Miele Operations & Payment Solutions Ltd. UK Tax Strategy Disclosure
The publication of this tax strategy statement is regarded as satisfying the statutory obligation under Paragraph 19(2), Schedule 19 of the Finance Act 2016, for the UK companies of the Miele Group. This strategy is overseen by the board of directors of Miele Operations & Payment Solutions (OPS) Ltd.
Miele OPS Ltd. organisational structure
his tax strategy statement applies to Miele OPS Ltd. and its direct dormant subsidiary company Imperial Appliances (UK) Limited, the “UK sub-group”. Miele OPS Ltd. is the UK tax representative for the UK sub-group.
Approach to tax risk management and governance
Miele is committed to complying with UK tax obligations and operates within the Miele Group Tax Guidelines. Miele OPS Ltd. is liable to account for a broad range of UK taxes including corporation tax, VAT, PAYE, National Insurance Contributions, and Stamp Duty Land Tax. Miele is committed to compliance with UK tax law, regulation and disclosure requirements by:
- Paying the right amount of UK tax at the right time,
- Filing complete and accurate returns on a timely basis,
- Seeking to utilise available tax reliefs and incentives where available in a manner which is consistent with the UK government’s policy objectives.
- Seeking advice from external advisors to provide additional expertise where considered appropriate.
Overall responsibility for the UK sub-group’s tax strategy rests with the Miele OPS Ltd.’s board of directors. Day to day management of the UK sub-group’s tax affairs is undertaken by the finance team.
Miele OPS Ltd. does not employ specifically trained tax staff but appoints external advisors to assist them with their compliance with UK law and regulation whenever required.
Attitude towards tax planning
Miele OPS Ltd. does not engage in aggressive tax planning nor participate in artificial tax avoidance schemes to reduce the UK tax liability.
When structuring its commercial activities, Miele takes account of a number of factors including consideration of the tax laws of the countries in which the group operates. Miele does not take an unreasonable stance on the interpretation of tax legislation and strives to work within both the letter and spirit of local laws. Any planning undertaken has commercial and economic substance.
Transactions between companies within the group are undertaken on an arm’s length basis and arm’s length transfer pricing is adopted. Appropriate documentation is in place which supports the transfer price used and Miele OPS Ltd. is compliant with UK transfer pricing policies.
Level of tax risk accepted
Miele takes a responsible approach to managing its UK tax affairs and seeks to comply with all statutory obligations. The scale and complexity of the group’s business and the volume of its tax obligations, means that inevitably risks will arise. Where risks are identified they are evaluated, with assistance from professional advisors if required, and managed proactively.
If for a certain transaction there was considered to be a material level of uncertainty or complexity, the group will seek external advice to help reduce risk.
Miele OPS Ltd.’s approach to tax risks follows the same principles that apply to other business risks and includes consideration of reputational and other non-financial risks.
Miele OPS Ltd. minimises its exposure to tax risk by being compliant with UK law and regulations.
Relationship with HMRC
Miele OPS Ltd., as the tax representative company for the UK sub-group, engages proactively with HMRC when required and is committed to principles of openness and transparency when dealing with HMRC. If the group is unclear on how tax law should be applied, it may engage with HMRC in advance of undertaking transactions to confirm the correct application of tax law.
Where queries are raised by HMRC Miele will respond promptly and provide full and accurate answers in the interest of resolving any queries swiftly without recourse to litigation.
Miele OPS Ltd. has not been allocated a Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) by HMRC and therefore does not have a dedicated contact within HMRC nor a current tax risk assessment.