Section 482 (Tax): Key Insights into Transfer Pricing Regulations

Definition & Meaning

Section 482 of the US Internal Revenue Code empowers the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to modify the allocation of gross income, deductions, credits, or allowances among related entities. This provision is primarily designed to prevent tax evasion and ensure that income is accurately represented, particularly between controlled taxpayers, such as corporations and their subsidiaries. Essentially, it serves as a framework for transfer pricing, which is the method used to determine the prices charged in transactions between related parties.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A multinational corporation has subsidiaries in different countries. If the US-based parent company charges its foreign subsidiary an inflated price for goods, the IRS may adjust the income reported by the subsidiary to reflect a fair market value, ensuring that the taxable income is accurate.

Example 2: A domestic company with multiple divisions may allocate expenses in a way that minimizes taxable income. The IRS could use Section 482 to reallocate those expenses to ensure that income is properly reported across all divisions. (hypothetical example)

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved in transactions with related parties, it is crucial to ensure compliance with Section 482. Consider the following steps:

  • Review your pricing strategies for transactions between related entities.
  • Consult with a tax professional to assess your compliance with transfer pricing regulations.
  • Explore US Legal Forms for templates that can assist in documenting your transactions appropriately.

If your situation is complex, seeking professional legal advice is recommended.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

Transfer pricing refers to the pricing of goods, services, and intangibles between related entities, which must reflect fair market value to comply with tax laws.