As businesses expand their operations, engage in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate restructurings, or cross-border investments, related-party transactions often arise at various stages of the transaction lifecycle. These transactions not only affect business performance but also give rise to significant tax risks if not properly identified and managed in a timely manner.

In this context, transfer pricing is no longer merely a compliance requirement. It becomes a critical factor influencing enterprise value, transaction structures, and a company’s ability to defend its tax position before tax authorities.

TAVITAX’s transfer pricing services are designed based on a transaction lifecycle approach (pre – during – post), integrating tax due diligence, value analysis, and tax risk management to help businesses proactively and sustainably control transfer pricing risks.

Transfer Pricing in the Context of Related-Party Transactions and M&A

The relationship between transfer pricing and M&A transactions

In M&A transactions, companies frequently enter into various related-party transactions such as asset transfers, management fee allocations, intra-group services, intercompany financing, loans, or the exploitation of intangible assets. These transactions directly impact post-transaction financial results and are a key focus of tax authority reviews.

If transfer pricing policies fail to reflect the economic substance of transactions and the roles and contributions of each party, businesses may face tax adjustments, back taxes, and penalties in the post-M&A phase.

Transfer pricing beyond compliance

In practice, transfer pricing extends beyond the preparation of statutory documentation. It is closely linked to how benefits, risks, and value are allocated across the group’s value chain. Particularly during mergers, acquisitions, or restructuring phases, transfer pricing plays a critical role in accurately reflecting the economic value of the business and safeguarding transaction outcomes.

Identifying Transfer Pricing Risks During Due Diligence

Transfer pricing from a tax due diligence perspective

During tax due diligence, related-party transactions are closely examined to assess compliance with the arm’s length principle. Items such as intra-group service fees, intercompany interest, royalties, or transfers of intangible assets are common sources of transfer pricing risk.

Insufficient documentation, lack of benchmarking, or failure to substantiate the value of transactions often trigger red flags during tax audits and inspections.

Impact of transfer pricing risks on enterprise value

Transfer pricing risks affect not only current tax obligations but also enterprise valuation in M&A transactions. Potential tax exposures or disputes with tax authorities may reduce deal value, influence investment decisions, and increase post-transaction costs.

Early identification and proper assessment of transfer pricing risks during the due diligence phase enable businesses to proactively address issues, minimize value leakage, and avoid unfavorable tax adjustments.

Transfer Pricing Documentation Aligned with Business Substance

Substance-based transfer pricing documentation

Effective transfer pricing documentation must accurately reflect the functions, assets, and risks of each related party within the value chain. Merely describing transactions in form without linking them to actual business operations undermines credibility in discussions with tax authorities.

TAVITAX adopts a substance-based approach to transfer pricing documentation, similar to enterprise due diligence methodologies, ensuring consistency between tax documentation, business models, and financial outcomes.

Transfer pricing documentation in tax audits

During tax audits and inspections, transfer pricing documentation serves as a core reference for assessing compliance. Well-structured, logical, and defensible documentation enables businesses to proactively explain their positions, reduce disputes, and mitigate the risk of tax adjustments.

TAVITAX Transfer Pricing Services

Lifecycle-based approach to transaction and tax risk management

TAVITAX’s transfer pricing services go beyond documentation preparation, supporting businesses in evaluating and managing transfer pricing risks throughout each stage of the transaction lifecycle, particularly before, during, and after M&A or restructuring activities.

Our approach begins with an analysis of the business model, value chain, and key related-party transactions, forming the basis for transfer pricing policies that align with regulatory requirements and operational realities.

Post-transaction support

Following M&A or restructuring transactions, TAVITAX continues to support businesses in reviewing and adjusting transfer pricing policies to ensure operational consistency and mitigate risks in subsequent tax periods.

Toward Sustainable Transfer Pricing Governance

Transfer pricing within overall governance strategy

Transfer pricing should be regarded as an integral part of tax risk management and financial governance, especially in the context of expansion and global integration. Proactively developing and updating transfer pricing policies enhances transparency, protects enterprise value, and prepares businesses for tax audits.

The role of TAVITAX

With extensive experience in tax advisory, enterprise due diligence, and risk management, TAVITAX partners with businesses to build transfer pricing systems aligned with economic substance, regulatory requirements, and long-term defensibility.

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