OB3 Curveballs: Federal Tax interplay and State Tax conformity
Wade Sutton (PwC’s WNTS International Tax Services Leader) guest hosts the podcast and is joined by Rob Ozmun, a State and Local Tax Partner, and Monic Kechik, PwC’s WNTS Federal Tax Services Leader. Together they discuss the OB3 ‘curveballs’ to the federal changes: Section 163(j) - ATI addbacks of depreciation and amortization; Section 174A - domestic expensing; Section 168(k) - the return to 100% bonus depreciation; and Section 168(n) - qualified production property (QPP). They explore how accelerated deductions can trigger BEAT and CAMT via ordering‑rule dynamics and book‑tax timing, creating cash‑vs‑ETR trade‑offs that can be addressed with capitalization provisions. They also examine state conformity models, rapid decoupling (e.g., D.C.), and wrinkles such as California’s departures and R&D credits.
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33:15
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33:15
Beyond Pillar Two: Global tax policy update
Doug McHoney (PwC’s International Tax Services Global Leader) is joined by Will Morris, PwC’s Global Tax Policy Leader, from PwC’s Global Transfer Pricing, Customs, and Indirect Tax Conference in Prague. Doug and Will discuss how trade policy now shapes tax outcomes, the G7 ‘side‑by‑side’ debate for Pillar Two, and why geopolitics complicates an Inclusive Framework deal. They explore the EU’s ‘simplification’ agenda (FTT/DEBRA/Unshell pullbacks), overlapping anti‑abuse regimes post-Pillar Two, and whether real simplification is politically feasible. The conversation turns to Digital Services Taxes amid Pillar One uncertainty, potential US responses (including Section 301 and talk of Section 899), and the rise of Significant Economic Presence rules. They close with the UN’s emerging convention, source‑based taxation of services, and the limits of AI and automation when dealing with unstructured taxpayer data.
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37:52
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37:52
Tariff Tug-of-War: Coordinating your trade strategy
Doug McHoney (PwC’s International Tax Services Global Leader) is joined by Chris Desmond, a Principal in PwC’s Customs & Trade Practice. Chris leads PwC US’s Global Trade Services. Doug and Chris, while at PwC’s Global Transfer Pricing, Customs, and Indirect Tax Conference in Prague, discuss the Supreme Court’s expedited review of IEEPA‑based tariffs, possible outcomes, and the implications of an estimated ~$108B refund exposure across multiple industries (See our PwC Insight: IEEPA Tarrif: Understanding the Potential outcomes ahead of the Supreme Court’s Ruling for more details). They cover how persistent tariffs elevate customs to the C‑suite and require close integration with transfer pricing and Pillar Two modeling. They also discuss practical mitigations including first sale for export, duty drawback, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) reclassification and origin analysis, transfer‑pricing alignment, and use of foreign‑trade zones -- paired with rigorous controls as US government scrutiny intensifies. The episode closes with sector‑specific developments and a data‑driven playbook.
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39:30
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39:30
Pillar Two in Belgium: QDMTT filing now!
Doug McHoney (PwC’s International Tax Services Global Leader) is joined by Pieter Dere, a partner in PwC Belgium’s International Tax Services practice who leads Belgium’s Pillar Two initiative and co‑hosts the Tax Bites Podcast. Doug and Pieter recorded in Prague at PwC’s Global Transfer Pricing, Customs, and Indirect Tax Conference. They discuss Belgium’s Pillar Two compliance landscape: 2024 applicability of QDMTT/IIR/UTPR, a late‑November 2025 filing cycle; the new e‑platform and XML‑only submissions; transitional safe harbors and JV scope; the ‘general representative’ and joint and several liability; DAC 9 and the OECD MCAA; uncertainty around a G7 side‑by‑side and implications for US‑parented groups; estimated payments; Belgian litigation targeting UTPR; and practical steps to be ready now.
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38:47
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38:47
Australia Tax Update: Developments down under
Doug McHoney (PwC’s International Tax Services Global Leader) is joined by Sarah Hickey, a PwC Australia International Tax Partner and the Australian tax desk leader in New York City. Doug and Sarah discuss Australia’s corporate tax landscape (30% headline rate; new thin-cap at 30% of tax EBITDA with a retrospective integrity rule on related‑party debt), investment incentives, the two‑speed CFC regime and “use it or lose it” foreign tax credits, and dividend, interest, and royalty withholding. They cover the diverted profits tax (40% rate; 12‑month evidence window), Pillar Two timing, public CbCR and short‑form restructure disclosures due by end‑2025, and indirect taxes including non‑resident CGT and stamp duty. Finally, they unpack the High Court’s Pepsi decision—no royalty derivation by the US, a 4–3 win on royalties and DPT—and why contract wording anchors royalty analyses.
PwC specialists share insights and perspectives on key issues impacting the ever-changing tax landscape. Our podcasts aim to provide quick, easy and up-to-date tax developments to help you stay current and competitive in today's challenging business environment. Listen to episodes at your convenience via your desktop computer or smart device.
Ireland