On 17 January 2023, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) issued Interpretation Note 127 that explains how to calculate the taxable income of certain individuals or entities involved in international transactions, specifically in regard to loans within a group of companies. In February 2022, SARS put out the draft interpretation note for public review and feedback regarding intra-group loans.
This Note provides taxpayers with guidance on the application of the arm’s length principle in the context of the pricing of intra-group loans. The pricing of intra-group loans includes a consideration of both the amount of debt and the cost of the debt.
An intra-group loan would be incorrectly priced if the amount of debt funding, the cost of the debt or both are excessive compared to what is arm’s length. The Note also provides guidance on the consequences for a taxpayer if the amount of debt, the cost of debt or both are not arm’s length.
The guidance and examples provided are not an exhaustive consideration of every issue that might arise. Each case will be decided on its own merits taking into account its specific facts and circumstances. The application of the arm’s length principle is inherently of a detailed factual nature and takes into account a wide range of factors particular to the specific taxpayer concerned.
