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Horizon Scanning: Investigations and Enforcement
In this horizon scan, we focus on key developments affecting companies operating in the UK, including in light of the recent change in UK government.
Global | Publication | May 11, 2016
On March 30, 2016, the Italian Tax Authorities issued Circular Letter no. 6 (“Letter 6”), which clarifies issues related to the structure of certain acquisitions, in particular those involving investments by private equity funds. The clarifications are based on para. 1.64 sbq. of OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and Tax Administrations 2010.
Letter 6 also indicates the criteria by which the Italian Tax Authorities might assess shareholders’ loans as equity contributions, thereby challenging the deduction of passive interests. According to the Italian Tax Authorities, a shareholders’ loan might be qualified as an equity contribution in the following instances:
In any event, the re-characterization of a shareholders’ loan as an equity contribution will be determined on a case by case basis, following evaluation of the factual background of the case under investigation. The Authorities will scrutinize, in particular, whether the circumstance materially differs from a transaction involving third parties. In that case, the Authorities point out that the relevant assessment will also affect the notional interest deduction mechanism and the applicability of withholding taxes on dividends (instead of on interests).
Letter 6 refers not only to investment structures which will be set up in the future, but also those already existing. Penalties for non-compliance, however, will only be applied to transactions effectuated after March 30, 2016.
Publication
In this horizon scan, we focus on key developments affecting companies operating in the UK, including in light of the recent change in UK government.
Publication
As you begin planning for the upcoming financial year, it is likely that legal operations projects are on your radar. However, securing the necessary budget can be challenging. Our roundtable on October 1, ‘Preparing for FY2025 - Building a compelling business case’, will help you create compelling business cases for your legal initiatives.
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On 3 September 2024, the ECJ delivered its judgment in Illumina’s appeal against the General Court’s (GC) judgment confirming the European Commission’s (EC) powers to review concentrations under the EU Merger Regulation (EUMR) in circumstances where no Member State has jurisdiction under national law.
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