The local filing definition in Cabo Verde’s legislation applies to “The constituent entity…which is not the final parent entity of a group of multinational companies” and the legislative definition of multinational enterprise group does not specifically exclude groups which do not meet the threshold requirement. This can be read as requiring constituent entities of all MNE groups of any size to make a local filing if the conditions are met and is therefore too broad. It is recommended that Cabo Verde amend the definition of MNE groups to specify that it does include excluded MNE groups, or to otherwise specify a threshold requirement for local filing.
The first condition in Cabo Verde’s legislation for local filing says: “The constituent entity residing in Cabo Verde…are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by non-resident entities that are not required to submit an identical declaration”. This is not in line with the condition to allow local filing, where the UPE of the group is not obligated to file a country-by-country report in its jurisdiction of tax residence. The condition contained in Cabo Verde’s legislation is too broad and can be read as covering situations such as where there is a filing requirement in the other jurisdiction but the ultimate parent entity is not caught by that requirement because it is below the threshold. The intention is that this condition should apply where there is no filing requirement, not just where the ultimate parent entity is not required to file. It is recommended that Cabo Verde amend the definition or otherwise clarify the definition to be in line with the standard.
Cabo Verde has a legislative requirement for local filing which is in line with the standard, but which is in effect despite Cabo Verde not yet meeting all of the consistency, confidentiality and appropriate use conditions. It is therefore recommended that Cabo Verde take steps to ensure that local filing only occurs in the circumstances permitted under the minimum standard.