Finance Act 1993

Corporation tax: currency U.K.

[F1 92 The basic rule: sterling to be used. U.K.

(1) Where a company carries on a business, the profits or losses of the business for an accounting period shall for the purposes of corporation tax be computed and expressed in sterling; but this is subject to section 93 below.

(2) In this section—

• “losses” includes management expenses and any allowances falling to be made under [F2 section 19 or 253 of the Capital Allowances Act]] ;

• “profits” includes gains, income and any charges falling to be made under [F2 section 19 or 253 of that Act].

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 92-94 substituted (28.7.2000 with effect as mentioned in 105(2)-(5) of the amending Act) for ss. 92-95 by 2000 c. 17, s. 105(1)

F2 Words in s. 92(2) substituted (22.3.2001 with effect as mentioned in s. 579(1) of the amending Act) by 2001 c. 2, s. 578, Sch. 2 para. 88(a)(b)

[F3 93 Use of currency other than sterling. U.K.

(1) This section applies where in an accounting period a company carries on a business and either the first condition or the second condition is fulfilled.

(2) The first condition is that—

(a) the accounts of the company as a whole are prepared in a currency other than sterling in accordance with normal accounting practice; and

(b) in the case of a company which is not resident in the United Kingdom, the company makes a return of accounts for its branch in the United Kingdom prepared in such a currency in accordance with such practice.

(3) The second condition is that—

(a) the accounts of the company as a whole are prepared in sterling but, so far as relating to the business, they are prepared, using the closing rate/net investment method, from financial statements prepared in a currency other than sterling; or

(b) in the case of a company which is not resident in the United Kingdom, the company makes a return of accounts for its branch in the United Kingdom prepared in sterling but, so far as relating to the business, it is prepared, using that method, from financial statements prepared in such a currency.

(4) The profits or losses of the business for an accounting period shall for the purposes of corporation tax be found by—

(a) taking the amount of all the profits and losses of the business for the period computed and expressed in the relevant foreign currency;

(b) taking account of any of the following which are so computed and expressed—

(i) any management expenses brought forward under section 75(3) of the Taxes Act 1988 from an earlier accounting period;

(ii) any losses of the business brought forward under section 392B or 393 of that Act from such a period; and

(iii) any non-trading deficits on loan relationships brought forward under section 83 of the M1 Finance Act 1996 from the previous accounting period; and

(c) taking the sterling equivalent of the amount found by applying paragraphs (a) and (b) above.

(5) In the application of [F4 section 578A(2) or (3) of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 43(3), 74(2), 75(1), 76(2), (3) or (4), 99(1), (2) or (3) or 208(1) of the Capital Allowances Act]] for the purposes of subsection (4)(a) or (b) above, it shall be assumed that any sterling amount mentioned in any of those sections is its equivalent expressed in the relevant foreign currency.

(6) Where in an accounting period—

(a) a company carries on different parts of a business through different branches (whether within or outside the United Kingdom); and

(b) this section would apply differently in relation to different parts if they were separate businesses,

those parts shall be treated for the purposes of this section as if they were separate businesses for that period.

(7) In this section, unless the context otherwise requires—

• “accounts”, in relation to a company, means—

  (a)

  the annual accounts of the company prepared in accordance with Part VII of the M2 Companies Act 1985 or Part VIII of the M3 Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986; or

  (b)

  if the company is not required to prepare such accounts, the accounts which it is required to keep under the law of its home State; or

  (c)

  if the company is not so required to keep accounts, such of its accounts as most closely correspond to accounts which it would have been required to prepare if the provisions of that Part applied to it;

• “branch” includes any collection of assets and liabilities;

• “the closing rate/net investment method” means the method so called as described under the title “Foreign currency translation” in the Statement of Standard Accounting Practice issued in April 1983 by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales;

• “home State”, in relation to a company, means the country or territory under whose laws the company is incorporated;

• “losses” has the same meaning as in section 92 above except that it does not include allowable losses within the meaning of the M4 Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992;

• “profits” has the same meaning as in section 92 above except that it does not include chargeable gains within the meaning of that Act;

• “the relevant foreign currency” means the currency other than sterling or, where the first condition is fulfilled and two different such currencies are involved, the currency in which the return of accounts is prepared;

• “return of accounts”, in relation to a branch in the United Kingdom, means a return of such accounts of the branch as may be required by the Inland Revenue under paragraph 3 of Schedule 18 to the Finance Act 1998 (company tax returns, assessments and related matters).

Textual Amendments

F3 Ss. 92-94 substituted (28.7.2000 with effect as mentioned in 105(2)-(5) of the amending Act) for ss. 92-95 by 2000 c. 17, s. 105(1)

F4 Words in s. 93(5) substituted (22.3.2001 with effect as mentioned in s. 579(1) of the amending Act) by 2001 c. 2, s. 578, Sch. 2 para. 89

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Ss. 92-94AB applied (24.7.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 80(2) of the amending Act) by 2002 c. 23, s. 80, Sch. 24 para. 7(2) (with Sch. 23 para. 25)

Marginal Citations

M1 1996 c. 8.

M2 1985 c. 6.

M3 S.I. 1986/1032 (N.I.6).

M4 1992 c. 12.

Valid from 24/07/2002

[F5 93A Use of other currency: accounts partly from statements in foreign currency U.K.

(1) This section applies where in an accounting period a company carries on a business and either the first condition or the second condition is fulfilled.

(2) The first condition is that—

(a) the accounts of the company as a whole are prepared in sterling but, so far as relating to part of the business, they are prepared, using the closing rate/net investment method, from financial statements and records prepared in a currency other than sterling; or

(b) in the case of a company which is not resident in the United Kingdom, the company makes a return of accounts for its branch in the United Kingdom prepared in sterling but, so far as relating to part of the business, it is prepared, using that method, from financial statements and records prepared in a currency other than sterling.

(3) The second condition is that—

(a) the accounts of the company as a whole are prepared in a currency other than sterling ( “the first currency”) in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice but, so far as relating to part of the business, they are prepared, using the closing rate/net investment method, from financial statements and records prepared in a currency ( “the second currency”) which is neither sterling nor the first currency; or

(b) in the case of a company which is not resident in the United Kingdom, the company makes a return of accounts for its branch in the United Kingdom prepared in a currency other than sterling ( “the first currency”) in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice, but, so far as relating to part of the business, it is prepared, using the closing rate/ net investment method, from financial statements and records prepared in a currency ( “the second currency”) which is neither sterling nor the first currency.

(4) The profits or losses of the part of the business for an accounting period shall for the purposes of corporation tax be found by—

(a) taking the amount of all the profits and losses of the part of the business for the period computed and expressed in the relevant foreign currency; and

(b) taking—

(i) in a case where the first condition is fulfilled, the sterling equivalent, or

(ii) in a case where the second condition is fulfilled, the equivalent in the first currency,

of the amount found by applying paragraph (a) above.

(5) In a case where the second condition is fulfilled, effect shall be given to subsection (4) above before effectis given to section 93(4) above.

(6) In the application for the purposes of subsection (4)(a) above of—

(a) section 578A(2) or (3) of the Taxes Act 1988, or

(b) section 43(3), 74(2), 75(1), 76(2), (3) or (4), 99(1), (2) or (3) or 208(1) of the Capital Allowances Act,

it shall be assumed that any sterling amount mentioned in any of those sections is its equivalent expressed in the relevant foreign currency.

(7) Where for any accounting period—

(a) the accounts of the company, so far as relating to a part of its business, are prepared, using the closing rate/net investment method, from financial statements and records prepared in a currency which is not sterling and, where the second condition is fulfilled, is not the first currency, or

(b) in the case of a company which is not resident in the United Kingdom, its return of accounts for its branch in the United Kingdom, so far as relating to a part of the company’s business, is prepared, using that method, from such financial statements and records,

then, if different such financial statements and records are prepared in different currencies, the company shall be treated for the purposes of this section as having a separate part of a separate business for each such different currency (and this section shall accordingly apply separately in relation to each such part).

(8) In this section, “part of a business” includes any collection of assets and liabilities.

(9) In this section, unless the context otherwise requires—

• “accounts” has the same meaning as in section 93 above;

• “the closing rate/net investment method” means the method so called as described under the title “Foreign currency translation” in the Statement of Standard Accounting Practice issued in April 1983 by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales;

• “losses” has the same meaning as in section 92 above, except that it does not include allowable losses within the meaning of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992;

• “profits” has the same meaning as in section 92 above, except that it does not include chargeable gains within the meaning of that Act;

• “the relevant foreign currency” means the currency in which the financial statements and records mentioned in subsection (2) or, as the case may be, (3) above are prepared;

• “return of accounts” has the same meaning as in section 93 above.]

Textual Amendments

F5 S. 93A inserted (24.7.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 80(2) of the amending Act) by 2002 c. 23, s. 80, Sch. 24 para. 4 (with Sch. 23 para. 25)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 Ss. 92-94AB applied (24.7.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 80(2) of the amending Act) by 2002 c. 23, s. 80, Sch. 24 para. 7(2) (with Sch. 23 para. 25)

Valid from 24/07/2002

[F6 94AA Rules for ascertaining currency equivalents: general U.K.

(1) Where any receipt or expense, or the value of any asset, liability or derivative contract, of a company—

(a) is to be taken into account in making a computation under subsection (1) of section 92 above for an accounting period, and

(b) is denominated in a currency other than sterling,

it shall be translated into its sterling equivalent by reference to a rate determined in accordance with subsection (4) below.

(2) Where the amount of any receipt or expense, or the value of any asset, liability or derivative contract, of a company—

(a) falls to be brought into account for the purposes of the accounts mentioned in paragraph (a), or the return of accounts mentioned in paragraph (b), of subsection (2) of section 93 above,

(b) is denominated in a currency other than the relevant foreign currency, within the meaning of that section, and

(c) accordingly falls to be translated into the relevant foreign currency,

the amount or value shall for the purposes of that section be translated from the currency mentioned in paragraph (b) above into the relevant foreign currency by reference to a rate determined in accordance with subsection (4) below.

(3) Where, for any purpose of any provision of section 93A(4) or (6) above, any profit or loss denominated in one currency falls to be translated into its equivalent expressed in another currency, the translation shall be made by reference to a rate determined in accordance with subsection (4) below.

(4) The rate is—

(a) the rate used in the preparation of the accounts of the company for the accounting period in question, if that rate is an arm’s length exchange rate for the relevant day, or

(b) in any other case, the London closing exchange rate for the relevant day.

(5) The reference in subsection (4)(a) above to the exchange rate used in the preparation of the accounts of the company includes a reference to any exchange rate implied by a derivative contract whose underlying subject matter is currency.

(6) Nothing in this section affects the operation of Chapter 4 of Part 17 of the Taxes Act 1988 (controlled foreign companies).

(7) Nothing in paragraph 88 of Schedule 18 to the Finance Act 1998 (company tax returns, assessments and related matters) shall be taken to prevent an amount being translated under this section for an accounting period by reference to an exchange rate which was not the exchange rate used to translate that amount for the purposes of the Corporation Tax Acts for another accounting period (whether of the same or a different company).

(8) In this section—

• “accounts” has the same meaning as in section 93 above;

• “arm’s length exchange rate” means such exchange rate as might reasonably be expected to be agreed between persons dealing at arm’s length;

• “derivative contract” shall be construed in accordance with Schedule 26 to the Finance Act 2002;

• “the relevant day”—

  (a)

  where the rate used in the preparation of the accounts is an exchange rate for a particular day, means that day; and

  (b)

  where the rate used in the preparation of the accounts is an average rate for a number of days, means each of those days;

• “underlying subject matter”, in relation to a derivative contract, shall be construed in accordance with Schedule 26 to the Finance Act 2002.]

Textual Amendments

F6 S. 94AA substituted (24.7.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 80(2) of the amending Act) for s. 94 by 2002 c. 23, s. 80, Sch. 24 para. 5 (with Sch. 23 para. 25)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 Ss. 92-94AB applied (24.7.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 80(2) of the amending Act) by 2002 c. 23, s. 80, Sch. 24 para. 7(2) (with Sch. 23 para. 25)

Valid from 24/07/2002

[F7 94AB Rules for ascertaining sterling equivalent for section 93(4) or (5) U.K.

(1) Where the amount of any receipt or expense, or the value of any asset, liability or derivative contract, of a company falls to be translated into its sterling equivalent for the purposes of section 93(4) or (5) above, the translation shall be made by reference to a rate which is an arm’s length exchange rate for the appropriate day.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) above, the “appropriate day” is the day the rate for which would have been used if the accounts, or return of accounts, of the company were translated into sterling in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice in relation to foreign currency translation.

(3) Nothing in this section affects the operation of Chapter 4 of Part 17 of the Taxes Act 1988 (controlled foreign companies).

(4) Nothing in paragraph 88 of Schedule 18 to the Finance Act 1998 (company tax returns, assessments and related matters) shall be taken to prevent an amount being translated under this section for an accounting period by reference to an exchange rate which was not the exchange rate used to translate that amount for the purposes of the Corporation Tax Acts for another accounting period (whether of the same or a different company).

(5) In this section—

• “accounts” has the same meaning as in section 93 above;

• “arm’s length exchange rate” has the same meaning as in section 94AA;

• “derivative contract” shall be construed in accordance with Schedule 26 to the Finance Act 2002.]

Textual Amendments

F7 S. 94AB inserted (24.7.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 80(2) of the amending Act) by 2002 c. 23, s. 80, Sch. 24 para. 6 (with Sch. 23 para. 25)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 Ss. 92-94AB applied (24.7.2002 with effect as mentioned in s. 80(2) of the amending Act) by 2002 c. 23, s. 80, Sch. 24 para. 7(2)

[F8 94 Rules for ascertaining currency equivalents. U.K.

(1) Any receipt or expense which is to be taken into account in making a computation under subsection (1) of section 92 above for an accounting period, and is denominated in a currency other than sterling, shall be translated into its sterling equivalent—

(a) if either of the conditions mentioned in subsection (2) below is fulfilled, by reference to the rate used in the preparation of the accounts of the company as a whole for that period;

(b) if neither of those conditions is fulfilled, by reference to the London closing exchange rate for the relevant day.

(2) The conditions are—

(a) that the rate is an arm’s length exchange rate for the relevant day;

(b) that the rate is an average arm’s length exchange rate for a period ending with that day, or for a period not exceeding three months which includes that day, and the arm’s length exchange rate for any day in that period (except the first) is not significantly different from that for the preceding day.

(3) Subject to subsections (5) and (7) below, any amount found by applying paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (4) of section 93 above shall be translated into its sterling equivalent by reference to the London closing exchange rate for the relevant day.

(4) The following—

(a) any receipt or expense which is to be taken into account in making a calculation for the purposes of subsection (4)(a) or (b) of section 93 above, and is denominated in a currency other than the relevant foreign currency; and

(b) any such sterling amount as is referred to in subsection (5) of that section,

shall be translated into its equivalent expressed in the relevant foreign currency by reference to the London closing exchange rate for the relevant day.

(5) Where section 93 above applies by virtue of the first condition mentioned in that section, then, as regards the business or part of the business, the company—

(a) may elect, by a notice given to an officer of the Board, that as from the first day of the accounting period in which the notice is given, an average arm’s length exchange rate shall be used for the purposes of subsection (3) above instead of the rate there mentioned; and

(b) may withdraw such an election, by a notice so given, as from the first day of the first accounting period beginning on or after the date of the notice.

(6) Where an election under subsection (5) above is withdrawn, no further election may be made under that subsection so as to take effect before the third anniversary of the day on which the withdrawal takes effect.

(7) Where—

(a) section 93 above applies by virtue of the second condition mentioned in that section; and

(b) the accounts of the company, so far as relating to the business or part of the business, are prepared by reference to an average arm’s length exchange rate,

that exchange rate shall be used for the purposes of subsection (3) above instead of the rate there mentioned.

(8) In this section—

• “accounts” has the same meaning as in section 93 above;

• “arm’s length exchange rate” means such exchange rate as might reasonably be expected to be agreed between persons dealing at arm’s length;

• “average arm’s length exchange rate”, in relation to a period, means the rate which represents an appropriate average of arm’s length exchange rates for the period;

• “the relevant day” means—

  (a)

  for the purposes of subsections (1), (2) and (4)(a) above, the day on which the company becomes entitled to the receipt or incurs (or is treated as incurring) the expense;

  (b)

  for the purposes of subsection (3) above, the last day of the accounting period in question;

  (c)

  for the purposes of subsection (4)(b) above, the day on which the company incurs the capital expenditure.

(9) Nothing in this section affects the operation of Chapter IV of Part VII of the Taxes Act 1988 (controlled foreign companies) or Chapter II of this Part.

(10) Nothing in paragraph 88 of Schedule 18 to the M5 Finance Act 1998 (company tax returns, assessments and related matters) shall be taken to prevent any amount which is taken to be conclusively determined for the purposes of the Corporation Tax Acts from being translated under this section by reference to an exchange rate which was not used to determine the amount which can no longer be altered.]

Textual Amendments

F8 Ss. 92-94 substituted (28.7.2000 with effect as mentioned in 105(2)-(5) of the amending Act) for ss. 92-95 by 2000 c. 17, s. 105(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 Ss. 92-94AB applied (24.7.2002 with effect as mentioned in s.80(2) of the amending Act) by 2002 c. 23, s. 80, Sch.24, para. 7(2) (with Sch. 23, para. 25)

Marginal Citations

M5 1998 c. 36.

[F9 F10 94A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F12 95. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F14 96 Foreign companies: trading currency. U.K.

(1) In Schedule 24 to the Taxes Act 1988 (assumptions for calculating chargeable profits, creditable tax and corresponding United Kingdom tax of foreign companies) the following paragraph shall be inserted after paragraph 4—

“4A (1) Sub-paragraph (2) below applies where—

(a) the company carries on a trade, and

(b) the currency used in the accounts of the company for an accounting period is a currency other than sterling.

(2) It shall be assumed that by virtue of regulations under section 93 of the Finance Act 1993 (corporation tax: currency to be used) the basic profits or losses of the trade for the accounting period are to be computed and expressed for the purposes of corporation tax in the currency used in the accounts of the company for the period.

(3) References in this paragraph to the accounts of a company—

(a) are to the accounts which the company is required by the law of its home State to keep, or

(b) if the company is not required by the law of its home State to keep accounts, are to the accounts of the company which most closely correspond to the individual accounts which companies formed and registered under the M6 Companies Act 1985 are required by that Act to keep;

and for the purposes of this paragraph the home State of a company is the country or territory under whose law the company is incorporated.

(4) The reference in sub-paragraph (2) above to the basic profits or losses of the trade for the accounting period shall be construed in accordance with section 93 of the Finance Act 1993.”

(2) This section applies in relation to any accounting period beginning on or after the day appointed under section 165(7)(b) below.]

Textual Amendments

F14 S. 96 repealed (retrospectively) by 1995 c. 4, s. 162, Sch. 29 Pt. VIII(18), Note

Marginal Citations

M6 1985 c. 6.