Transfer pricing enables the determination of prices for the goods and services traded among subsidiaries, affiliates, or companies under common control, all of which belong to a larger organization. Utilizing transfer pricing can result in tax benefits for corporations, although tax authorities may challenge their assertions.

The requirement for transfer prices arises almost invariably when a business is structured into multiple departments or divisions. Typically, there will be a movement of goods or services between these divisions, with each division reporting its performance independently. The accounting system typically tracks the movement of goods or services from one department to another, necessitating the use of a monetary value to record these transactions. This monetary value is referred to as the transfer price. The transfer price, whether determined through negotiations between divisions or imposed by the head office, can significantly impact the reported performance and subsequent decision-making.

Here are some common challenges and concerns related to transfer pricing in Kenya:

Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS)

Like many other countries, Kenya faces the challenge of BEPS, where multinational companies may manipulate transfer prices to shift profits to low-tax jurisdictions, resulting in reduced tax revenues for Kenya.

Kenya has implemented transfer pricing regulations that are aligned with international standards, including the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines. These regulations aim to ensure that transactions between related parties are conducted at arm’s length and that appropriate taxes are paid in Kenya.

Lack of Documentation and Compliance

Some companies may fail to adequately document and substantiate their transfer pricing arrangements, leading to compliance issues and potential tax disputes with the Kenyan tax authorities.

To handle this, the KRA has issued transfer pricing guidelines that provide guidance to taxpayers on compliance requirements and documentation expectations. These guidelines outline the acceptable transfer pricing methods, comparability factors, and documentation requirements to ensure consistency and transparency in transfer pricing practices.

Limited Transfer Pricing Expertise

There may be a shortage of transfer pricing expertise and resources within both the taxpayer community and the tax administration, making it challenging to effectively address transfer pricing issues. To address the limited transfer pricing expertise in Kenya, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) organizes training programs and workshops to educate tax officials, professionals, and taxpayers on transfer pricing concepts, regulations, and best practices. These initiatives aim to enhance the understanding and expertise of stakeholders involved in transfer pricing. Kenya also actively participates in international initiatives and collaborations related to transfer pricing. By engaging with international organizations such as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Kenya can access training materials, guidance, and expertise to strengthen its transfer pricing capabilities.

Determining Arm’s Length Prices

The determination of arm’s length prices, which should reflect prices that unrelated parties would agree upon in similar transactions, can be complex and subjective. Disagreements may arise between taxpayers and tax authorities on the appropriate pricing methodologies and comparable to be used. To handle this, the KRA emphasizes the importance of conducting a robust comparability analysis to identify and evaluate comparable for determining arm’s length prices. Factors such as product or service characteristics, contractual terms, economic conditions, and functional analysis are considered during this analysis.

Transfer Pricing Audits and Disputes

Transfer pricing audits and disputes between taxpayers and the Kenyan tax authorities may occur when there are differences in the interpretation and application of transfer pricing rules, resulting in potential litigation and lengthy resolution processes. To handle this issue, Kenya has established provisions for the Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP), which allows taxpayers to seek resolution of transfer pricing disputes through negotiation between the competent authorities of the relevant countries. This procedure is based on double tax treaties or other international agreements to prevent double taxation and resolve transfer pricing disputes in a timely manner.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance, conducting audits, and facilitating the resolution of transfer pricing disputes. However, it remains essential for taxpayers to stay updated with the evolving regulations, maintain proper documentation, and seek professional advice to navigate the complex transfer pricing landscape effectively. By addressing these emerging issues, Kenya aims to foster transparency, fairness, and effective tax administration in the transfer pricing domain.