🗞️ Current AffairsUPSC 2016India and its Neighbourhood

The term ‘Base Erosion and Profit Shifting’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of

aMining operation by multinational companies in resource-rich but backward areas
bCurbing of the tax evasion by multinational companies
cExploitation of genetic resources of a country by multinational companies
dLack of consideration of environmental costs in the planning and implementation of developmental projects International Relations and Current Affairs 667
✓ Correct answer: b) Curbing of the tax evasion by multinational companies
ExplanationBEPS refers to tax strategies used by multinational en- terprises (MNEs) to shift profits from high-tax to low-tax ju- risdictions, exploiting gaps in international tax laws.This results in significant revenue losses for governments and an unfair competitive advantage for tax-avoiding corporations.Mechanisms: MNEs achieve BEPS through manipulating trans- fer pricing, shifting intangible assets, and using tax havens.For instance, a company may attribute profits to subsidiaries in tax havens despite economic activity occurring elsewhere.Impact: BEPS leads to government revenue loss, weakened public services, business inequality, and reduced trust in tax systems.International Efforts: The OECD and G20 launched the BEPS Project, introducing measures to close tax loopholes, prevent treaty abuse, and enhance transparency.BEPS Action Plan: The OECD/G20 15-Point Action Plan ad- dresses key issues like transfer pricing, tax treaty abuse, and digital economy taxation.Many nations are integrating these recommendations to ensure fair taxation of multinational cor- porations.118

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