Economic Substance Doctrine
/ˌɛkəˈnɒmɪk ˈsʌbstəns ˈdɒktrɪn/
Definitions
- (n.) A judicially created rule in tax law requiring transactions to have genuine economic effect beyond tax benefits to be recognized for tax purposes.
The court applied the economic substance doctrine to disallow the taxpayer's deduction for the sham transaction.
Forms
- economic substance doctrine
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Often applied to prevent abusive tax shelters, this doctrine demands that tax benefits stem from real economic activity, not mere formalities.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.