The following document sets out PayByPhone’s position in relation to tax in the UK and represents how tax is undertaken within the business. The strategy applies to the following entities (referred to as “PayByPhone UK Group” / the Group / the Companies):
All companies manage their tax affairs based on 5 core principles:
The fundamental principle underlying all the tax decisions within the PayByPhone UK Group is that of paying the right amount of tax in the right place at the right time. This is mandated at a global level by the Board of Management of our parent company, PayByPhone Technologies Inc. It involves disclosing all relevant facts and circumstances to the tax authorities and claiming reliefs and incentives where these are made available by tax legislation.
The PayByPhone UK Group seeks to build transparent and collaborative relationships with the UK Tax Authorities to create and maintain “Good Corporate Citizenship”. We aim to achieve this by engaging with HMRC with honesty, integrity, respect and fairness.
HMRC is kept informed about business developments to the extent they have a tax impact through regular correspondence. We will always seek to disclose all relevant facts to HMRC to enable them to understand fully the issue in question, and to enable the correct tax treatment to be applied.
In the event that a disclosure is required, these are made voluntarily or with full co-operation from the business.
Ultimate responsibility for the tax affairs of each company sits with the Board of Directors.
The PayByPhone UK Group manages tax risk by employing appropriately qualified and experienced employees whowork closely with external advisors to ensure tax risk is adequately managed and that the company/group remain up to date with the latest tax changes that may affect the business.
Given the size and global nature of our business, tax risks will arise. The Finance team is a global function within the larger PayByPhone group and works together with external advisors to manage the risk and ensure that the company/group meets its tax obligations. Advisors are also used to assist the business in achieving its core tax principles as outlined in this document.
The primary tax objective of all UK companies is to pay the correct amount of tax at the point at which it is properly due. The companies will utilise exemptions and reliefs that are legitimately available and in accordance with the wording and spirit of the law.
The group is mindful of its reputation in the marketplace and seeks to operate in a manner of a responsible taxpayer.
Transactions between group companies are conducted on an arm’s-length basis and in accordance with OECD principles. The group do not undertake profit allocation on the basis of tax rates, and profit follows the business activities of the group.
Where tax incentives are implemented by the Government to support investment, employment and economic development, the PayByPhone UK Group will only ever seek to implement these in the manner intended.
Engagement in artificial tax arrangements (those without commercial substance) is not undertaken. Where a point is unclear or uncertain, the companies may seek clarification from HMRC, external advisors or the judiciary as appropriate. This is done in order to ensure that the companies comply with their primary tax objective. Tax is not the commercial driver for decision making within the group nor a key performance indicator.
PayByPhone regards its publication of the tax strategy as compliant with the duty under Finance Act 2016, Schedule 19 paragraph 22(2).
