Conceptualizing the MNEs Transfer Pricing Behavior: Indonesian Tax Authority Perspective

Abstract

Indonesian tax authorities currently encounter a lack of cooperative compliance among companies engaged in transfer pricing practices with their affiliated entities across borders. Transfer pricing is commonly associated with tax purposes, such as tax planning or avoidance, which is considered standard practice for business entities. Hence, there is a significant necessity to assess and evaluate the prevalence of tax planning or avoidance through transfer pricing in multinational enterprises operating in Indonesia. To gauge the extent of transfer pricing used for tax avoidance purposes, this study examines the perspective of tax authorities on companies' transfer pricing optimization behavior. Employing a qualitative approach, the study aims to comprehend the utilization of transfer pricing and its implications. The findings provide insights into transfer pricing behavior within companies over time. According to tax authorities, companies are motivated by the benefits of transfer pricing, including revenue optimization, corporate profit allocation, and cost optimization. However, these practices are influenced by various factors that facilitate or constrain transfer pricing activities. Multinational enterprises demonstrate limited awareness of normative beliefs regarding international and domestic transfer pricing regulations. Notably, companies affiliated with large multinational enterprises, possessing a strong understanding of transfer pricing, exhibit a high potential for tax planning or avoidance through transfer pricing arrangements with related parties. These findings contribute to the existing body of research on transfer pricing practices from the perspective of tax authorities as part of the Indonesian government.