Corporate Governance
LEXA HOLDING BV GROUP’s Tax Strategy in the UK
The following information is in compliance with the requirements of paragraph 16(2) Schedule 19 Finance Act 2016. This UK tax strategy is being published in accordance with paragraph 19(4) Schedule 19 Finance Act 2016. The information listed below is specific to our businesses’ UK presence. This tax strategy applies to the following UK Businesses:
- Kinetico UK Holdings Limited
- Kinetico UK Limited
- Genus Water Limited
- HighRes Biosolutions Limited
This Strategy applies to all taxes relevant to the UK Businesses and takes effect from the date of publication until superseded or otherwise replaced.
Our strategy is to manage the tax function of the UK Businesses in compliance with relevant laws and regulations, under an appropriate risk control framework, while maintaining the UK Businesses’ reputation and good relationships with the UK tax authorities, Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”).
It should be noted that all UK Businesses’ employees operate under a code of conduct established by the United States operating parent, Axel Johnson Inc., which can be found at the following link:
All UK tax affairs are handled in accordance with this code.
Risk management and governance arrangements
Our UK Businesses desire transparency and compliance with tax legislation and acknowledge that managing tax compliance is increasingly complex. We evaluate how we meet our tax compliance obligations and responsibilities by engaging professional tax advisors when appropriate and through training of our internal staff. In addition, the UK businesses’ Board of Directors understand the importance of tax compliance and promote continuous discussion between it and the individuals responsible for tax compliance and the management of tax risk.
Tax planning
Our UK Businesses engage in tax planning to the extent that such planning supports our businesses’ needs and will only consider transactions that have credible economic benefit and are in compliance with UK tax laws and regulations. Our businesses will not enter into transactions which lack commercial substance.
Our businesses conduct transactions with other group companies in accordance with current OECD principles and on an arm’s length basis.
Attitude towards risk
Our UK businesses see compliance with tax legislation as critical to managing our tax risk and maintain a positive attitude toward meeting tax obligations and responsibilities. We recognize the complexity of tax laws and understand that they may be subject to differing interpretations which could result in the review and challenge of tax positions by tax authorities. Our UK Businesses engage professional tax advisors for advice when appropriate to mitigate such risk.
Relationship with HMRC
Our UK Businesses endeavour to maintain sound relationships with HMRC, based on mutual respect and trust. We seek an open, transparent and cooperative relationship with HMRC which includes: (1) engaging in open and constructive dialogue with HMRC; (2) making full disclosures where required; (3) meeting statutory deadlines; and (4) remaining available to deal with queries from HMRC as and when required. As necessary, we engage the services of professional tax advisors to act as our agents who will represent our UK Businesses at HMRC when appropriate.