The charge for current taxation is based on the results for the year as adjusted for items which are non-assessable or disallowed. It is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.
The Group operates in numerous tax jurisdictions around the world and it is Group policy to submit its tax returns to the relevant tax authorities as promptly as possible. At any given time, the Group is involved in disputes and tax audits and will have a number of tax returns potentially subject to audit. Significant issues may take several years to resolve. In estimating the probability and amount of any tax charge, management takes into account the views of internal and external advisers and updates the amount of tax provision whenever necessary. The ultimate tax liability may differ from the amount provided depending on interpretations of tax law, settlement negotiations or changes in legislation.