The Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes is the multilateral framework within which work in the area of tax transparency and exchange of information is carried out by over 100 jurisdictions which participate in the work of the Global Forum on an equal footing.

This handbook is intended to assist the assessment teams and the reviewed jurisdictions that are participating in the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information (the Global Forum) peer reviews and non-member reviews. It provides contextual background information on the Global Forum and the peer review process. It also contains relevant key documents and authoritative sources that will guide assessors and reviewed jurisdictions throughout the peer review process. Assessors should be familiar with the information and documents contained in this handbook as it will assist in conducting proper and fair assessments. This handbook is also a unique source of information for governments, academics and others interested in transparency and exchange of information for tax purposes.

All members of the Global Forum, as well as jurisdictions identified by the Global Forum as relevant to its work, are undergoing reviews of their implementation of the standards of transparency and exchange of information in tax matters. The reviews take place in two phases. Phase 1 reviews examine the legal and regulatory framework for transparency and the exchange of information for tax purposes. Phase 2 reviews look into the implementation of the standards in practice. Combined reviews evaluate both the legal and regulatory framework (Phase 1) and the implementation of the standards in practice (Phase 2).