Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes

04/11/2019 – The Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes (the Global Forum) held a seminar on beneficial ownership and the implementation of the international standard for the exchange of information on request (EOIR) from 28 October to 1 November 2019 in Yerevan, Armenia. The seminar was hosted by the State Revenue Committee of Armenia, and attended by more than 40 delegates from 19 jurisdictions. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) supported and participated in the seminar.

Ensuring the availability of beneficial ownership information is at the forefront of the international agenda on tax transparency and is a vital part of the international standards of transparency and exchange of information for tax purposes (both automatic and on request). The seminar aimed to build awareness of the beneficial ownership transparency requirements in the exchange of information standard and the coordination between the various stakeholders at the national and international level. With the help of experts from the Global Forum Secretariat and the ADB delegates discussed the policy, legal, regulatory and institutional requirements for ensuring the availability of beneficial ownership information. Delegates recognised the common necessity to meet the beneficial ownership requirements, for tax and other purposes (e.g. anti-money laundering and anti-corruption).

The seminar is part of a broader effort to ensure that countries have the tools needed to ensure that tax evaders can no longer hide behind shell companies or layers of intermediaries.

The second part of the seminar was designed to help participants understand how to plan for, and participate in, an EOIR peer review as a Global Forum assessor. The seminar prepared attendees to meet technical demands put on assessors through practical exercises to aid comprehension. It also provided a valuable learning opportunity for jurisdictions preparing for their own peer reviews.

For more information, please contact gftaxcooperation@oecd.org.