The BEPS Influence on Tax Information Exchange

Abstract

None of the actions envisaged in the Action Plan on BEPS directly relies on intensifying the exchange of information on tax matters. By developing the Action Plan on BEPS, the OECD has identified areas of tax law that have noticed the need for some changes. However, the objectives set out in the Action Plan on BEPS will not be achieved without significantly improving the exchange of information on tax matters between the tax administrations.

For several years, a significant breakthrough on the field of exchange of information in tax matters has been observed. Firstly, Agreements on Exchange of Information on Tax Matters are increasingly important. Secondly, the role of the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters has significantly increased. Thirdly, the Action Plan on BEPS itself needs to step up its activities in the field of exchange of information on tax matters. The Action 5, countering harmful tax practices more effectively, taking into account transparency and substance, highlighted the need to improve transparency, including the mandatory spontaneous exchange of information on tax matters, while the implementation of the objectives described in the Action 13 referring to transfer pricing documentation and country-by-country reporting calls for the development of an automatic exchange of information on tax matters. Therefore, there is no doubt that effective exchange of information on tax matters is one of the tools without which implementation of the Action Plan on BEPS will be significantly impeded.