Study into the Role of Tax Intermediaries

ISBN Number:
Publication Date: 8/04/2008
Pages: 90

Study into the Role of Tax Intermediaries

This report sets out the conclusions of the OECD Tax Intermediaries Study, that commenced in September 2006 following the Forum on Tax Administration’s (FTA) third meeting in Seoul, Korea.

The heads and deputy heads of revenue bodies who attended that meeting were unanimous in noting concerns about non-compliance with tax laws in an international context, in particular in relation to the spread of aggressive tax planning marketed by some tax intermediaries (e.g. law and accounting firms, other tax advisors and financial institutions).

The mandate to the study team was therefore to improve understanding of the role tax intermediaries play in the operation of tax systems and specifically to understand their role in “unacceptable tax minimisation arrangements”. In addition, the study team was to identify strategies for strengthening the relationship between tax intermediaries and revenue bodies.

The report concludes that to understand the role of tax intermediaries and, more importantly, to influence their behaviour, revenue bodies need to take a broader approach.  Tax intermediaries are the supply side of a relationship in which taxpayers, their clients, form the demand side.  This is a tripartite relationship in which revenue bodies are the other party.  Therefore, the report explores strategies to improve the relationships between revenue bodies and large corporate taxpayers.

The report also concludes that risk management is an important tool enabling revenue bodies to prioritise risk and allocate resources effectively.  It identifies strategies to directly address the risks posed by taxpayers and tax intermediaries engaged in aggressive tax planning.