Internal tax control: The phased implementation through the risk-based approach

Subject. The article discusses theoretical and practical principles for setting up the internal tax control in terms of the target's interests and rationale for implementing such a control function. Objectives. The study examines various interpretations of internal tax control and detects difficulties in setting the internal tax control function in companies, outline an effective mechanism for implementing it and sorting controlling procedures, which are intended to mitigate key tax risks inherent in the company. This will possibly motivate companies to undertake tax control sessions on a regular basis. Methods. The study is based on general methods of research, such as logic analysis, generalization, classification and grouping, modeling. The theoretical framework comprises legislative and regulatory documents of the Russian Federation on financial and fiscal accounting and financial reporting, and findings of the Russian and foreign authors, which were published in periodicals and online sources. Results. We investigated the substance of internal tax control. Subsequently, we suggest our own risk-based definition, specify purposes and tasks of the concept. The article outlines consecutive steps to set up the tax control function and perform key risk-based controlling procedures, which are intended to mitigated the risks and enhance the control. Conclusions and Relevance. The definition gives a more detailed view of the concept, facilitating a choice of methods to set up and manage the internal tax control function, while the phased mechanism for implementing it is to mitigate tax risks and possible sanctions, reduce tax payments, enhance tax control in the future. The findings are designated for economic agents that intend to sort out their fiscal expenditures and risks at a low cost and without a special corporate unit.