Case Summaries Archives - Page 3 of 3

Bechan vs SARS: Search and Seizure Powers of Revenue Authorities

Case Summaries, FP News, International, International Tax, Postgraduate Programmes in South African Tax Law, South Africa, TP Case Summaries / ATL-Editor

The case of Bechan and Another v SARSThe South African Revenue Service (SARS) is the official tax authority responsible for the administration and enforcement of tax laws in South Africa. It plays a crucial role in managing the country’s fiscal policy by collecting revenue, administering customs, and ensuring compliance with tax legislation. Established under the South African Revenue Service Act, No. 34 of 1997, SARS functions independently... More Customs Investigations Unit and Others was heard by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) of South Africa, where Mr. Kapeel Bechan, alongside his company, Bechan Consulting (Pty) Ltd, sought to reclaim property seized by SARSThe South African Revenue Service (SARS) is the official tax authority responsible for the administration and enforcement of tax laws in South Africa. It plays a crucial role in managing the country’s fiscal policy by collecting revenue, administering customs, and ensuring compliance with tax legislation. Established under the South African Revenue Service Act, No. 34 of 1997, SARS functions independently... More officials during a search warrant operation targeting Bullion Star (Pty) Ltd.

Bechan vs SARS: Search and Seizure Powers of Revenue Authorities Read More »

Australia vs SNF: In-Depth Summary

Australia, Case Summaries, FP News, International, Postgraduate Programmes in Transfer Pricing, Tax Dispute Resolution, TP Case Summaries / ATL-Editor

The case Commissioner of Taxation v. SNF (Australia) Pty Ltd concerned a dispute over the application of the arm’s length principle in the context of transfer pricingTransfer pricing is a fundamental concept in international taxation that defines the pricing methods and rules applied to transactions between related entities within a multinational enterprise (MNE). In the context of tax regulations, it governs how prices for goods, services, or intangibles (such as intellectual property) are set when these items are exchanged between different branches, subsidiaries, or affiliates of... More regulations under Australia’s Income TaxIncome Tax is a direct levy imposed by governments on the income generated by individuals, corporations, and other entities within a specific jurisdiction. It serves as a major source of revenue for governments and funds various public expenditures, such as infrastructure projects, healthcare, education, national security, and welfare programs. The tax is generally calculated as a percentage of the taxable... MoreTax AssessmentA tax assessment is a formal determination made by a tax authority to calculate the amount of tax an individual or entity owes. It is a comprehensive evaluation based on financial records, declared income, expenses, deductions, and any applicable tax laws or regulations. Tax assessments may arise from routine self-assessments by taxpayers, or they may be conducted by revenue authorities... More Act 1936 (ITAA 1936)

Australia vs SNF: In-Depth Summary Read More »

The Thistle Trust vs C. South African Revenue Service: Understanding the Conduit Principle in Multi-Tiered Trusts

Case Summaries, Dispute Resolution, FP News, International, International Tax, Postgraduate Programmes in International Tax, Postgraduate Programmes in South African Tax Law, South Africa, Tax Dispute Resolution, TP Case Summaries, Trusts / ATL-Editor

In the landmark case of The Thistle TrustA comprehensive look at trusts in international tax law, including definitions, practical examples, key cases, and synonyms. More v Commissioner for the South African Revenue ServiceThe South African Revenue Service (SARS) is the official tax authority responsible for the administration and enforcement of tax laws in South Africa. It plays a crucial role in managing the country’s fiscal policy by collecting revenue, administering customs, and ensuring compliance with tax legislation. Established under the South African Revenue Service Act, No. 34 of 1997, SARS functions independently... More, the Constitutional Court of South Africa was tasked with examining the application of the conduit principleThe Conduit Principle in tax law refers to the notion that certain entities, such as intermediary companies or partnerships, act as mere channels or conduits in international financial transactions. Under this principle, the income earned by the conduit entity is not treated as its own for tax purposes but is instead attributed to its beneficial owner(s). The principle is often... More in the taxation of trustsA comprehensive look at trusts in international tax law, including definitions, practical examples, key cases, and synonyms. More, particularly focusing on how capital gainsCapital gains refer to the profit earned when an asset, such as real estate, stocks, bonds, or even a collectible, is sold or exchanged for a price that exceeds its original purchase cost. These gains are a critical component of personal and corporate finance, as they influence investment strategies and tax obligations. Capital gains are realised when an asset is... More are treated within a multi-tiered trust structureA Multi-Tiered Trust Structure is an intricate trust arrangement involving multiple layers of trusts or entities, often used in wealth preservation, tax planning, or asset protection strategies. In such a structure, one or more primary (or “master”) trusts may own or control other underlying trusts or subsidiary entities, each fulfilling a distinct legal, tax, or financial purpose. These setups can... More.

The Thistle Trust vs C. South African Revenue Service: Understanding the Conduit Principle in Multi-Tiered Trusts Read More »

Orde van Vlaamse Balies vs Belgium: Legal Privilege and Cross-Border Tax Reporting Obligations

Begium, Case Summaries, EU, FP News, International Tax, Postgraduate Programmes in International Tax, Postgraduate Programmes in Transfer Pricing, Tax Dispute Resolution / ATL-Editor

In Case C-694/20, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) examined the legality of certain reporting obligationsReporting obligations refer to the mandatory requirements imposed by tax authorities on entities or individuals to disclose specific financial and operational information. These obligations are designed to ensure transparency in taxation, help detect and prevent tax evasion, and support compliance with national and international tax standards. Such requirements can vary widely in scope, depending on jurisdiction and the nature of... More imposed on lawyers under Council Directive 2011/16/EUCouncil Directive 2011/16/EU, often referred to as the "Directive on Administrative Cooperation" (DAC), establishes a comprehensive framework for the exchange of tax information among EU Member States. Its primary objective is to promote transparency and combat tax evasion, ensuring all EU countries have access to information on taxpayers' cross-border income, assets, and activities. This directive mandates administrative cooperation among national... More (as amended by Directive 2018/822Directive 2018/822, also known as DAC6, is an amendment to the European Union's Directive on Administrative Cooperation in the field of taxation (DAC). Effective from June 25, 2018, DAC6 mandates the reporting of certain cross-border tax arrangements to ensure transparency, combat aggressive tax planning, and prevent tax avoidance. This directive focuses on specific arrangements that may present potential tax risks,... More).

Orde van Vlaamse Balies vs Belgium: Legal Privilege and Cross-Border Tax Reporting Obligations Read More »

F SCS vs LUXEMBOURG: Safeguarding Lawyer-Client Confidentiality in Cross-Border Tax Inquiries

Case Summaries, EU, FP News, International, International Tax, Luxembourg, Tax Dispute Resolution, Taxes, Transfer Pricing / ATL-Editor

This case focuses on whether the Netherlands’ national tax lawTax laws form the backbone of any nation’s revenue system, setting the rules that govern how individuals and corporations contribute financially to support government functions. These laws define the types of taxes, the applicable rates, and the regulations regarding payment and compliance. They also outline the rights and obligations of taxpayers, ensuring a balanced and fair approach to funding public... More, which restricts the deduction of interest paid on intra-group loans in certain scenarios, is compatible with the freedom of establishment under Article 49 TFEU.

F SCS vs LUXEMBOURG: Safeguarding Lawyer-Client Confidentiality in Cross-Border Tax Inquiries Read More »

ENGIE vs EU: State Aid Decision in the EU’s Effort to Combat Selective Tax Advantages

Case Summaries, EU, FP News, International, Luxembourg, Postgraduate Programmes in Transfer Pricing, Tax Dispute Resolution, TP Case Summaries / ATL-Editor

This case involves the European Commission’s ruling that Luxembourg’s tax rulings for ENGIE constituted unlawful state aidState Aid refers to financial assistance provided by public bodies, typically governments, which can selectively benefit certain businesses or industries. This concept is critical in European Union (EU) law, where such support can distort competition and trade within the single market. State Aid, regulated under EU law, aims to ensure fair competition and prevent Member States from favouring local businesses... More, creating tax advantages that contravened the competitive balance required under EU law.

ENGIE vs EU: State Aid Decision in the EU’s Effort to Combat Selective Tax Advantages Read More »

Lexel AB v Sweden (Skatteverket): CJEU Ruling on Interest Deductions and Freedom of Establishment

Case Summaries, EU, FP News, International, International Tax, Postgraduate Programmes in International Tax, Postgraduate Programmes in Transfer Pricing, Sweden, Tax Dispute Resolution, TP Case Summaries, Transfer Pricing / Dr Daniel N Erasmus

In Lexel AB v Skatteverket (Case C‑484/19), the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that Swedish tax legislationTax laws form the backbone of any nation’s revenue system, setting the rules that govern how individuals and corporations contribute financially to support government functions. These laws define the types of taxes, the applicable rates, and the regulations regarding payment and compliance. They also outline the rights and obligations of taxpayers, ensuring a balanced and fair approach to funding public... More, which denied Lexel AB the right to deduct interest payments made to a group company located in another EU Member State (France), infringed upon the freedom of establishment protected under Article 49 TFEU.

Lexel AB v Sweden (Skatteverket): CJEU Ruling on Interest Deductions and Freedom of Establishment Read More »

Cadbury Schweppes vs UK: EU Ruling on Freedom of Establishment and Tax Avoidance

Case Summaries, EU, FP News, International, International Tax, Postgraduate Programmes in International Tax, Postgraduate Programmes in Transfer Pricing, Tax Dispute Resolution, TP Case Summaries, Transfer Pricing, United Kingdom / Dr Daniel N Erasmus

The Cadbury Schweppes case is a seminal ruling in the context of the European Union’s freedom of establishment and the limitations on Member States’ tax authorities to impose tax measures on Controlled Foreign Companies (CFCsControlled Foreign Corporations (CFCs) are a fundamental concept in international taxation, referring to foreign companies that are under the control of domestic shareholders. Control is typically established when residents of a country, either individually or collectively, own more than a specified percentage of a foreign company’s shares, voting rights, or have the ability to exert substantial influence over its decision-making.... More).

Cadbury Schweppes vs UK: EU Ruling on Freedom of Establishment and Tax Avoidance Read More »