Tax Diagnostic Review

What is a tax dispute, and how does it arise in Indonesia?

A tax dispute occurs when there is a disagreement between the taxpayer and the Indonesian Tax Authorities (Direktorat Jenderal Pajak, DJP) regarding tax assessments, tax payments, or the interpretation of tax regulations. Disputes commonly arise after a tax audit when the taxpayer disagrees with the findings of the DJP.

How does a tax audit work?

During a tax audit, the tax authority reviews your financial records and tax filings to ensure compliance. If discrepancies are found, they will issue a notice of their findings.

What can I do if I disagree with a tax audit’s findings?

You can file a Tax Objection within three months of receiving the audit results. This is your formal request for the tax authority to re-examine their decision.

What happens if my Tax Objection is rejected?

If your objection is rejected, you can escalate the matter by filing a Tax Appeal with the Tax Court within three months of receiving the rejection.

What is a Tax Lawsuit?

A Tax Lawsuit challenges administrative actions by the tax authority that are unrelated to assessments, such as disputes over tax refunds or collections.

When can I file a Tax Judicial Review?

A Tax Judicial Review is the final legal step, brought before the Supreme Court to correct substantial legal errors made by the Tax Court. This is done only after exhausting all other avenues.

Can I resolve a tax dispute without going to court?

While negotiation is possible, formal out-of-court settlements are rare in Indonesian tax disputes. Our professional advice is crucial to exploring your options.

What are the typical outcomes of a tax objection?

The outcomes of a tax objection can be varied. The tax authority may fully accept, partially accept, or reject your objection, depending on the strength of your argument and evidence provided.

How long does it take to receive a decision on a Tax Objection?

The tax authority typically takes 12 months from the date of filing to issue a decision on a Tax Objection. If no decision is made within this time, the objection is considered rejected by law.

Can I settle my tax liabilities during the dispute process?

Yes, settling your tax liabilities during the dispute process is possible. However, this may impact the progression of the dispute. Consulting with a tax professional like our firm is advised before making any settlement decisions.

What are the common reasons for a Tax Judicial Review?

Common reasons for a Tax Judicial Review include substantial legal mistakes in the lower courts’ rulings, misinterpretation of tax laws, or procedural violations that affected the fairness of the judgment.

What penalties can I face in a tax dispute?

Penalties can include fines, interest charges, and administrative sanctions depending on the nature of the dispute. If a tax deficiency is found, additional penalties may apply for late payments or underreporting.

What is the time limit to file a Tax Lawsuit?

A Tax Lawsuit must be filed within 90 days of the administrative action you are challenging (such as a refusal of a refund). Missing this deadline can result in the dismissal of your lawsuit.

What types of administrative decisions can be challenged through a Tax Lawsuit?

You can challenge decisions such as denial of tax refunds, incorrect tax collections, or penalties imposed outside of a tax assessment.

What happens if I win a Tax Appeal or Tax Lawsuit?

If you win, the court may order the tax authority to revise or cancel their previous decision. This could result in a refund, removal of penalties, or a corrected tax assessment.

Can I request an extension for filing a Tax Objection or Tax Appeal?

No, deadlines for filing Tax Objections and Tax Appeals are strictly enforced under Indonesian tax law.

What is the burden of proof in a tax dispute?

In Indonesian tax disputes, the burden of proof lies with the taxpayer. You must provide evidence and documentation that supports your claim against the tax authority’s assessment or decision.

What happens if I fail to provide sufficient evidence in a Tax Objection or Tax Appeal?

If you fail to provide enough evidence, the tax authority or the Tax Court may rule in favor of the government. Therefore, it is crucial to present a well-prepared and substantiated case.

What is the impact of a Tax Dispute on my business operations?

While a tax dispute is ongoing, it may cause financial uncertainty. However, unless there are severe violations, the tax authority generally does not halt business operations during the dispute. Consulting with tax professionals like our firm can help mitigate risks.

Can I negotiate with the tax authority before filing an objection or appeal?

Informal negotiations or discussions can sometimes lead to clarification or resolution before entering the formal dispute resolution process. However, once a decision has been made, formal procedures are required to challenge it.

A CLA is a negotiated agreement between the employer and a registered labor union, outlining terms of employment for the union members. It covers salaries, benefits, dispute resolution mechanisms, and working conditions. CLAs must be registered with the Ministry of Manpower.

Yes, as an investor, you are allowed to manage and oversee your investments. However, the Investor KITAS does not permit traditional employment for other companies; it only covers activities related to managing your investments.

In most cases, changing visa types (e.g., from a Business Visa to a KITAS) requires leaving Indonesia and applying from abroad. However, specific visas, such as a temporary visa to KITAS, may be converted under certain conditions. We can guide you on the best approach based on your situation.

Company Regulations is internal rules established by the employer to govern the rights and obligations of both parties. They provide structure on issues such as working conditions, disciplinary actions, leave policies, and other employment terms. The regulations must align with the legal framework and be reviewed every two years. This regulation must be registered and approved by the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower.

What is a Cross-Border Tax Opinion?

A Cross-Border Tax Opinion provides expert analysis and advice on how Indonesian tax laws apply to your international business transactions. It helps you understand and manage tax obligations when dealing with foreign income, investments, and operations.

What are the common issues addressed in a Cross-Border Tax Opinion?

Common issues include managing double taxation, understanding withholding tax on foreign payments, navigating tax treaty benefits, and addressing transfer pricing concerns.

Is a Cross-Border Tax Opinion legally binding?

While a Cross-Border Tax Opinion is not legally binding, it offers authoritative guidance based on the current interpretation of Indonesian tax laws. It’s a critical tool for informed decision-making and compliance.

What information do I need to provide for a Cross-Border Tax Opinion?

We’ll need details about your business structure, the nature of your international transactions, relevant financial data, and any existing tax documentation. The more information you provide, the more precise our analysis can be.

What are the tax treaties that Indonesia has in place, and how do they affect my cross-border transactions?

Indonesia has tax treaties with various countries to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion. These treaties can impact how your international income is taxed, offering potential tax reliefs. We help you understand and apply these treaty benefits effectively.

What is a permanent establishment, and how does it impact my tax obligations?

A permanent establishment (PE) is a fixed place of business through which a foreign enterprise conducts business in Indonesia. If your business activities create a PE, you may be subject to Indonesian corporate income tax. We can help you determine if your operations constitute a PE and advise on managing the tax implications.

How does Indonesian tax law treat digital services provided from abroad?

Digital services provided by foreign companies to Indonesian consumers may be subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) and other local taxes. Our services help you navigate these regulations and ensure proper tax compliance for your digital operations.

What are General Corporate services??

General Corporate services encompass assistance with day-to-day business operations, including corporate structuring, compliance with local laws, regulatory matters, and corporate governance.

What is the scope of Legal Advisory in Indonesia?

Legal Advisory includes offering expert opinions on Indonesian law, helping businesses navigate legal complexities, and providing strategic guidance for minimizing risks in transactions or operations.

Why is Legal Compliance important in Indonesia?

Legal Compliance ensures that your business follows applicable laws and regulations in Indonesia, helping avoid legal disputes, penalties, and potential shutdowns due to non-compliance.

How can you help with company formation in Indonesia?

We assist with setting up different types of companies, such as PT PMA, PT PMDN, Representative Offices (RO), Permanent Establishment (PE), ensuring that your business structure complies with Indonesian corporate laws.

How often should companies conduct a legal compliance review?

It is recommended to conduct a legal compliance review regularly or when there are significant regulatory changes, ensuring the business continues to operate within the bounds of Indonesian law.

What happens if a company fails to meet legal compliance standards?

Failure to comply can result in penalties, legal disputes, or suspension of business activities. Staying compliant helps safeguard your business from these risks.

What should businesses know about labor law compliance in Indonesia?

Businesses need to comply with labor laws concerning employment contracts, employee rights, and benefits. We ensure your HR practices align with Indonesian labor regulations.

The MERP allows you to leave and re-enter Indonesia while holding a KITAS. Without a MERP, your KITAS would be invalidated upon exit. The permit typically lasts for the duration of your KITAS and must be renewed along with your KITAS if needed.