Tax dispute resolution – Belgium obtains positive peer review on its Mutual Agreement Procedure practice
Background Improving dispute resolution mechanisms as regards the application and interpretation of tax treaties is high on the agenda of the OECD and a number of countries. Under BEPS Action 14, there is a broad commitment to implement a minimum standard to strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of Mutual Agreement Procedures (“MAP”). One of the
Belgium implements new EU Tax Dispute Resolution Directive
On 2 May 2019, Belgium completed the implementation process of the Directive on tax dispute resolution mechanisms in the EU (Council Directive 2017/1852 of 10 October 2017). This enhanced procedure for resolving cross-border direct tax disputes puts taxpayer rights at the forefront, has a broader scope of application as well as an obligation for the
Multilateral transfer pricing audits: EU JTPF publishes recommendations
The EU Joint Transfer Pricing Forum (“EU JTPF” or “the Forum”) recently published its report “A coordinated approach to transfer pricing controls within the EU”, which aims to address the lack of guidance on bilateral and multilateral transfer pricing audits. The objective of the report, inspired by a number of successful pilot cases, is to
Belgium launches pilot program on cooperative tax compliance
The Large Enterprises Division of the Belgian tax administration (“LE Division”) announced the launch of a two-year pilot project on cooperative tax compliance (Cooperative Tax Compliance Program – “CTCP”). The program is aimed at transforming the traditional approach of ex-post tax investigations towards a system of proactive, real-time and constructive dialogue on the tax affairs of corporates.
Belgian Tax Authorities announce some of their focus areas for 2018 tax audits
The Belgian Tax Authorities have recently announced some of their focus areas for 2018 for tax audits. This early warning allows both individual taxpayers and enterprises to ensure compliance with their Belgian tax obligations. Individuals and enterprises that have not filed tax returns will in any event be selected. Enterprises can expect to face more
Belgian transfer pricing audits: increased manpower, new focus areas and enhanced cooperation on the horizon
Beginning in February of 2018, the Belgian tax authorities will initiate a new wave of transfer pricing (TP) audits. The central transfer pricing investigation team (TP Unit) is investing in additional manpower and changing investigation approaches to increase the effectiveness of audits. Taxpayers should also expect more scrutiny on TP matters from other tax departments,
EU Directive on Tax Dispute Resolution Mechanisms formally adopted
On 10 October 2017, the ECOFIN Council formally adopted a Directive on tax dispute resolution mechanisms in the EU. The objective is to establish more effective and efficient procedures within the EU. The Directive builds on the existing Convention 90/436/EEC on the elimination of double taxation in connection with the adjustment of profits of associated
