- Tax authorities concerned about tax leakage are scrutinising Cloud activities heavily, according to KPMG
- Taxing the Cloud is a significant challenge as the rules are designed for a physical, not a virtual world, says KPMG
The growth in the use of Cloud services to replace traditional IT service provision presents significant challenges to both taxpayers and tax authorities, according to KPMG in the UK.
In a briefing paper for Tax Directors, “Tax in the Cloud” available here, KPMG warns of a number of significant tax issues arising in Cloud supply agreements for both providers and purchases, multiplied when the agreements are cross–border.
Published in the wake of data which revealed that 23 per cent of organisations already use the Cloud, with 53 percent planning to do so within the next 12 months, the key points are:
- Major issues around determining the tax treatment in Cloud supply arrangements for both providers and purchasers, which can be exacerbated in cross-border situations.
- Uncertainty around the tax implications of Cloud business models which are often not considered at the time a business moves to a Cloud delivery model.
- Increased scrutiny from tax authorities who are becoming increasingly aware of the tax implications of the switch from traditional IT service provision to a Cloud model and the potential for tax leakage.
According to Mike Camburn, indirect tax partner at KPMG in the UK, the issues around taxing the Cloud all stem essentially from the fact that tax rules designed for a physical world are being applied in a virtual world. He explains: “Most tax rules were written at a time when physical goods or services were traded, largely in the same country. With Cloud transactions, determining what is actually being traded, between whom and where is becoming a real challenge.”
The KPMG paper considers the various types of service models using Cloud technology, different deployment and payment models and runs through specific areas of tax most likely to be affected by a move to a Cloud-based model.
KPMG warns that it is crucial that businesses consider Cloud’s tax implications as well as commercial drivers especially given the lack of clarity around how to treat Cloud derived revenue and profits.
Mike Camburn concludes: “Given that Cloud revenues are earned remotely, tax authorities are seeking to address any possible tax leakage. As it is unbroken territory for most tax authorities, taxpayers need to have a high level of clarity over the transactions undertaken and how the value of the Cloud business is distribution among the intellectual property, infrastructure and the personnel that support the business. Commercial decisions can have far-reaching tax consequences.”
Steve Salmon, principal advisor within KPMG’s CIO Advisory Practice, has also explored the practical ways organisations use Cloud and adds: “Business need to consider the internal confidentiality aspects of their data as well as legal and regulatory requirements when consider Cloud services. The key issue here is the mobility of data across boundaries in the Public Cloud model and how that may impact their internal appetite and also the legal and regulatory framework. Many organisations express concern about the potential risk that the US Patriot Act may have on their data confidentiality and adherence with EU regulations. However, this is not stopping Public Cloud adoption, it is organisations that have the capability to implement data classification against these frameworks that are in a position to decide what is suitable for Public Cloud, Private Cloud and hosted internally.”
-Ends-
For further information please contact:
Margot Cowhig, KPMG Corporate Communications
Tel: 0207 694 4246 Mobile: 07920 274856: margot.cowhig@kpmg.co.uk
Follow us on Twitter: @KPMG_UK_LLP
KPMG Press Office: 0207 694 8773
About KPMG:
KPMG LLP, a UK limited liability partnership, is a subsidiary of KPMG Europe LLP and operates from 22 offices across the UK with over 11,000 partners and staff. The UK firm recorded a turnover of £1.7 billion in the year ended September 2011. KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax, and Advisory services. We operate in 152 countries and have 145,000 professionals working in member firms around the world. The independent member firms of the KPMG network are affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International"), a Swiss entity. KPMG International provides no client services.
