TO improve the international tax framework, the OECD has released the first analysis of individual country efforts to improve dispute resolution mechanisms. The six peer review reports represent the first evaluation of how countries are implementing new minimum standards agreed in the OECD/G20 BEPS Project. The BEPS Project sets out 15 key actions to reform the international tax framework, by ensuring that profits are reported where economic activities are carried out and value is created.

A key pillar of the project focused on improving the mutual agreement procedure (MAP), which resulted in a new minimum standard to ensure that tax treaty related disputes are resolved in a timely, effective and efficient manner (Action 14). This minimum standard is complemented by a set of best practices. In addition to implementing the Action 14 minimum standard, countries committed to have their compliance with this standard reviewed and monitored by their peers.

The first six peer review reports relate to implementation by Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.