On June 16, 2015, TEI submitted comments on the OECD revised discussion draft on BEPS Action 6: Prevent Treaty Abuse. The Institute's comments focused on the need for certainty in the determination of when taxpayers will qualify for treaty benefits so businesses can plan their cross-border operations. TEI also noted, among other things, that the proposed changes to the OECD model tax convention will create taxation where none has previously existed, in contravention of the traditional purpose of tax treaties to eliminate double taxation and prevent tax evasion.
TEI's comments were prepared under the aegis of TEI's European Direct Tax Committee, whose chair is Nick Hasenoehrl. Benjamin R. Shreck, TEI Tax Counsel, coordinated the preparation of TEI's comments.