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Overview

Tax Due Diligence

Tax Due Diligence involves a comprehensive review of a company’s tax compliance and liabilities to identify risks and ensure adherence to applicable tax laws. This process is crucial during mergers, acquisitions, investments, or corporate restructuring to assess the tax health of an organization. Tax due diligence minimizes risks of undisclosed liabilities, penalties, and compliance gaps, safeguarding stakeholders' interests.

Importance

1. Risk Identification : Detects potential tax exposures and liabilities.

2. Legal Compliance : Ensures adherence to tax laws, reducing chances of penalties or scrutiny.

3. Valuation Accuracy : Helps investors and buyers assess the true financial health of a company.

4. Safeguards Transactions : Ensures smooth mergers, acquisitions, or investments with no hidden tax surprises.

5. Strengthens Negotiation Position : Provides clarity on tax-related issues, influencing deal terms.



Documents Required




Features

Features & Benefits of Tax Due Diligence

Comprehensive Tax Review
Covers direct and indirect taxes, exemptions, and credits.
Risk Assessment
Identifies potential tax liabilities, gaps, and exposures.
Focus on M&A Transactions
Tailored for mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructuring.
Historical Analysis
Reviews past filings, assessments, and disputes for accuracy.
Compliance Verification
Ensures adherence to TDS, GST, and corporate tax laws.

Tax Due Diligence

Custom Reports
Provides detailed findings with actionable recommendations.
Supports Valuation
Ensures accurate financial valuation by highlighting tax liabilities.
Transfer Pricing Coverage
Verifies compliance for related-party transactions.
Litigation Advisory
Assesses and provides strategies for pending disputes.
Proactive Tax Planning
Suggests strategies to mitigate risks and optimize tax structures.



Comparison of Tax Due Diligence and Financial Due Diligence

Feature Tax Due Diligence Financial Due Diligence
Focus Tax compliance and liabilities Financial health and performance
Scope Direct taxes, GST, TDS, disputes Revenue, expenses, assets, debts
Objective Minimize tax risks and exposures Assess overall business value
Applicability Tax laws and regulations Accounting standards and financial reporting



Frequently Asked Questions

What is tax due diligence?

It is a detailed review of a company’s tax compliance, liabilities, and exposures to assess its tax health.

When is tax due diligence required?

During mergers, acquisitions, investments, corporate restructuring, or internal audits.

What are the key areas reviewed in tax due diligence?

Income tax, GST, TDS compliance, litigation, exemptions, and transfer pricing.

How long does tax due diligence take?

It typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the company’s size and complexity.

Can tax due diligence uncover hidden liabilities?

Yes, it identifies undisclosed liabilities, compliance gaps, and risks from pending disputes.

What is the role of Form 26AS in tax due diligence?

It reflects TDS, advance tax, and self-assessment tax payments for reconciliation with filings.

Is GST compliance part of tax due diligence?

Yes, GST filings, input tax credits, and reconciliations are reviewed for compliance.

Can tax due diligence help in reducing liabilities? tax planning legal?

Yes, it identifies errors, missed credits, or exemptions that can reduce liabilities.

What happens if compliance gaps are found?

Corrective measures are recommended, and strategies are provided to mitigate risks.

What is the output of tax due diligence?

A detailed report highlighting findings, risks, and actionable recommendations.