International Taxation and Tax Planning | CET Courses

Singapore University of Social Sciences

International Taxation and Tax Planning (ACC309)

Synopsis

ACC309 introduces students to the concepts of tax planning, i.e. mitigation of taxation in a domestic context and also introduces students to international taxation. Students will be taken through the principles of planning in a domestic context, if only to make them aware that tax planning does not involve any more than many of the principles already covered in the earlier courses. Students will be shown how rules interact, and how taxes can be mitigated. Students will also be exposed to the idea of shades of tax planning - from acceptable tax mitigation to the grey area of what is aggressive tax planning to unacceptable tax planning, and the tools available to the Inland Revenue to counter them. From a domestic position, students will look at Singapore taxation of international transactions, and then look to the general principles of international taxation, especially to concepts that are in currency in today's world. Students will also explore Singapore's role in international taxation, including some of the main incentives offered under the tax code.

Level: 3
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY JULY

Topics

Tax planning – underlying principles, domestic applications
Singapore taxation of international transactions
International tax planning – concepts
International tax planning – transfer pricing
International tax planning – Singapore in the international tax planning arena
Tax planning – underlying principles, international applications

Learning Outcome

Explain the principles underpinning tax planning
Prepare general advice for individuals and companies with the application of the principles underpinning tax planning
Determine the basis of Singapore’s taxation of international transactions
Apply the laws governing the Singapore taxation of international transactions to various situations including withholding taxes, and double tax relief
Use the core principles and concepts underpinning international tax planning
Examine the role of tax treaties in the field of international taxation, and the role of the commentaries on the treaties
Assess the issue of transfer pricing and demonstrate an understanding of the OECD transfer pricing guidelines
Illustrate the main incentives available under the Economic Expansion Incentives (Relief from Income Tax) Act
Evaluate the use of international tax planning concepts through case studies
Appraise the impact of tools available to tax authorities to combat tax planning
Discuss the motivation behind OECD’s Base Erosion Profit Shifting Project
Analyse fundamental cross-border, international tax concepts and planning techniques
Formulate the tax impact on cross-border transaction such as the funding of off-shore expansion and the repatriation of profits
Develop the essential knowledge and interpersonal skills to work effectively in a team
Demonstrate proficiency in written and verbal communication skills