Legal Definitions - APA

Definition: APA is an abbreviation that can stand for two different things:

1. Administrative Procedure Act: This is a law in the United States that outlines the procedures that federal agencies must follow when making rules and regulations. It helps ensure that the government is transparent and accountable to the public.
2. Advance Pricing Agreement: This is an agreement between a taxpayer and a tax authority (such as the IRS) that establishes the pricing method for transactions between related parties. It helps prevent disputes over transfer pricing.

Examples:

• Example 1: The EPA must follow the procedures outlined in the APA when creating new regulations to protect the environment.
• Example 2: A multinational corporation may seek an APA with the IRS to establish the pricing method for transactions between its subsidiaries in different countries.

The examples illustrate how APA can refer to two different things: a law that governs how federal agencies make rules and regulations, and an agreement between a taxpayer and a tax authority that establishes transfer pricing methods. These examples also show how APA is used in different contexts, such as environmental protection and international taxation.