Paper 9CITG Final Level 1100 marks

International Taxation

Understand the principles of international taxation and the interaction of Ghana's tax system with other jurisdictions — transfer pricing, tax treaties, and cross-border planning.

About This Paper

What is International Taxation?

International Taxation is one of the most sought-after areas of tax expertise in Ghana, driven by the growth of multinational businesses and cross-border investment. This paper covers the foundational principles of international tax — residency, source jurisdiction, permanent establishments, and double taxation — as well as practical transfer pricing methodologies, the OECD and UN Model Conventions, thin capitalisation rules, and the ethics of international tax planning. Candidates who excel in this paper are equipped for careers in Big 4 international tax teams, multinational corporations, and the Ghana Revenue Authority's transfer pricing unit.

Syllabus Content

What You'll Study

01

Jurisdiction to tax

Residence vs. source systems; definition of residence for individuals and companies; dual residency; tax havens.

02

Permanent establishment (PE)

Definition of PE; attribution of profits to PE; branch vs. subsidiary; departures and exit tax mechanisms.

03

Arm's length principle

Connected persons; transfer pricing adjustments; comparability analysis; the arm's length range.

04

Transfer pricing methods

CUP, Resale Price, Cost Plus, Profit Split, TNMM — when to apply each and how to document compliance.

05

Intellectual property and intangibles

Establishing arm's length royalties; valuation of intangibles; OECD guidance; cost contribution arrangements.

06

Double taxation relief

Judicial and economic double taxation; exemption and credit systems; the mechanics of the foreign tax credit.

07

Tax treaties

OECD Model and UN Model conventions; key articles (residence, dividends, interest, royalties, PE); treaty shopping and anti-abuse.

08

Thin capitalisation

Arm's length approach to related-party debt; safe harbour ratios; restriction on back-to-back structures.

All Key Topic Areas

Residence & source jurisdictionPermanent establishmentTransfer pricing (arm's length)Transfer pricing methodsDouble taxation reliefOECD & UN Model ConventionsTax havens & preferential regimesThin capitalisation
Professional Development

Skills You'll Develop

01
International tax advisory
02
Transfer pricing analysis
03
Treaty interpretation
04
Cross-border planning
05
Global tax compliance
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Exam Strategy

How to Pass International Taxation

Transfer pricing questions always require you to: (1) identify the transaction, (2) select the most appropriate method with justification, (3) apply the method, and (4) identify documentation requirements. Skipping any step costs marks.

Career Outcomes

Where This Paper Takes You

International Tax Manager

Transfer Pricing Specialist

GRA Transfer Pricing Officer

OECD/UN Tax Policy Consultant

Multinational Tax Director

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