Pillar One – Amount B

Simplifying Global Taxation with TPA Global

Understanding Pillar I Amount B

Key Features

Starting in 2025, Amount B introduces standardized transfer pricing for routine marketing and distribution activities, focusing specifically on the sale of tangible goods by limited-risk distributors (LRDs) in B2B wholesale contexts.

Together with Amount A – reallocation of residual profits to market jurisdictions – Amount B is part of Pillar 1, the OECD initiative addressing tax challenges arising from the digitalization of the economy and global business operations. As the guidelines around Amount A are still under development, Amount A does not apply at this stage.

Navigating international taxation is challenging. At TPA Global, we help businesses implement Amount B to simplify compliance and reduce tax disputes.

 

Focuses on tangible goods

Implementation starts January 1, 2025

Applies to B2B wholesale distribution

Excludes retailers (retail activities must not exceed 20%)

Not subject to any revenue threshold

Applies for a minimum of 3 years

Also applies to businesses outside the digital economy

Aims to simplify compliance in transfer pricing

Why Amount B Matters for Your Business

Amount B provides a practical solution for routine transfer pricing

Tax Litigation and Mediation - TPA Global

Streamlined Compliance
Process​

Amount B significantly simplifies transfer pricing compliance by providing a standardized approach for routine distribution activities. This standardization reduces the time and resources needed for compliance, particularly beneficial for businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions.

Digital Transformation for Tax, Finance and IT Departments - TPA Global

Cost-Effective
Implementation

The standardized nature of Amount B reduces the need for extensive transfer pricing documentation and complex economic analyses, leading to cost savings in compliance and consultation fees.

Transfer pricing risk assessment and contingency valuation

Risk Reduction
and Certainty

By adopting a standardized approach, Amount B helps minimize transfer pricing disputes and reduces the risk of double taxation. This provides greater certainty for businesses in their international operations and tax planning.

Have you performed the Amount B check?

  • Amount B can be used by multinational groups as a practical solution for determining the arm’s length returns for routine distributors including wholesalers and sales agents resulting in streamlined processes and consistent standards across jurisdictions.
  • Although Amount B aims to simplify compliance and provide more clarity in transfer pricing, its effectiveness in reducing tax disputes remains uncertain in cases where the jurisdiction of the tested party’s counterparty is not obliged to follow the tested party’s approach. This could result in inconsistencies and an increased risk profile for disputes.

How TPA Global Can Support You

Tax Litigation and Mediation - TPA Global

Amount B uses a standardized pricing matrix to streamline transfer pricing. Here’s how we can help:

1 Identify Your Business Type

          We group your business into one of three categories:

    • Group 1: Perishable goods (e.g., groceries).

    • Group 2: Durable goods (e.g., electronics).

    • Group 3: Industrial equipment (e.g., machinery)

2 Calculate Profit Margins

    • We determine your expected profit margin (Return on Sales – ROS) based on your category, ranging from 1.5% to 5.5%.

3 Ensure Compliance

    • We apply adjustments to ensure your profit margins align with OECD standards, reflecting local risks and realities.

Amount B Calculation Methodology Overview

A simplified approach to transfer pricing for routine marketing and distribution activities

Eligibility Check

Amount B can be applied, if the following criteria are met

 Distributor/sales agent is the “tested party” and the Transactional Net Margin Method is the appropriate transfer pricing method

2 OPEX/Sales ratio must not fall below 3% or exceed 20-30%

3Transactions involve tangible goods (not intangibles, services, or commodities)

4 Separate pricing for additional activities beyond baseline distribution

Determining Return for Tested Party Using the Pricing Matrix

To determine the return for a tested party involved in in-scope transactions, the following 3-step process is followed:

Identify relevant Industry Grouping based on the products distributed

    • Group 1 (perishables, household consumables, construction materials & supplies)*
    • Group 2 (IT hardware & components, electronics, cosmetics pharmaceuticals) *
    • Group 3 (machinery, industrial)*

2 Assessing the relevant Factor Intensity

    • Based on the net operating asset intensity (OAS) and net operating expense intensity (OES). This determines which part of the pricing matrix (low, medium, or high intensity) the company falls into. 

3 Apply the Pricing Matrix to find the applicable Return on Sales (ROS) percentage (between 1.5% to 5.5%)*

* To see the full list of products in relevant grouping & the Pricing Matrix Table, download the detailed summary below 

Operating Expense Cross-Check

This check serves as a guardrail to keep the return on sales within reasonable limits. If a calculated return falls outside this range, adjustments are made using a “cap-and-collar” method

 Verify the calculated return falls within reasonable limits

2 Apply “cap-and-collar” adjustments if needed

Cap rates vary by factor intensity (40% to 80%)*

4 Collar rate is 10% across all categories*

* To see the full details & steps of the operating expense cross-check, download the detailed summary below 

Adjustment for Data Availability in Qualifying Jurisdictions

This is intended to account for cases where there is insufficient data for a particular tested party in a qualifying jurisdiction

For qualifying jurisdictions, apply the adjustment formula

    • Formula: Adjusted ROS = ROSTP + (NRAJ x OASTP)*

2 Applies to covered jurisdictions (66 countries as of June 2024)

* To see a full breakdown of the formula, download the detailed summary below 

Need More Detailed Information?

Download our comprehensive Amount B summary for complete calculation methodology, detailed pricing matrices, step-by-step implementation guidance, jurisdiction-specific considerations, and industry-specific applications.

Criteria and Commitment for Covered Jurisdictions

Inclusive Framework (IF) members have committed to respect the outcomes determined under the Amount B approach when applied by “covered jurisdictions.”

This commitment includes taking reasonable steps to alleviate potential double taxation where bilateral tax treaties exist. 

The criteria for identifying covered jurisdictions are
  • Low- and Middle-Income IF Jurisdictions: Countries classified by the World Bank as low or middle-income, excluding EU, OECD, and G20 member countries.
  • Willing OECD and G20 Members: Low- and middle-income IF jurisdictions that are OECD or G20 members and have expressed willingness to apply Amount B by March 2024. Notably, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, and South Africa fall into this category.
  • Non-IF Members: Any non-IF member meeting the first criterion and expressing willingness to apply Amount B will be added to the list.
 
As of June 2024, this list includes 66 countries and is subject to review every five years.
List of Jurisdictions Covered by Pillar 1 - Amount B

Overcoming challenges with TPA Global

Our team can help you assess the impact of Amount B on your business and plan effectively. From classification to compliance, we ensure your operations are optimized for global tax changes. Let’s make Amount B work for you. Reach out to TPA Global today!

Adapting Amount B to unique business models

Resolving inconsistencies and avoiding double taxation

Managing cross-border disputes through Mutual Agreement Procedures (MAPs)

Ready to talk to our specialists?