Global telecom groups with Indian subsidiaries face significant master file and Country-by-Country Reporting (CbCR) obligations under the Direct Tax Code (DTC) 2025. Understanding the thresholds and compliance requirements is essential for telecom groups to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. This guide analyses the master file and CbCR thresholds for global telecom groups.
The Master File Framework
Section 171 — Maintenance of Information and Documents
Section 171(1) requires every person who has entered into an international transaction or specified domestic transaction to keep and maintain such information and document in respect thereof and for such period and in such manner, as may be prescribed.
Rule 123 — Master File Requirements
Rule 123 of the Income-tax Rules, 2026 prescribes the specific information and documents to be maintained by constituent entities of international groups.
Threshold for Master File — Rule 123(1)
Every person, being a constituent entity of an international group shall maintain the master file if:
- The consolidated group revenue of the international group, as reflected in the consolidated financial statement for the accounting year, exceeds ₹500 crore; and
- The aggregate value of international transactions:
- During the accounting year, as per the books of account, exceeds ₹50 crore; or
- In respect of purchase, sale, transfer, lease or use of intangible property during the accounting year, as per the books of account, exceeds ₹10 crore
Filing Requirement — Rule 123(2)
The information and document specified in Rule 123(1) shall be furnished to the Joint Director referred to in Rule 124(1), in Form No. 56, on or before the due date for furnishing the return of income as specified under Section 263(1)(c). The key due date for master file filing is 30th November.
Part A Filing — Rule 123(3)
The constituent entity shall furnish Part A of Form No. 56 even if the conditions specified in sub-rule (1) are not satisfied.
The CbCR Framework
Section 511 — Furnishing of Report in Respect of International Group
Section 511 provides the statutory framework for CbCR in India.
Section 511(1) : Every constituent entity resident in India shall notify the prescribed income-tax authority whether it is the alternate reporting entity or the details of the parent entity or the alternate reporting entity.
Section 511(2) : Every parent entity or the alternate reporting entity, resident in India, shall, for every reporting accounting year, furnish a report within twelve months from the end of the said reporting accounting year.
Section 511(4) : A constituent entity of an international group, resident in India, other than the entity referred to in sub-section (2), shall furnish the report if the parent entity is resident of a country or territory:
- Where the parent entity is not obligated to file the report; or
- With which India does not have an agreement providing for exchange of the report; or
- Where there has been a systemic failure
Threshold for CbCR — Section 511(8) and Rule 124(7)
The provisions of Section 511 shall not apply to an international group for an accounting year, if the total consolidated group revenue, as per the consolidated financial statement for the accounting year preceding such accounting year, does not exceed ₹6,400 crore.
Application to Telecom Groups
When Do Master File Obligations Apply?
Telecom groups must comply with master file obligations if:
- The consolidated group revenue exceeds ₹500 crore
- The aggregate value of international transactions exceeds ₹50 crore (or ₹10 crore for intangible transactions)
When Do CbCR Obligations Apply?
Telecom groups must comply with CbCR obligations if:
- The consolidated group revenue exceeds ₹6,400 crore
- The group has a constituent entity in India (the telecom subsidiary)
Common International Transactions of Telecom Groups
- Provision of network services to group companies
- Spectrum trading and sharing arrangements
- Tower infrastructure sharing
- Management and technical services
- Licensing of intellectual property
- Financing arrangements
Contents of Master File
Required Information
- List of Entities: A list of all entities of the international group along with their addresses
- Ownership Structure: A chart depicting the legal status of the constituent entity and ownership structure
- Business Description: Nature of the business, drivers of profits, supply chain, service arrangements, geographical markets, functions performed, risks assumed
- Intangible Property: Strategy for development and exploitation of intangibles, list of entities engaged in IP development, list of important IP, transfer pricing policies for IP
- Financing Arrangements: Description of financing arrangements, entities providing central financing functions, transfer pricing policies for financing
- Financial Statements: A copy of the annual consolidated financial statement
- Advance Pricing Agreements: A list and brief description of existing APAs
Contents of CbCR
Section 511(3) — Required Information
The report shall include:
- Aggregate information in respect of the amount of revenue, profit or loss before income-tax, amount of income-tax paid, amount of income-tax accrued, stated capital, accumulated earnings, number of employees and tangible assets with regard to each country or territory
- Details of each constituent entity
- The nature and details of the main business activity or activities of each constituent entity
Form No. 59
Rule 124(3) provides that the report shall be furnished in Form No. 59.
Practical Compliance
1. Assess Applicability
- Determine whether the group meets the ₹500 crore master file threshold
- Determine whether the group meets the ₹6,400 crore CbCR threshold
- Identify all international transactions
2. Gather Information
- Gather information on the group structure
- Gather information on the business, intangible property, and financing arrangements
- Gather financial statements
3. Prepare Master File
- Prepare the master file in Form No. 56
- Ensure completeness and accuracy
- Coordinate with group entities
4. Prepare CbCR
- Prepare the CbCR in Form No. 59
- Ensure completeness and accuracy
- Coordinate with group entities
5. File Timely
- File Form No. 56 on or before 30th November
- File Form No. 59 within twelve months from the end of the reporting accounting year
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Penalties
- Section 459: Penalty ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per day for failure to furnish the report
- Section 459: Penalty of ₹5,00,000 for furnishing inaccurate information
- Section 442: Penalty of 2% of the value of each international transaction for failure to maintain documentation
Expert Legal Guidance
Anuj Desai & Associates provides comprehensive legal advisory services on master file and CbCR compliance for global telecom groups. Our international tax experts help telecom groups understand their obligations, prepare documentation, and navigate the regulatory framework. We assist in applicability assessment, document preparation, and representation before income-tax authorities.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance on master file and CbCR compliance or any other international tax matter, please consult qualified legal professionals.
Need Expert Legal Guidance?
Navigating the complex master file and CbCR framework for global telecom groups requires experienced legal counsel. At Anuj Desai & Associates, we provide comprehensive international tax advisory services, including:
- Applicability Assessment: Evaluation of master file and CbCR obligations
- Document Preparation: Assistance with Form No. 56 and Form No. 59 preparation
- Compliance: Guidance on ongoing compliance requirements
- Representation: Representation before income-tax authorities
Contact us for expert legal guidance on your master file and CbCR compliance matters.