DAC6: EU directive against aggressive tax arrangements
As of 1 July 2020, it is mandatory in the European Union to report certain cross-border arrangements with predefined hallmarks (characteristics) of potential aggressive tax avoidance.
This is a requirement under the EU’s 6th Directive of Administrative Cooperation, commonly called DAC6.
DAC6 obliges intermediaries (such as tax advisors, accountants, law firms and banks) to report certain information on such cross-border arrangements to the local tax authorities. It applies to arrangements involving parties in multiple countries, of which at least one is an EU member state.
The primary intermediary involved, usually the tax advisor, is expected to report the arrangement. However, a bank could also have a reporting obligation as a (secondary) intermediary, e.g. if the primary intermediary does not report the arrangement to the tax authorities.
The local tax authority will in turn share the information with the relevant EU countries. The aim is to provide the countries with real-time information on reportable cross-border arrangements to allow them to take action and also to deter taxpayers from aggressive tax avoidance tactics.
What is DAC6?
What is DAC6?
DAC6 (Directive 2018/822) is the 6th Directive of Administrative Cooperation developed by the Council of the European Union. It came into effect on 1 July 2020. Under DAC6, intermediaries (mainly tax advisors, but it could also apply to financial institutions) are obliged to identify and report certain cross-border arrangements to local tax authorities within 30 days after the arrangement is implemented. These are arrangements (e.g. a deal, product or transaction) involving parties in different countries that could possibly be used to avoid taxation.
What makes an arrangement reportable?
What makes an arrangement reportable?
DAC6 has defined several hallmarks, or characteristics, that could indicate a potential risk of aggressive tax avoidance. If a cross-border arrangement has one or more of these hallmarks, it has to be reported. It is relevant to note that for some of the hallmarks there is only a reporting obligation if the main benefit of the arrangement, or one of its main benefits, is a tax benefit.
What is ING’s role in reporting cross-border arrangements?
What is ING’s role in reporting cross-border arrangements?
In most cases the primary intermediary (usually the tax advisor) reports the cross-border arrangement to the local tax authorities. Once reported, the primary intermediary (or the customer) must share the unique ID-reference number of the report with the other intermediaries involved. If ING receives an ID-reference number, we will not report the arrangement. However, if no other intermediary reports the arrangement then ING is legally obliged to do so.
What is an ID-reference number?
What is an ID-reference number?
The ID-reference number is issued by the tax authorities as evidence that reporting has taken place. This evidence relieves other intermediaries of their reporting obligation. If an intermediary does not receive an ID-reference number, it is obliged to report the arrangement, even if it has already been reported. To avoid double reporting it is crucial that the customer, or their tax advisor, shares the ID-reference number with ING when ING is involved in an arrangement.
Do I have to inform ING upfront before mentioning the bank in a DAC6 report?
Do I have to inform ING upfront before mentioning the bank in a DAC6 report?
Yes. If a cross-border arrangement is reportable and ING is mentioned in the report, you must inform us in writing before reporting to the tax authorities.
Where can I find additional information on DAC6?
Where can I find additional information on DAC6?
Read more about DAC6 on the website of the Dutch tax authority, or contact a tax advisor.