The TP advisory practice
Transfer pricing in India applies to cross-border related-party transactions and to specified domestic transactions above the threshold. Our advisory practice covers:
- TP study — functional, asset, risk (FAR) analysis; comparables identification; arm’s length analysis.
- Form 3CEB — statutory accountant’s report on international and specified domestic transactions (renamed Form 48 under ITA 2025 from 1 April 2026).
- Master file — Form 3CEAA, Section 286.
- Country-by-Country Report (CbCR) — Form 3CEAC / 3CEAD.
- Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) — unilateral, bilateral, multilateral.
- Safe harbour rules — Rules 10TA to 10TG.
- TP litigation — Tribunal, DRP, ITAT.
- Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) for treaty disputes.
Sections, Rules & OECD reference
The relevant references:
- Sections 92 to 92F of the Income-tax Act 1961 (continuing under ITA 2025).
- Rules 10A to 10E — methodology.
- Section 92E — statutory accountant’s report (Form 3CEB / Form 48).
- Section 92CD & CC — APA.
- Section 92CE — secondary adjustment.
- Section 286 — CbCR / Master File.
- OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines (international reference).
Groups with cross-border or specified domestic RPT
Indian subsidiaries of multinationals; Indian parents with overseas subsidiaries (ODI route); Indian entities with cross-border services receipts / payments to related parties; groups with intra-group financing, royalty, fees-for-technical-services, cost contributions, IT support; companies with specified domestic transactions exceeding ₹20 crore in aggregate.
The eight-layer TP study
Standard TP study layers:
- Industry analysis — sector overview, peer landscape.
- Group structure — entity-wise functions, assets, risks (FAR).
- Tested party selection — usually the simpler entity.
- Method selection — CUP, RPM, CPM, TNMM, PSM (per Rule 10B).
- Comparables search — commercial database (Capitaline, Prowess), filters, rejection rationale.
- Comparability adjustments — working capital, capacity utilisation.
- Arm’s length range — inter-quartile range under Rule 10CA.
- Conclusion — whether transactions are at arm’s length, with documentation.
From FAR documentation to litigation support
- FAR documentation based on management interviews and operational data.
- Methodology selection with statutory and OECD support.
- Comparables identification using commercial databases.
- Economic analysis — arm’s length range computation.
- TP study report — usually 60–120 pages with annexures.
- Form 3CEB filing.
- Master file / CbCR filing where threshold met.
- APA structuring for businesses wanting forward certainty.
- Litigation support — representation before AO, TPO, DRP, ITAT.
How long & how we charge
Standard TP study + Form 3CEB: 6–10 weeks. Master file / CbCR: 4–6 weeks if data is consolidated. APA pre-filing consultation: 4–8 weeks. Litigation support is hourly or milestone billing.
Common questions on transfer pricing
Is the TP study mandatory or is just Form 3CEB enough?
Form 3CEB is the statutory filing. The TP study is the underlying documentation supporting Form 3CEB. Both are needed in case of TP audit.
Should we go for an APA?
If the same transaction recurs annually with stable economics — yes, an APA gives 5-year forward certainty. We do a cost-benefit analysis on the discovery call.
What’s the threshold for Master File and CbCR?
Master File: consolidated group revenue above ₹500 crore + cross-border RPT above ₹50 crore. CbCR: consolidated group revenue above ₹6,400 crore (~USD 800 million). Thresholds change — we re-test annually.
Will you appear before TPO and DRP?
Yes — through to ITAT. For HC / SC, we brief counsel.
Talk to a partner.
A 30-minute call with a partner — no deck, no follow-up email blasts. Just a read on whether we’re the right team to handle your transfer pricing study & compliance.