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.
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42:51
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42:51
Careers in Tax: Tell me a story
Doug McHoney (PwC’s International Tax Services Global Leader) is joined by Mitch Schuckman, who is retiring after 39 years at PwC and has held a range of leadership roles, most recently leading PwC’s Global Tax Pursuits. Mitch is also the author of “I’ll Tell You a Great Story” and is a certified professional coach. Doug and Mitch discuss the evolving nature of tax careers, from early technical work to client pursuits and leadership development. The conversation explores the importance of storytelling, the role of professional coaching, and the attributes of high-performing teams and individuals. Mitch shares insights on building trusted advisor relationships, the necessity of collecting diverse experiences, and the challenges and rewards of fostering strong team culture, especially in a post-pandemic, hybrid workplace. Mitch reflects on his career, the significance of mentorship, and his future plans in executive coaching and leadership development.
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33:02
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33:02
Pillar Two: Decoding the G7 statement
Wade Sutton (PwC’s Washington National Tax Services - International Tax Services Leader) is joined by Pat Brown, an ITS Partner and Co-Leader of PwC’s Washington National Tax Services practice. Pat previously served as the US Treasury’s Associate International Tax Counsel and has been a frequent guest on the podcast. Wade and Pat take a deeper dive into the future of Pillar Two, focusing on the G7’s ‘side-by-side' agreement. They highlight the historical positions of previous US administrations, why proposed Section 899 was dropped from OBBBA, US dissatisfaction with the lack of accommodations for the US GILTI regime and R&D tax credits, the OECD process and how countries could implement changes, and the potential for simplification including a potential permanent safe harbor. Finally, they look to the future and what may happen next.
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