Taxation (CPE)

The aggressive focus against tax evasion and other criminal activities around the globe is likely to continue. In the U.S., the crackdown on taxpayers who fail to report offshore financial assets and accounts remains to be a top priority for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation Department, including non-compliant virtual currency that should be disclosed under the expanded cryptocurrency reporting.

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) landscape has been evolving in recent years. With the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS’) and the U.S. Treasury Department’s continuous efforts to clamp down tax evasion and other criminal activities, complex reporting requirements have been instituted and several FATCA guidance have been released. Thus, significantly shaping this area of law.

The shifting regulatory paradigm and emerging developments in federal tax laws confront companies with increased scrutiny on their tax planning practices. As the U.S. International Revenue Service (IRS) intensifies its enforcement initiatives, compliance has become more challenging and complex than ever. Thus, making companies more vulnerable to tax controversies. Failure to address and mitigate potential tax issues could mean hefty penalties. 

Transfer pricing presents notable challenges and opportunities for multinational entities. Significantly, the rising disputes and sweeping impact of recent tax reforms have continuously reshaped its regulatory landscape and resulted in an intensified scrutiny. However, with a keen understanding of and proper compliance with the rules, transfer pricing can be substantial in positioning a business both locally and globally.

The introduction of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) by the U.S. and Common Reporting Standard (CRS) by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) had significantly affected the compliance process of financial institutions around the globe. With the various FATCA/CRS reporting challenges that continue to hound these organizations, coupled with the COVID-19 disruption, it has been a struggle to remain compliant.

Despite deadline extensions and a challenging environment caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) continues its strict tax enforcement. Audit activity is expected to be more aggressive as governments grapple to cover the current budget deficit and falling revenues. However, businesses facing assessments or controversies may be able to settle cases more favorably under the present financial crisis.

The Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit program remains to be an enticing opportunity for businesses – small and large – to boost their assets. Fortunately, significant reforms have been made over the years and millions of businesses from different industries can now take advantage of its benefits.

In December 2019, the Final Regulations for Qualified Opportunity Zone Program were issued by Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The Final Regulations were reported in the Federal Register in January 2020 and will become final in mid-March.

In April 2019, the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) released its second set of new regulations on the Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) program. The additional guidelines aim to give light on the initial regulations released last 2018. However, several open questions still remain, that investors and related practitioners must be continuously proactive in monitoring the latest regulatory trends and development. Understanding the latest updates and how these might affect their businesses also will help them maximize opportunities while mitigating potential risks and pitfalls.

In recent years, state and local governments have become more proactive in pursuing additional revenue through stricter application of their tax laws. Additionally, revenue authorities have also significantly widened their search for new revenues. These have made taxpayers grapple with problems and lawsuits at the audit and novel roles.

With the notable tax reforms that took place during the past years, the Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit has been an effective and efficient partner for businesses to cut income tax liabilities.