In international tax law, the term ‘beneficial ownership’ refers to which parties involved in a cross-border transaction are entitled to tax treaty benefits. However, determining beneficial ownership is a complex and often disputed issue, subject to different meanings in different countries. Archival research on its early use in tax treaties and in the developing OECD Model reveals that its meaning has changed dramatically over the decades, leading to new interpretations significantly affecting current tax practice and scholarship. This book, dedicated to establishing how beneficial ownership should ideally be interpreted, compares the use and interpretation of benefi-cial ownership, both current and historical, in a wide range of national jurisdictions as well as the EU, ultimately shedding a clearer light than has heretofore been available on the meaning of the term. In her very thorough analysis of the application of beneficial ownership, the author touches on such aspects as the following: – historical development of the beneficial ownership requirement as used in tax treaties and in the OECD Model Tax Convention on Income and on Capital; – rules of double taxation conventions; – application of the OECD’s Action Plan on Base Erosion and Profit-Shifting (BEPS); – the problem of so-called ‘white income’; – use of the substance-over-form principle; – attribution-of-income rules; and – the role of agents, nominees, and conduit companies. Specific analysis of the use and interpretation of beneficial ownership in a domestic law and treaty context in numerous jurisdictions – with particular emphasis on the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, and Germany – is a major feature of the presentation. As a thorough guide to determining whether a person claiming tax treaty benefits is the true owner – and which parties are excluded from treaty benefits and to what extent – this book will be of immeasurable value to lawyers, tax authorities, policymakers, and other professionals working with taxable international transactions of any kind.

This authoritative book provides a structural, global view of evolving judicial and doctrinal trends in the understanding of beneficial ownership in international taxation. Błażej Kuźniacki presents a route towards an international autonomous meaning of beneficial ownership, while also offering a comprehensive explanation of the divergent understandings and tax policy arguments underpinning its continuing ambiguity.

The concept of beneficial ownership is frequently called one of the most decisive questions in international tax law. Despite this fact, neither scholars nor courts have found a generally accepted definition. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments concerning the concept of beneficial ownership. Highly renowned tax experts both from academia and practice analyse the most important decisions recently made by courts around the world. Moreover, the recently published OECD Discussion Draft on the meaning of beneficial ownership is being taken into account and the meaning of the term "beneficial owner" used in European tax law in comparison to its meaning in tax treaty law is being assessed. The authors not only draw a better picture of the status quo but also enhance the discussion of the future meaning of the term "beneficial owner".

This book explores the concept of beneficial ownership in equity law, the domestic tax laws of the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States, as well as its varied and increasing uses in international tax law. By analysing the evolution of beneficiary rights in equity and the use of beneficial ownership wording in tax law, the book draws a roadmap for dealing with beneficial ownership in both national and international tax law. This approach highlights those common misconceptions that can be avoided by understanding the origins of the concept and its engagement with equity, as well as the differences with tax law. However, the book does not limit itself to dealing with theoretical discussion, but also offers an instructive and detailed practical case study. Offering both academic commentary and a practitioner focus, the book will be of the utmost interest to scholars and practitioners from common and civil law countries dealing with tax and estate law, particularly given beneficial ownership's increasing relevance.

This authoritative book provides a structural, global view of evolving judicial and doctrinal trends in the understanding of beneficial ownership in international taxation. Despite attempts by the OECD to clarify the concept, it remains ambiguous to tax authorities, courts and scholars alike, which has detrimental effects on the functioning of tax treaties. Blazej Kuzniacki presents a route towards an international autonomous meaning of beneficial ownership in international taxation, while also offering a comprehensive explanation of the divergent understandings and tax policy arguments underpinning its continuing ambiguity. Key Features: Guidance towards solving definitional disputes between taxpayers and tax authorities Discussion of ground-breaking judgments in cases on beneficial ownership from various jurisdictions across the world Comprehensive reflection of tax law in action, particularly in respect of outbound investments that trigger transborder payments of dividends, interest and royalties Clear demarcation between appropriate and inappropriate usage of beneficial ownership by authorities and courts when addressing the issue of abuse of tax treaties and EU Directives Beneficial Ownership in International Taxation will be a crucial resource for lawyers specialising in international taxation, tax practitioners and accountants, along with officials at tax authorities and judges hearing cases in this area. It will also be useful for policy makers working on cross-border taxation, and scholars and students researching international tax law.

Notwithstanding there have been a number of studies regarding the concept of beneficial ownership conducted by international organisations and distinguished scholars, the meaning of the term still remains ambiguous. To tackle the issue, the OECD has recently attempted to clarify the meaning of beneficial ownership concept. It is indicated that the initiation has made a constructive contribution to the subject but having said that a further clarification is required to provide an internationally well-accepted application. Particularly, it should be addressed that the beneficial ownership is distinguished from other anti-avoidance provisions and the distinction between related and unrelated obligations so as to determine the beneficial owner of the income concerned. This paper critically examines the notion of beneficial owner in the light of the historical background and the recent developments of the term. As a result of this paper, the author has developed a "practical matter test" the beneficial owner is the person who legally, contractually or factually has some power to use and enjoy the income concerned.

"This book explores the concept of beneficial ownership in equity law, and in the domestic tax laws of the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States; as well as its varied and increasing uses in international tax law. By analysing the evolution of beneficiary rights in equity and the use of beneficial ownership wording in tax law, the book draws a roadmap for dealing with beneficial ownership in tax law and international tax law. This approach highlights those common misconceptions that can be avoided by understanding the origins of the concept and its engagement with equity, as well as the differences with tax law. However, the book does not limit itself to dealing with theoretical discussion, but also offers an instructive and detailed practical case study. Offering both academic commentary and a practitioner focus, the book will be of the utmost interest to practitioners and scholars from common and civil law countries dealing with tax and estate law, particularly given beneficial ownership's increasing relevance"--