As governments work to strengthen global tax transparency, the exchange of real estate information has become a new priority. But instead of creating complex new reporting systems, the IPI MCAA (Immovable Property Information Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement) takes a more practical approach: it focuses on Readily Available Information—data that tax authorities already possess and can share quickly.

In this episode, we break down why this approach was chosen, what counts as “readily available,” and how the framework works in practice.

🔎 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why the IPI MCAA prioritizes existing data

While full due diligence rules could improve consistency, they would require major legislative and operational changes. By relying on information jurisdictions already store—property registers, tax databases, and beneficial ownership systems—the pathway to greater transparency becomes much faster and more achievable.

• What qualifies as “Readily Available Information”

This includes electronically captured, searchable, and sortable data such as:

– Property holdings

– Acquisitions and disposals

– Recurring income from real estate

– Beneficial ownership records (where accessible)

Non-electronic files are typically excluded—but jurisdictions may include them if they consider them truly “readily available.”

• Why visibility over foreign real estate matters

Countries tax immovable property differently—some tax capital gains and rental income heavily, others exempt them entirely, and many do not impose wealth or inheritance taxes. Access to foreign property data helps tax authorities verify whether offshore income or wealth is correctly reported or taxed.

In some cases, the information may also support cross-border tax collection.

• How the IPI MCAA is structured: the two-module system

The agreement allows jurisdictions to choose what type of information they want to receive:

1️⃣ Module 1: Holdings & Acquisitions

• One-off exchange of historical acquisitions when a bilateral relationship begins

• Annual exchanges for new acquisitions going forward

2️⃣ Module 2: Income & Disposals

• Annual exchanges covering rental income and property disposals

Each module includes identifying details for legal owners, and—where available—beneficial owners.

Information on legal owners is sent to the jurisdiction where they reside; beneficial owner data goes to the jurisdiction of the beneficial owner.

Before receiving the data, each jurisdiction must also confirm the information is foreseeably relevant for administering its covered taxes.

This episode is essential listening for tax professionals, advisors, and globally mobile individuals seeking to understand how real estate transparency is evolving—and how it will shape cross-border compliance going forward.