Support for transfer pricing documentation comes in various forms, from flexible software you manage yourself to fully outsourced advisory services. The right choice depends on your internal capacity, your organization’s complexity, and the level of control you want to maintain. Finding the right balance between technology and service is essential for an efficient and compliant process. Read the main article on Transfer pricing documentation support
What types of services and software solutions are available for transfer pricing documentation support?
Three main forms of support for transfer pricing documentation exist: software-only, a hybrid model with software and support, and fully outsourced consultancy services. Each option offers a different level of control, automation, and external expertise. This allows you to choose a solution that perfectly matches your team’s needs and workflow, whether you prefer to work independently, collaborate with partners, or outsource the entire process.
An integrated software-plus-support solution combines the efficiency of technology with the assurance of expert guidance, while pure consultancy removes the workload entirely. Below, we compare the most common options.
| Type of Service | Description and Included Functionalities | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Software-Only (DIY) | You gain access to a platform and are responsible for implementation and usage. Typical functionalities include documentation templates, data import (e.g., via Excel), workflows, analytics, and dashboards for risk analysis. | Teams with in-depth in-house knowledge who desire maximum control and flexibility and want to automate repetitive tasks. |
| Software + Support (Hybrid) | This combines a software platform with specialist support. In addition to all software functionalities, you receive assistance with onboarding, training, and ongoing support. You can also choose to grant access to your advisor. | Organizations seeking efficiency through technology but also wanting the assurance of an expert for complex issues and support. |
| Full-Service Consultancy | You outsource the entire documentation process to an external advisory firm. They handle the analysis, drafting, and maintenance of all documents. | Companies with limited internal capacity or expertise that want to completely unburden their transfer pricing process. |
How are the costs for transfer pricing documentation support structured?
The cost of transfer pricing documentation support is determined by factors like the number of countries and entities, the complexity of transactions, and the chosen service model. Pricing structures range from a predictable, fixed annual fee per country to variable hourly rates for consultancy. This allows you to align costs with your budget and specific needs, with software solutions often providing a more scalable and predictable model than traditional billable hours.
| Pricing Model | How It Works | When Is This a Good Choice? |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed annual fee per country | You pay a fixed, predictable amount per year for each country in which you operate. This model, which we use at Coperitas, typically covers software licenses, updates, and support. | If you are looking for budgetary predictability and a scalable solution that grows with your organization. |
| License costs per user | The cost is based on the number of people within your team who need access to the software. More users mean higher costs. | For smaller teams where only a limited number of individuals work directly with the software. |
| Hourly rates | This model is common with traditional consultancy. You pay for the actual hours spent by the advisors. The total cost is difficult to estimate in advance. | For specific, one-off projects or advisory questions where you do not need ongoing software or support. |
What is typically included in a transfer pricing documentation support package?
A standard package for transfer pricing documentation support generally provides the tools and documents you need for compliance, such as generated master and local files. Depending on the provider, this also includes onboarding, training, and ongoing technical support to ensure you get the most out of the solution and can operate it effectively.
What outputs can you expect from transfer pricing documentation support?
You can expect concrete deliverables such as automatically generated Master and Local Files based on a standard OECD template. Additionally, modern tools often provide advanced analytics and visualizations, such as a dashboard for Pillar II safe harbours and risk analyses based on your Country-by-Country Reporting (CbCR) data.
How much implementation and maintenance support is usually included?
The level of support varies, but a good partner offers more than just software. With Coperitas, you can expect a thorough onboarding process, team training, and reliable, ongoing support. We ensure you can work independently with the platform but are always available to help when you have questions.
What level of configuration and integration is possible?
Modern platforms are designed to be flexible. For example, the Coperitas platform offers a flexible data model that you can adapt to your own ERP data output. Data can be easily uploaded via Excel, and a real-time connection is even possible upon request. You can also reverse-engineer your existing documentation into the system, and there is no limit to the number of documents or templates you can create.
Conclusion
Choosing the right support for your transfer pricing documentation is a strategic decision that impacts efficiency, control, and costs. Whether you opt for software, a hybrid model, or full outsourcing, the goal is to create a compliant and manageable process. At Coperitas, we believe in empowering teams with technology. Our cloud-based application, combined with a price-friendly model of a fixed fee per country, gives you the tools and flexibility to manage your transfer pricing your way: independently, collaboratively, or partially outsourced.