What is an Employer of Record

How to hire globally with an EOR

What is a Global PEO

An alternative to EOR

What is a PEO

Hire locally with a PEO

Our Methodology

Why you can trust our guides

Hire Globally

Find international talents

Outsource Recruitment

How to outsource recruitment

Work Visas

How to get a work visa

Digital Nomad Visas

Get a digital nomad visa

Best Employer of Record (EOR)

Hire globally with the best EOR companies

Best Contractor Management

Hire and pay contractors and freelancers

Best Global PEO

Discover the best international co-employers

Best PEO Companies

Save on payroll and HR costs

Best Background Check Companies

Screen employees before hire

Best Global Payroll Providers

Outsource international payroll

Best Relocation Services

Relocate employees internationally

International Company Registration

Get help to incorporate overseas

All Reviews

Compare all providers

1. Horizons

Best Global EOR

2. Remote

Best EOR for Compliance

3. Deel

Best EOR Platform

4. Papaya Global

Best EOR for Payments

All EOR Reviews

Compare all providers

Where do you need a service provider?

All Countries

Explore our detailed guides for professional advice on international growth, recruitment, compensations strategies, and a curated list of top service providers.

8 min read

How to Avoid Permanent Establishment Risk – A Comprehensive Guide

How to Avoid Permanent Establishment Risk
8 min read

How to Avoid Permanent Establishment Risk – A Comprehensive Guide

Key points

  • Understanding Permanent Establishment is key for businesses operating internationally to ensure compliance and minimize risk.

  • Businesses can mitigate the risk of forming a Permanent Establishment by consulting Local Tax Advisors, setting up a Foreign Subsidiary, and engaging an Employer of Record (EoR) for temporary or project-based engagements.

  • Case studies demonstrate that these strategies are effective in managing PE risk while saving time & money.

As the world becomes more interconnected, businesses must navigate the complex landscape of international tax regulations. One critical concept organizations should be well-versed in is Permanent Establishment risk. Understanding and managing this risk is paramount to ensuring your business remains compliant with foreign tax laws while maximizing profitability. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the concept of Permanent Establishment, its types, tax treaties, identifying risk factors, the impact of remote work and COVID-19, strategies for managing risk, and real-world case studies. Let’s dive into the world of international taxation and learn how to avoid Permanent Establishment risk.

Understanding Permanent Establishment

Businesses operating internationally must comprehend the concept of Permanent Establishment in order to ensure full compliance with tax regulations in every location where they operate. In essence, a Permanent Establishment is established when a corporation has a fixed location in another country and generates revenue from that location. 

The legal basis for Permanent Establishment primarily comes from bilateral tax treaties that countries enter into with one another. These treaties often follow the guidance and model convention provided by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

There are three main forms that Permanent Establishments can take: Fixed Place of Business, Dependent Agents, and Service Permanent Establishment. Each type has its unique characteristics and factors that can trigger Permanent Establishment risk. We consider each in turn below. 

Fixed Place of Business

A Fixed Place of Business refers to a physical location where a company carries out its core business activities, which can lead to the formation of a Permanent Establishment in a foreign country and require the company to file taxes in that jurisdiction. For example, fashion companies having their factories in a foreign host country exemplify a fixed place of business.  This means that the company with that factory would be liable to pay corporate income tax in that location, irrespective of whether they had incorporated in that country. 

Note, not all fixed places of business constitute a PE: The OECD Model lists some specific activities that are deemed to be preparatory or auxiliary, and therefore, do not create a PE. Examples include storage, display, or delivery of goods; maintenance of stock for storage, display, or delivery; and purchasing or collecting information.

Dependent Agents

Dependent Agents, such as sales representatives, may create a Permanent Establishment if they possess the authority to negotiate and conclude contracts on behalf of a foreign enterprise. Under the provisions of BEPS Action 7 (an important piece of tax regulation from the OECD — see more information in the OCED link above), an individual who regularly exercises a principal role in the formation of contracts, which are then officially closed by the enterprise, can generate a Permanent Establishment.

Businesses can mitigate the Permanent Establishment risk related to Dependent Agents by consulting Local Tax Advisors or setting up a Foreign Subsidiary.  Advisors may be able to suggest ways in which a company can alter its operations so that it is no long at permanent establishment risk. 

Service Permanent Establishment

Service Permanent Establishment is a situation where a company provides managerial or technical services to a foreign entity, resulting in the company being subject to taxation in the host country. For instance, a consulting service that renders its services in a foreign country is deemed to be generating income in the host nation; thus, it will be liable for taxation in the host country.

For minimizing Service Permanent Establishment risk, businesses are advised to obtain local tax advice, set up a foreign subsidiary, and consider employing an Employer of Record (EoR). These strategies can help businesses navigate the complex world of international taxation and ensure compliance with foreign laws.

Tax Treaties and Their Role in Permanent Establishment

Tax treaties play a significant role in determining Permanent Establishment, as they provide guidance for taxation of income and assets, facilitating international trade and investment. The OECD Model and United Nations Model are two primary frameworks used to define Permanent Establishment in international tax treaties, while bilateral tax treaties address specific country-to-country relationships.

Businesses operating internationally must comprehend the role of tax treaties in Permanent Establishment. These agreements can help businesses navigate the complex landscape of international tax regulations and ensure compliance with foreign tax laws while maximizing profitability.

OECD Model and United Nations Model

The OECD Model and United Nations Model are international agreements that provide guidance for the taxation of income and assets to facilitate international trade and investment. The OECD model defines Permanent Establishment as a “fixed place of business”. This is where an enterprise will wholly or partly carry out its business.

These agreements often provide reduced tax rates or exemptions for certain types of income for residents of the countries involved. A clear understanding of the OECD Model and United Nations Model principles allows businesses to grasp their tax obligations and devise strategies to minimize Permanent Establishment risk.

Bilateral Tax Treaties

Bilateral Tax Treaties are agreements between two countries that outline the tax treatment of income and capital, including the concept of Permanent Establishment. These treaties seek to address issues related to double taxation and other tax barriers, providing instructions on how income and assets are taxed when individuals or businesses operate in both countries.

Most income tax treaties provide benefits to residents of the countries involved, such as reduced tax rates or exemptions for certain types of income, as well as mechanisms for resolving disputes between the two countries.

Understanding the role of bilateral tax treaties in Permanent Establishment enables businesses to traverse the intricate landscape of international tax regulations and maintain compliance with foreign tax laws.

Identifying Permanent Establishment Risk Factors

It’s vital for businesses to identify Permanent Establishment risk factors to understand their potential tax obligations and compliance requirements in foreign jurisdictions. A Permanent Establishment risk may be triggered by factors such as having a fixed place of business, having dependent agents, and providing services.

Local tax authorities possess the ultimate authority in determining whether a company or individual’s activities have constituted a Permanent Establishment. Understanding the factors that can trigger Permanent Establishment and vigilantly monitoring their business activities allow organizations to minimize their tax liabilities and ensure compliance with foreign regulations.

High-Risk Triggers

High-Risk Triggers include having a branch, office, or sales activities in a foreign country, which can create a Permanent Establishment and lead to tax liabilities. For example, if personnel are hired or working with anyone who finalizes transactions or makes direct product or service sales, the Permanent Establishment tax risk will usually be significantly higher.

Understanding and monitoring these high-risk triggers enable businesses to take preventive measures to avoid the creation of a Permanent Establishment and the potential tax liabilities associated with it.

Low-Risk Triggers

Low-Risk Triggers, such as providing support services or engaging in temporary remote work, should be closely monitored and managed, even though they may not necessarily create a Permanent Establishment. Monitoring and managing these triggers can help businesses maintain compliance with foreign tax laws and minimize their tax liabilities.

Understanding different types of risk triggers and implementing management strategies allows organizations to effectively traverse the intricate world of international taxation and ensure compliance with foreign regulations.

Impact of Remote Work and COVID-19 on Permanent Establishment

The impact of Remote Work and COVID-19 on Permanent Establishment has led to increased scrutiny and potential changes in tax regulations. Remote work can potentially create a Permanent Establishment if the remote worker is classified as a dependent agent or is operating from a fixed business location overseas.

As businesses navigate the challenges posed by remote work and the global pandemic, understanding the potential tax implications is crucial. Staying informed and adapting to these changes enable companies to maintain effective operations in the global market while minimizing their Permanent Establishment risk.

Future implications of remote work and global mobility trends may lead to changes in Permanent Establishment regulations and enforcement. As companies increasingly have employees working in multiple countries, it can become difficult to identify which country’s regulations should be adhered to and which tax rate should be applied.

Staying informed about potential changes in Permanent Establishment regulations and enforcement allows businesses to adapt their strategies and operations, maintaining compliance with international tax laws while continuing to thrive in an increasingly globalized world.

Strategies for Managing Permanent Establishment Risk

Implementing strategies for managing Permanent Establishment risk can help businesses minimize tax liabilities and ensure compliance with foreign regulations. These strategies include seeking local tax advice, establishing a foreign subsidiary, and utilizing an Employer of Record (EoR).

Understanding the available strategies and choosing the most appropriate option for their specific situation enables businesses to effectively manage Permanent Establishment risk and maintain compliance with international tax regulations.

Seeking Local Tax Advice

Seeking Local Tax Advice from professionals can help businesses understand their tax obligations, including the need to pay taxes, and develop strategies for managing Permanent Establishment risk. This may include consulting with tax preparers, certified public accountants (CPAs), tax attorneys, or local IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites.

Consulting with qualified professionals provides businesses with valuable insights into their tax obligations and identifies the most effective strategies for managing Permanent Establishment risk, ensuring their compliance with foreign tax regulations.

Establishing a Foreign Subsidiary

Establishing a Foreign Subsidiary can mitigate Permanent Establishment risk but may involve additional costs and administrative requirements. By setting up a local business entity that operates independently of the parent company, businesses can streamline their international tax status and provide clarity on tax payment for profits earned in a specific jurisdiction.

However, businesses should carefully weigh the advantages and drawbacks of establishing a foreign subsidiary, considering factors such as cost, administrative burden, and potential tax liabilities before making a decision to conduct business abroad.

Utilizing an Employer of Record (EoR)

Utilizing an Employer of Record (EoR) can help businesses manage Permanent Establishment risk by handling tax and compliance requirements on their behalf. An EoR is a third-party company that becomes the legal employer of a client company’s workforce, taking on responsibilities such as payroll, compliance, and employee benefits.

Note, an EOR arrangement does not automatically eliminate permanent establishment risk: If the company’s operations meet all the requirements of a permanent establishment, the company will be liable regardless of an EOR arrangement. However, the EOR will be able to create arrangements in some cases (such as staffing on a temporary project) that do ensure that the company is not in breach of permanent establishment requirements. 

Summary — Manage your Permament Establishment Risk 

In conclusion, understanding and managing Permanent Establishment risk is paramount for businesses operating internationally. By familiarizing themselves with the concept of Permanent Establishment and its types, identifying risk factors, and implementing strategies such as seeking local tax advice, establishing a foreign subsidiary, and utilizing an Employer of Record, businesses can effectively navigate the complex landscape of international tax regulations and ensure compliance with foreign tax laws.

The impact of remote work and COVID-19 on Permanent Establishment has further emphasized the importance of staying informed and adapting to changes in tax regulations. By closely monitoring their activities and seeking professional guidance, businesses can continue to thrive in an increasingly globalized world.

As the world continues to become more interconnected, the ability to effectively manage Permanent Establishment risk will be essential for companies seeking to expand their operations and capitalize on global opportunities. By understanding and adapting to the challenges presented by international tax regulations, businesses can maximize their profitability and achieve success in the global market.

FAQ

Permanent Establishment is a taxable presence in a foreign jurisdiction, typically established when a business has a fixed place of business or dependent agent there.

Permanent Establishments generally take three forms: physical-based, agency-based and service-based.

Permanent establishment risk, or 'PE risk', is the risk that the presence of an enterprise in a foreign country has inadvertently created a 'permanent establishment' which would be liable for corporate income tax and any attendant penalties and interest charges.

A permanent establishment (PE) is a fixed place of business that gives rise to tax liability in a particular jurisdiction and is usually defined in many tax treaties. It is typically an ongoing, stable presence of a corporation outside of its home base, thus creating a taxable presence.

Remote work can create a Permanent Establishment if the remote worker is classified as a dependent agent or is located in a fixed business location.

Yes, tax treaties can be utilized to mitigate the risk of permanent establishment. These treaties often provide guidelines on how to determine permanent establishment status and offer provisions to allocate taxing rights between countries. By understanding and leveraging the benefits of tax treaties, businesses can structure their activities in a tax-efficient manner, reducing the likelihood of being deemed to have a permanent establishment and optimizing their global tax position.

Article By
HRIS and Remote Tech Specialist
Charlotte speaks with authority as RemotePad’s recruitment and HR tech maestro. With a background in marketing, Charlotte has worked for major brands in the industry, including leading HR software provider, FactorialHR. Originally from Manchester, UK, with a bachelor’s degree from the Manchester Metropolitan University, Charlotte currently resides in sunny Barcelona, Spain.

Search

Search