Experimental Evidence on Transfer Pricing

Tran Quoc H. (), Rachel Croson and Seldon Barry J. ()
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Tran Quoc H.: Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, USA
Seldon Barry J.: University of Texas, Dallas, USA

International Journal of Management and Economics, 2016, vol. 50, issue 1, 27-48

Abstract: We use incentivized economics experiments to test both the point predictions and comparative static predictions of optimal transfer pricing models, comparing behavior under varying conditions, including wholly versus partially-owned subsidiaries and different tariff and tax rates. As predicted, we find that transfer prices are responsive to relative tax and tariff rates as well as ownership proportions. Additionally, we examine convergence and learning in this setting. While individuals do not choose optimal transfer prices, their choices converge to optimal levels with experience. This paper thus makes two important contributions. First, by comparing behavior with theoretical predictions it provides evidence of whether (and when) individuals set transfer prices optimally. Second, by comparing behavior under conditions of full and partial ownership it provides evidence on the impact of policy interventions (like regulating ownership proportions by MNEs) on tax revenues.

Keywords: transfer pricing; economic experiments; multinational enterprise; learning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C90 C91 F23 H21 L11 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:vrs:ijomae:v:50:y:2016:i:1:p:27-48:n:3

DOI: 10.1515/ijme-2016-0010

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