A master file may be submitted together with a local file or CBC report notification, or as a separate lodgment.
A CBC reporting entity is required to lodge a master file unless it's granted an exemption. If you're not directly lodging the master file yourself, you must lodge a notification that the master file will be lodged on your behalf by another member of your CBC group.
The master file section indicates:
- whether the reporting entity has been exempted from providing a master file
- whether a replacement reporting period applies for the master file
- how the master file is being lodged (via the reporting entity itself or another entity)
- whether the master file has been attached and if so, the filename of the attachment
- whether other entities are covered by the master file lodgment and the details of those entities.
The specific information that must be included in the master file is as described in Annexe I of the OECD's Final ReportExternal Link.
For more information on how to complete and submit the master file and local file, see Detailed design.