The Arm’s Length Principle Evolves Towards a ‘Value Creation Functional (i.e. DEMPE) Formula Standard’: A Barrier or a Gateway to Locational Business Planning?

Abstract

Value creation vis-à-vis the DEMPE rationale and methodology converted a conceptual notion associated with contributions to value creation but lacking prescription into a new standard to allocate profits to achieve reunification for tax purposes in a manner consistent with the directions of the arm’s length principle (ALP). Within this context, this article questions whether value creation could or should be based on a functional (i.e. DEMPE)-formula-based standard to allocate profits, and whether such an approach would target or abet tax avoidance framed by apparently genuine structures –‘accurately delineated’ (i.e. alignment of the allocation of profits with value-generating activities) that, in terms of how income is earned, might not be commercially rational. That said tax avoidance one that goes beyond the customary understanding and limitations of abuse under domestic law norms which paradoxically could make tax planning considered "abusive" easier to sustain within the BEPS precepts. Thus, the functional (i.e. DEMPE)-formula-based standard coupled with the commercial rationality test needs to be interpreted in a way that determines whether the performance of those functions by each party in a specific jurisdiction is rational from a commercial/business purpose perspective based on certain business parameters to provide taxpayers with a higher level of certainty, and in turn to devise suitable objective standards concerning the meaning of rationality in business operations for which typically there are open variuos legally sustainable ways to achieve the same economic outcomes. Value creation, intangibles, Actions 8–10, transfer pricing, source, commercial rationality, substance, anti-avoidance, arm´s length principle, fractional.