

This decision results in lower revenues for Diamond Extraction which produces the bracelets, and a lower cost of goods for Diamond Sales, which sells the bracelets. Great Diamond Company sets a transfer price for diamond bracelets below the market price. Here's another example of how this pricing may work within the diamond industry:

They may use this legal practice to reduce their taxable income and, as a result, reduce their taxes by shifting tax liabilities to entities based in low-tax areas. Related: What Is a Subsidiary and How Does It Work? (With Examples) How companies use transfer pricingĬompanies can use transfer pricing to allocate earnings among their subsidiaries. Diamond Extraction's internal sales to Diamond Sales are controlled transactions, and the price that Great Diamond Company sets for these transactions is the transfer price. Great Diamond Company can control the transactions happening between Diamond Sales and Diamond Extraction. Great Diamond Company, which owns the two subsidiaries, doesn't control the price at which Diamond Sales sells jewelry on the market because supply and demand set this price. Diamond Extraction extracts diamonds and manufactures jewelry that it sells to Diamond Sales for distribution. All three companies are associated enterprises. Great Diamond Company owns two subsidiaries: Diamond Extraction and Diamond Sales.

For example, consider a corporation in the diamond industry in this example called Great Diamond Company: This practice can apply to domestic and cross-border transactions. Transfer pricing allows businesses and subsidiaries operating under the same ownership or control to price transactions internally. Related: A Complete Guide to Pricing Strategies How does transfer pricing work? Tax authorities monitor this strategy closely to ensure compliance with government regulations. For example, companies may increase the transfer prices in countries or states where taxes are lower. Transfer pricing allows companies to save on taxes by taking advantage of the differences in tax regulations between countries or states. It can also apply to intellectual property, like royalties or patents. Examples of controlled transactions include the provision of loans, the supply of goods or the provision of management services. These transfer prices can impact a company's profits by altering taxes on controlled transactions. When they use transfer pricing, companies may either set prices based on market conditions or product and tax costs between subdivisions.Ĭompanies may manipulate transfer pricing to increase transfer prices within lower-tax regions, although regulatory agencies can make sure that they do it within legal limits.Ī transfer price is a cost that can occur when related companies, divisions or departments execute internal transactions.

Transfer pricing is the cost that can occur when a company trades goods, labor or materials between divisions, locations or subsidiaries. In this article, we define transfer prices and how they work, describe their types and benefits and offer some examples to help you understand the subject. Learning more about the concept of transfer pricing can help you make strategic financial decisions for an organization. If you work in a company that frequently trades supplies or labor between departments, divisions or subsidiaries, transfer prices may impact trade rates and potential profits. A transfer price is a cost that related parties or organizations can charge one another to complete transactions.
