Meaning
A transfer pricing procedure examines the activities performed, the assets used, and the risks assumed by associated enterprises in a transaction. This assessment, known as functional analysis, provides the factual foundation for determining whether the terms of a transaction between related parties are at arm’s length. It is the critical starting point for any transfer pricing study or tax audit.
Asset Identification
The evaluation begins by cataloging the tangible and intangible assets employed by each entity. Under functional analysis, the tax advisor determines which company owns, develops, or maintains these resources. This step ensures that the profits allocated to each entity reflect the value of the assets they bring to the transaction.
Risk Allocation
Firms must identify which entity actually manages and controls the risks associated with the transaction. Under functional analysis, the party that makes the decisions and has the financial capacity to bear the risk is allocated the corresponding risk-related profits. This prevents artificial profit shifting through paper contracts that do not match operational reality.
Pricing Methodology
Selecting the correct transfer pricing method depends entirely on the results of this study. Under functional analysis, the tax authority matches the transaction’s profile with the method that best reflects economic reality.