2021 EY International Tax and Transfer Pricing survey now available

We are very happy to share that results and insights from the 2021 EY International Tax and Transfer Pricing survey are now available. Since 1995, we have taken the pulse of global transfer pricing every few years by collecting and analyzing details on attitudes and experiences across a wide spectrum of taxpayers.

The survey covers an expansive array of tax and transfer pricing trends and issues organized into three principal areas: transfer pricing, controversy and global tax reform. More than 979 senior tax and transfer pricing professionals from 53 jurisdictions across 25 industries completed the survey.

Some of the key findings show that:

1. A convergence of trends is putting pressure on transfer pricing, increasing the risk of tax controversy.
2. 61% of survey respondents say they will likely change their approach to transfer pricing in the coming two years as a result.
3. Technology plays a critical role in making transfer pricing functions more agile and resilient and helps them to adapt.

This year’s survey highlights the burden of increased workloads on transfer pricing executives fueled by recent developments. Below the surface, the interactions between four key megatrends are driving what is likely to become an era of nearly constant change in business strategies, especially transfer pricing strategy and operations.

The four forces are:

1. Global tax reform
2. Global supply chain reconfiguration
3. The rise of controversy and changes in enforcement behavior
4. Digital transformation

These results demonstrate that transfer pricing executives need to create a more flexible and resilient function to prepare their businesses for what will likely become an era of heightened controversy and uncertainty.

Explore the full 2021 EY International Tax and Transfer Pricing survey report.