jpet.12260. hdl:10419/168118. S2CID 157870981.