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8/25/2012

Malaysia Taxation: Transfer Pricing Methodologies for Transfer Pricing 2012


in (Malaysian) IRBM Transfer Pricing Guideline 2012
================================================
Methodologies determined in IRBM Transfer Pricing Guideline 2012 (TP2012) have not much changes from the IRBM Transfer pricing guideline announced dated 2 July 2003. Thus, part of this section would be copied from my TP topic JsonDiary on Transfer Pricing with some reasonable additional information to complied with the new TP2012.

The following methodologies can be used in determining arm’s length price:

Traditional Method
Transactional Profit Method
[Para 11]
[Please click on title for further details]

Note : ‘Transactional profit methods’ be used only when traditional methods cannot be reliably applied or exceptionally cannot be applied at all.

In deciding the  most appropriate method, the following must be considered:

a.       The nature of the controlled transaction
b.      The degree of actual comparability when making comparisons with transactions between independent parties;
c.       The completeness and accuracy of data in respect of the uncontrolled transaction;
d.      The reliability of any assumptions made; and
e.       The degree to which the adjustments are affected if the data is inaccurate or the assumptions incorrect.

Transactional Net Margin Method (TNMM) for Transfer Pricing2012


-          in (Malaysian) IRBM Transfer Pricing Guideline 2012
==================================================
Cases applicable: used only when traditional methods cannot be reliably applied or exceptionally cannot be applied at all

Similar to the cost plus and resale price methods in the sense that it uses the margin approach which examines the net profit margin relative to an appropriate base such as costs, sales or assets attained by the MNE from a controlled transaction.

Since net margins (unlike gross margins or prices) tend to be significantly influenced by various factors other than products and functions (e.g. competitive position, varying cost structures, differences in cost of capital etc), it is stressed that usage of TNMM be confined to cases where functions have a high degree of similarity, so as to eliminate the effects of these other factors.

Transactional Profit Method (TPM) in Transfer Pricing 2012



- in (Malaysian) IRBM Transfer Pricing Guideline 2012
==========================================

(also known as : D.Prifit Split Method)

Cases applicable: This would normally happen when transactions are very interrelated that they cannot be evaluated separately.

The method is based on the concept that profits earned in a controlled transaction should be equitably divided between associated parties involved in the transaction according to the functions performed.

Guideline mentioned 2 approaches to split profit which they are not necessarily exhaustive or mutually exclusive

(I)Residual profit split approach
- There are two stages of profit division under this approach. Firstly, the combined profit is apportioned according to basic returns assigned to each party to the transaction.
- The next stage involves the allocation of the remaining residual profit/loss.

(II)Contribution analysis approach

Under a contribution analysis, the combined profits would be divided between the associated enterprises based on the relative value of the functions (i.e. contribution) performed by each of the associated enterprises participating in the controlled transaction

Example 4

Xand are companies located in different countries. Company X
designs and manufactures the major components of a high quality
electrical product which it sells to its subsidiary Y. From these components,
further develops and manufactures them into the final product which it
exports to Z, an independent distributor.



The trading accounts of X and Y are as follows:



X
Y
Sales


100
300
Purchases

15
100
Manufacturing cost

20
35
Gross profit

65
165
R&D


20
15
Other operating expenses
15
10
Net profit

30
140


(I)Residual analysis of the group profit 

Step1.Calculation of total profit Net Profit (X) + Net Profit (Y) = 30 +140 = 170
Step2. Calculation of basic return
The mark-ups derived from external data will be used to calculate basic returns to and Y.

Lets :
-       Transfer Price (TP)
-       Adjusted Transfer Price(ATP) = Arm’s Length Transfer Price
-       adjusted COGS_Y                 = COGS_Ya
-       COGS include TP from X      =  COGS_Yx

 Basic return to X      = 30% of (COGS_X + Other operating Expenses_X)
                                 = 30%(35+15)
                                 =15……<1>


Basic return to Y       =20% of (COGS_Y + Other operating Expenses_Y)……<2>

Since COGS of Y included the purchase price from associate X,

Thus, COGS_Ya = COGS_Yx - purchase price from X + ATP……<3>

Bring <3> into <2>:

Basic return to Y         =20% (COGS_Yx - purchase price from X + ATP  + Other operating Expenses_Y)
                                 = 20% (35 + 10 + ATP)
 = 9 + 0.2ATP……<4>



(II) Residual profit split:
Step3. Calculation of residual profit
(if you are good in Algebra, it is similar to the concept of  marginal error)

Residual profit           = Net profit - [(Return to X) + (Return to Y)]
                                  = 170 – (<1>+<4>)
  = 170 - (15+9+0.2ATP)……<5>


~Contribution analysis approach~
Assume that in this case R&D is a reliable indicator of X and Y's relative contribution
Step4.Get residual return :-

Total R&D                  = 20 + 15 = 35

Share for X                 =20/35 = 57%
Residual return to X  = 57% <5>
                                 =57% [170 - (15+9+0.2ATP)]
                                 =83.22 - 0.114ATP……<6>

Share for Y     =15/35 = 43%
Residual return to Y = 43% <5>
                                = 43%[170 - (15+9+0.2ATP)]
                                = 62.78 - 0.086ATP……<7>


Step5, Get Net profit :-
Net Profit for X         = Basic return to X + Residual return to X
                                 = <1> + <6>
                                 = 15 + 83.22 - 0.114ATP
                                 = 98.22 - 0.114ATP ……<8>

Net Profit for Y         = Basic return to Y + Residual return to Y
                                 = <4> + <7>
                                 = 9 + 0.2ATP + 62.78 - 0.086ATP
                                 =71.78 + 0.114ATP ……<9>



Step6, Finding unknown ATP:-
Setting formula with X

   ATP    = Total cost_X + Net Profit for X
                                   = (15+20+20+15) + <8>
   ATP    =70 + 98.22 - 0.114ATP
         ATP+0.114ATP   = 70 + 98.22
      1.114ATP    = 168.22
                          ATP   = 168.22/1.114
                          ATP   = 151.005386
                          ATP   ~ 151

or setting formula with Y

           Net Profit for Y  = Sales – Cost – ATP
                         <9>     = 300 – (35+15+10) – ATP
        71.78 + 0.114ATP = 300 – (60) – ATP
      0.114ATP + ATP = 240 – 71.78
                   1.114ATP  = 168.22
                            ATP = 168.22/1.114
                            ATP = 151.005386
                            ATP ~ 151

Thus solved unknown ATP = 151


Cost plus method (CPM) for Transfer Pricing2012



-          in (Malaysian) IRBM Transfer Pricing Guideline 2012
==================================================

Cases applicable: Often useful for semi-finished goods sold between associated parties.

The appropriate mark-up should ideally be established by reference to the mark-up earned by the same supplier from comparable uncontrolled sales to independent parties, due to the fact that similar characteristics are more likely found among sales of product by the same supplier, than among sales by other suppliers.


Formula,
==================================================

Arm’s length price = Costs + (Cost x Cost plus mark-up)

* *Cost plus mark-up = (Sales price – Costs)/ Cost

Note: *Cost plus mark-up must be comparable to mark-ups earned by independent parties performing comparable functions, bearing similar risks and using similar assets.
==================================================

Cost Structure Consideration
The method used in determining costs and the accounting policies should be consistent and comparable. Where structure is generally segregated into:-

i.            Direct costs
ii.            Indirect costs
iii.            overhead costs

Adjustments must be made to eliminate the differences in these costs. Differences may consider are:-

i.            Cost plus mark-up may be required for the functional difference
ii.            Amount to the provision of services for additional functions
iii.            General and administrative expenses merely reflect efficiencies or inefficiencies of an enterprise, adjustments to the gross margin may be inappropriate


8/24/2012

Resale price method (RPM) for Transfer Pricing 2012


-          in (Malaysian) IRBM Transfer Pricing Guideline 2012
==================================================
Cases applicable: Only applied for end product distributor to [buy] and [selling] of product to different parties.

The usefulness of the method largely depends on how much added value or alteration the reseller has done on the product before it is resold, or the time lapse between purchase and onward sale. , RPM focus more on functions performed compared to product characteristics.

The starting point in the resale price method is the price at which a product that has been purchased from an associated enterprise is then resold to an independent enterprise.

Formula,
==========================================================

Arm’s length price = Resale price – (Resale price x Resale price margin)

* Resale price margin = (Sales price - Purchase price)/Sales price

Note: * Resale price margin must be comparable to margins earned by other independent enterprises performing similar functions, bearing similar risks and employing similar assets.
==========================================================

Comparability Analysis
Factors which may influence the resale price margin and other considerations when performing a comparability analysis include:-

a.       The functions or level of activities performed by the reseller
b.      The degree of added value or alteration the reseller has done
c.       Employment of similar assets
d.      Product similarities
e.       Differences in the way business is managed may have an impact on profitability
f.       A resale price margin will be more accurate if it is realized within a short time lapse (longer time lapse may give rise to changes in the market, exchange rates, costs etc.)
g.       Exclusive rights given to reseller to resell the products
h.      Differences in accounting practices

Comparable uncontrolled price method (CUP) for Transfer Pricing 2012


 - in (Malaysian) IRBM Transfer Pricing Guideline 2012 
==========================================
Cases applicable: No specific, as long comparable transaction available.

The CUP method is ideal only if comparable products are available or if reasonably accurate adjustments can be made to eliminate material product differences. Other methods will have to be considered if material product differences cannot be adjusted to give a reliable measure of an arm’s length price.

The CUP method is the most direct way of ascertaining an arm’s length price. It involves the direct price comparison for the transaction of a similar product between independent parties.

An uncontrolled transaction is comparable to a controlled transaction for purposes of the CUP method if one of the following conditions is met:

  1.  None of the differences (if any) between the transactions being compared or between the enterprises undertaking those transactions could materially affect the price in the open market; or
  2.  Reasonably accurate adjustments can be made to eliminate the material effects of such differences.


A comparability analysis under the CUP method should consider amongst others the following:

(a) Product characteristics such as physical features and quality.
(b) If the product is in the form of services, the nature and extent of such services provided.
(c) Whether the goods sold are compared at the same points in the production chain.
(d) Product differentiation in the form of patented features such as trademarks, design, etc.
(e) Volume of sales if it has an effect on price.
(f) Timing of sale if it is affected by seasonal fluctuations or other changes in market conditions.
(g) Whether costs of transport, packaging, marketing, advertising, and warranty are included in the deal.
(h) Whether the products are sold in places where the economic conditions are the same.

Concept of Comparability [in (Malaysian) IRBM Transfer Pricing Guideline 2012]

From my previous discussion, the same topic been discussed briefly in general terms:-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Where the indicator considered for conditional comparability would be:-

i.               Product Feature (Characteristic/form of Services Provided)
ii.               Whether good sold at the same points in the production chain
iii.               Brand Name (Quality)
iv.               Sales Volume (Liquidity)
v.               Market Risk (Function carrying)
vi.               Timing of Sales
vii.               Mode of Transaction(Packaging, Marketing, CIF, FOB…)
viii.               Economic Situation (Different country may have different Economic conditional)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Where TP2012 specific the concept in Para 8 & 9 in details:-

5 factors to be consider the similarity of terms and circumstances
  1. Characteristics of the property or services
  2. Functions performed, assets employed and risks assumed by the respective persons
  3. Contractual terms
  4. Economic circumstances
  5. Business strategies

To ease reader expect, contain been summarized as follow:-

(1)               Characteristics of the property or services;

i.      in the case of tangible property: the physical features, quality and the volume of supply of property;
ii.     in the provision of services: the nature and extent of  services; and
iii.    in the case of intangible property: the form of transaction  (e.g. licensing or sale), type of property (e.g. patent, trademark or know how), the duration and degree of

(2)               Functions performed, assets employed and risks assumed by the respective persons;

-       A functional analysis is a crucial process in determining an arms length price as it forms the basis for identifying comparables.
-       Tangible assets such as property, plant and equipment are usually expected to earn long-term returns that commensurate with the business risks assumed.
-       Intangible assets are also expected to generate returns for the owners by way of sales or licensing.
-       Evaluation of risks assumed is crucial in determining arms length prices with the economic assumption that the higher the risks assumed, the higher the expected return.
           
Type of Risk:-
1.      Operational risk
2.      Market risk
3.      Product risk
4.      Business risks
5.      Financial risk
6.      Credit and debt collection risks
7.      Risks of R&D failure

(3)               Contractual terms;
- The terms and conditions in a contract may include:

(i) the form of consideration charged or paid;
(ii) sales or purchase volume;
(iii) the scope and terms of warranties provided;
(iv) rights to updates, revisions or modifications;
(v) the duration of relevant licenses, contracts or other agreements, and termination or renegotiation rights;
(vi) collateral transactions or ongoing business relationships between the buyer and the seller, including arrangements for the provision of ancillary or subsidiary services; and
(vii) terms of credit and payment.

(4)               Economic circumstances
- Factors that may affect the price or margin of a transaction include:
(i) the geographic location of the market;
(ii) the size of the market;
(iii) the extent of competition in the markets;
(iv) the level of supply and demand in the market as a whole and in particular regions;
(v) customer purchasing power;
(vi) cost of production including the costs of land, labour and capital, and transport costs;
(vii) the level of the market (e.g. retail or wholesale);
(viii) the date and time of transactions;
(ix) the availability of substitute goods and services; and
(x) the extent of government intervention e.g. whether goods compared are price controlled.

(5)               Business strategies.
- In a comparability analysis, it is necessary to evaluate whether an independent person in the same circumstances as that of a controlled person would have adopted similar strategies and if so, what rewards would have been expected.


Scope of guideline applied [in (Malaysian) IRBM Transfer Pricing Guideline 2012]


The IRBM Transfer Pricing Guideline 2012 are applicable on controlled transactions for the acquisition or supply of property or services between associated persons, where at least one person is assessable or chargeable to tax in Malaysia. To ease reader expect, contain been summarized as follow:-

Para 3.1

-       controlled transactions for the acquisition or supply of property or services between associated persons,
-       do not include individuals not carrying on a business

Para 3.1(a)

-       Guidelines apply wholly to a business with gross income exceeding RM25 million , and the total amount of related party transactions exceeding RM15 million

Para 3.1(b)

-       the guidelines on financial assistance are only applicable if that financial assistance exceeds RM50 million.
-       The Guidelines do not apply to transactions involving financial institutions.

Para 3.2

-       Any person which falls outside the scope of 3.1 may opt to fully apply all relevant guidance as well as fulfil all Transfer Pricing Documentation requirements in the Guidelines

Para 3.3
-       Guidelines need not apply to transactions between persons who are both assessable and chargeable to tax in Malaysia and
-       where it can be proven that any adjustments made under the Guidelines will not alter the total tax payable or suffered by both persons

Para 3.4
-       Para 3.1 does not apply to transactions between a permanent establishment ((PE) – in Malaysia) and its head office or other related branches (entity outside Malaysia)
-       the PE will be treated as a (hypothetically) distinct and separate enterprise from its head office or other related branches

Arm’s length price determination process - [in (Malaysian) IRBM Transfer Pricing Guideline 2012]

(Con't from topic Arm’s Length Principle)

b.   Arm’s length price determination process:-



From IRBM Transfer Pricing Guideline 2012, Arm’s length price determination process are explained in details in Para 7, which included 6 steps in no particular order.

  1. Analysis of transactions and functions
  2. Characterization of business
  3. Identification of comparable transactions
  4. Tested Party  
  5. Selection and application of Transfer Pricing Methodologies (TPM) 
  6. Profit Level Indicator (PLI)

To ease reader expect, contain been summarized as follow:-



7.1 Analysis of transactions and functions
- understanding of the related party transactions, business operations, functions performed, assets employed and risks assumed to determine the characterization of the taxpayer's business.


7.2 Characterization of business
- nature of activity:-
(i) manufacturing: full-fledged, licensed, contract or toll;
(ii) distribution: full-fledged, limited risk;
(iii) service provider.


7.3 Identification of comparable transactions
- Transaction level to be compare:-
  1. single transaction
  2. bundle of transactions
  3. results at gross margin level
  4. results at net margin level
  5. compare results by reference (Return on capital, Ratio of costs to gross margin)

Note:-
Arm’s length range to be considered on each level of comparable transaction. Where the “arm’s length range” refers to a range of figures that are acceptable in establishing the arms length nature of a controlled transaction. [Para 14.1]

The arm's length principle should ideally be applied on a transaction-by-transaction basis – [Para 15.1]


7.4 Tested Party
- tested party is the one to which a transfer pricing method can be applied in the most reliable manner and for which the most reliable comparables
- IRBM does not accept foreign tested parties where information is neither sufficient nor verifiable

Note: select a specific subject company which operate in the same/ similar industry


-  The following methodologies can be used in determining arm’s length price:

Traditional Method
Transactional Profit Method
[Para 11]
[Please click on title for further details]

Note : ‘Transactional profit methods’ be used only when traditional methods cannot be reliably applied or exceptionally cannot be applied at all.


7.6 Profit Level Indicator (PLI)
Factor considered: -
(i) characterization of the business;
(ii) availability of reliable comparable data; and
(iii) the extent to which the PLI is likely to produce a reliable measure of arms length profit.

Common indicator:-
(i) Return on costs: cost plus margin and net cost plus margin.
(ii) Return on sales: gross margin and operating margin.
(iii) Return on capital employed: return on operating assets.