How to understand the Comparable Uncontrolled Price (CUP) in UAE

How to understand the Comparable Uncontrolled Price (CUP) in UAE

One of the five primary transfer pricing techniques is the comparable uncontrolled price (CUP) method. It’s utilized to make sure that business dealings between connected companies cost about the same as those with unrelated businesses.

Traditional transaction methods include the CUP technique. To maintain fair pricing everywhere, it examines the terms and conditions of deals struck between linked and unrelated businesses. The comparable uncontrolled transaction (CUT) technique is used to price intangible things, the comparable uncontrolled services price (CUSP) method is used to price services, and the comparable uncontrolled transaction method is used to price tangible items in most other regions of the world. 

The Operation Of The Comparable Uncontrolled Price Method

The internal CUP and the exterior CUP are the two main applications of the CUP technique. We’ll explain them to you.

Internal CUP

The internal CUP technique requires a corporation to identify instances of comparable third-party transactions it has conducted in order to estimate arm’s-length transfer pricing. The CUP approach demands that the terms of transactions with related parties be the same as those of the third-party transactions in order to comply with transfer pricing requirements.

External CUP

The pricing of similar transactions that take place between third parties—to the extent that they exist—can be used by a corporation to calculate arm’s-length transfer prices using the external CUP approach.

Although tax authorities recognize both the internal and external CUP approaches, it is quite difficult for businesses to identify external transactions that are sufficiently comparable to their own. In order to implement the CUP approach, the internal route is typically preferred.

Pros and Cons Of The CUP Transfer Pricing Method

  • The CUP approach is practically error-proof when applied with the proper facts and data; your risk of transfer pricing should be very low. Because it is the most accurate method of determining and defending transfer pricing. The majority of tax authorities advise using this strategy when practical.
  • The CUP method’s drawback is the exceedingly high comparability standard. In order to use this strategy, according to transfer pricing legislation, a number of distinct elements, including volume, contractual terms, and profit potential, to mention a, must be comparable. Alternatively stated, the transactional circumstances must be roughly comparable. Due to the numerous factors that can affect the outcome, it is challenging to meet these requirements.

KLOUDAC Accounting Firm Dubai, UAE

KLOUDAC is a reputable accounting firm with 15 years of service in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Moreover, the industry-leading online accounting software XERO awarded it certifications for Xero Payroll and Xero Advisor. KLOUDAC is also one of Xero’s golden champion partners.

KLOUDAC offers its clients a comprehensive package of services including Financial Consultancy, ability to hire financial professionals, Business setup, Audit and assurance services, Taxation services, Recognized accounting software, and more. As a result, accounting and bookkeeping are more convenient for SMEs when using our services.