INCREASE IN FOREIGN TRADE AUDITSSAT

We have previously stated that tax authorities, particularly the Tax Administration Service (SAT), have powers to verify taxpayers' compliance with their tax obligations; these powers are established in the Federal Tax Code and are exercised through audits.

Recently, we have detected an increase in these audits, primarily in the area of ​​foreign trade. A foreign trade audit is a review procedure conducted by SAT (through its General Foreign Trade Audit Branch - AGACE) to verify that importing/exporting companies comply with customs and tax regulations and correctly pay taxes on their international transactions.

However, within this type of audit, those based on "Annex 24" predominate. These are carried out by the tax/customs authority (SAT) on companies with an IMMEX program to verify that their automated inventory system complies with legal guidelines, demonstrating the legal entry, return, or change of regime of temporarily imported goods.

Foreign trade audits often have complex results, potentially leading to substantial tax liabilities for corporate taxpayers, in addition to the precautionary and/or definitive seizure of their goods.

There are preventive and conciliatory defense alternatives that can be explored before even considering a potential legal challenge, and even before the authority issues a substantial tax assessment to the detriment of your company.

At TP Legal we specialize in these alternative dispute resolution methods, and, of course, in strategic tax defense/litigation against these types of audits, so we invite you to contact us if you require comprehensive advice and support during an audit process of this nature at all stages.