DOI: 10.7256/2454-0633.2021.4.35954

Abstract: Extension of globalization process to the world economy allows conducting the economic activity outside the country of tax residency. It also entailed the emergence of various types of incentives in some jurisdictions, for example, preferential tax regime or non-taxation. Questions related to international taxation are currently most acute. The use of foreign jurisdictions through controlled foreign companies reduces the state tax revenue. For counteracting abuse of the privilege by taxpayers, the rules of controlled foreign companies have been developed and implemented in over 30 countries. On the one hand, the countries accept these rules for preventing tax evasion, which can be changed due to various circumstances. On the other hand, there arise situations when such rules may worsen the situation of the taxpayer. This leads to abuse of the right of regulatory authorities in counteracting tax evasion. The controlled foreign companies (CFC) rules are aimed at determination of actual tax liability of the taxpayer, and do not pursue fiscal, political or other interests that worsen the conditions of the taxpayer.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0633.2021.2.35849

Abstract: Spread of the possibility of free movement of capital from one jurisdiction to another allows the companies incorporated in high-tax countries, to use low-tax or tax-free jurisdictions for conducting business and, as well as reducing tax burden. One of the mechanisms of tax evasion is the creation of controlled foreign companies that can delay the payment of dividends to the parent company, i.e. the payment of income that will be taxed in the country of tax residence of the parent company. The countries, in turn, adopt CFC rules (controlled foreign companies riles) to prevent tax evasion, which may change due to various circumstances. The CFC rules are aimed at determining the actual tax liability of the taxpayer. However, there are situations when CFC rules are implemented in a broader approach – for example, a wide range of entities would fall under the definition of “controlled foreign companies” or “controlling entities”, which may result in the fact that the conditions for application of CFC rules may arise for the entities that do not exercise control over a foreign company. In this case, CFC rules can worsen the situation of the taxpayer. This creates an abuse of the right of controlling authorities in terms of preventing tax evasion. In order to avoid such situations, it is necessary to improve the CFC rules by limiting the circle of entities and clearly distinguishing between abuse of the rights and lawful actions in implementation of CFC rules.