International tax · Transfer pricing

Transfer pricing in Tunisia: return, documentation and audit defence.

Since financial years opened in 2020, every Tunisian company transacting with related parties must be able to show that its intragroup prices are at arm's length, file an annual transfer pricing return above a turnover threshold and keep documentation above a second threshold. MGI BFC supports foreign-owned subsidiaries and Tunisian groups: diagnosis of flows, transfer pricing policy, return, documentation, defence in case of audit.

Who we advise

  • Subsidiaries and branches of foreign groups in Tunisia: management fees, royalties, intragroup loans, purchases and sales of goods or services with the group
  • Tunisian groups with several companies, in Tunisia or abroad, invoicing each other
  • Companies reaching the threshold of the annual return (TND 20 million turnover) or of the documentation (TND 200 million)
  • Companies under tax audit or having received a request to justify their intragroup prices
  • Investors and funds: transfer pricing review in due diligence, structuring of flows after an acquisition

Our transfer pricing services

Diagnosis and mapping of intragroup flows

Inventory of transactions with related parties, identification of risks (management fees without substance, interest-free loans, undocumented royalties), quantification of exposures and action plan.

Transfer pricing policy and intragroup agreements

Choice of method (comparable uncontrolled price, resale price, cost plus, transactional net margin, profit split), drafting or review of intragroup agreements, consistency between the group policy, the accounts and the returns.

Annual transfer pricing return

Preparation and filing of the annual return for related companies whose turnover reaches TND 20 million, together with the corporate tax return; consistency checks with the financial statements and withholding taxes.

Documentation: master file and local file

OECD-standard documentation (master file and local file), mandatory from TND 200 million of turnover and recommended below as soon as flows are significant; benchmarking studies and functional analysis.

Defence in tax audits and disputes

Preparation before the audit, assistance during the procedure, written answers to the administration, negotiation, appeals; coordination with your legal advisers and with head office.

Cross-border flows and withholding taxes

Withholding taxes on services, royalties, interest and dividends, application of tax treaties, VAT on imported services, exchange-control rules on payments to the group; together with our tax advisory service.

How we work

1. Diagnosis. Review of flows, agreements and existing returns; identification of gaps and priorities; written scope.

2. Design. Transfer pricing policy, method per flow, agreements, position paper; validation with head office and your advisers.

3. Implementation. Annual return, documentation, accounting adjustments if needed, withholding tax set-up.

4. Follow-up and defence. Annual update, monitoring of finance laws, assistance in case of audit.

Why MGI BFC

  • Chartered accountants registered with the Order, practising the taxation of foreign-owned subsidiaries every day
  • Complete approach: tax, accounting, exchange control and group reporting handled together
  • Member of MGI Worldwide: coordination with the group's advisers in the home country
  • Deliverables in English and French, with references to the texts
  • A return and documentation consistent with your accounts, which is what the administration checks first

Office: Golden Tower Building B8.2, Centre Urbain Nord, 1082 Tunis. We work throughout Tunisia and remotely.

Frequently asked questions

From what turnover is the annual transfer pricing return mandatory?

From TND 20 million of annual gross turnover, for companies with related-party transactions; it is filed with the corporate tax return. Failure to file is sanctioned by a TND 10,000 fine.

Who must keep full documentation (master file and local file)?

Related companies whose turnover reaches TND 200 million; the documentation is presented to the administration at the start of a tax audit. Below that threshold, lighter documentation remains strongly recommended: it is what justifies your prices in an audit.

Are management fees deductible?

Yes, when they correspond to services actually rendered, useful to the Tunisian company, priced at arm's length and documented (agreement, evidence, allocation key); withholding taxes and VAT on imported services must also be handled. An undocumented lump sum is the first adjustment requested in an audit.

What is the risk of an audit without documentation?

Beyond fines (TND 50 per missing item, capped at TND 5,000), the main risk is the reintegration of profits deemed transferred and the related penalties, as well as the challenge of withholding taxes applied. Documentation prepared in advance is the best defence.

How do we start?

Send us the list of your intragroup flows and your latest financial statements through our request-for-proposal form; a partner answers within 24 hours with a first-level diagnosis.

Related resources

Our other practices : Accounting firm in Tunisia · Audit firm in Tunisia · Tax advisor in Tunisia · Donor-funded project audit · Payroll outsourcing · Transaction advisory (TAS) · Outsourcing to Tunisia · Request a proposal.