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Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement - How NRIs Claim Benefits Under DTAA

Updated on: 27 Sep, 2024 11:25 AM

As we are connected more globally now, there is an increase in the number of individuals and companies to conduct business across borders or work remotely. Working globally and earning from other country as well means they have to pay taxes in both countries i.e. paying taxes in both the residence country and the country where one works. Paying tax twice, for whom it won’t feel like an extra burden. To remove such issues, the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement was signed between India and 94 countries. Let us learn more about Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement.

What is Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)?

Double taxation Avoidance Agreement or DTAA in income tax is an agreement signed between two countries to ensure that the taxpayers do not have to pay tax twice. This provision helps taxpayers accumulate income savings by paying the tax in only one country It is also crucial in making the country an attractive destination for businesses. DTAA agreement also helps reduce the possibility of tax evasion by providing relief from double taxation. For example, if you are an Indian resident and have an income earned in the USA because of the existence of your business in the USA, you would have to pay tax in the USA on the income generated there as well as in India, where you file your tax returns. But, when the DTAA is in effect, you would have to pay taxes only in one country, not both. Alternatively, in case your income is chargeable to tax in both countries, then taxes paid in one country will be allowed as a credit in the other country as per the provisions of DTAAs.


How to determine if DTAA is applicable?

DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement) applies when an individual or a company is liable to pay taxes in two countries on the same income. Here’s how you can determine if DTAA is applicable:

  1. Residency Status: Determine the residency status of the taxpayer as per the tax laws of each country involved. Most DTAA agreements define residency based on the number of days spent or other criteria.
  2. Nature of Income: Identify the specific type of income (e.g., salary, dividends, interest) that is subject to taxation in both countries.
  3. Taxation Rules in Each Country: Understand the tax rules and rates applicable in both countries to the income in question.
  4. Applicable DTAA: Consult the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement between the two countries. Each DTAA specifies rules for determining which country has the primary right to tax specific types of income.
  5. Claiming Benefits: If DTAA benefits are available, ensure that proper procedures are followed to claim these benefits, such as submitting the necessary documents or forms to the tax authorities.
  6. Avoidance of Double Taxation: DTAA aims to prevent the same income from being taxed twice, providing relief through exemptions, credits, or reduced rates of tax.

If in doubt, seek advice from tax expert to determine the applicability of DTAA and ensure compliance. Connect Here.


What are the Benefits of DTAA in Income Tax?

Signing a DTAA agreement has many benefits both for the country and the taxpayer. Here are a few advantages of signing a DTAA -

  • The main purpose of signing a DTAA is to establish the country as an attractive destination for business and investment.
  • The relief can either be provided by exempting the foreign income from tax in the residence country or by providing a credit for the tax paid in the foreign country.
  • DTAA reduces the chances of tax evasion by providing relief from tax.
  • It provides concessions on tax rates
  • Lower withholding tax allows taxpayers to pay lower TDS on their income from royalty, interest, or dividends.

Example of DTAA

Abhinav, an Indian resident, earns INR 2500 through his investments in the USA. This INR 2500 would be taxed in India as foreign income and also in the USA as non-resident income. If the tax rates in India and USA are 30% each, an effective tax of 60% would be paid on the income, leaving Abhinav with only INR 1000 (INR 2500 – 60%) as the net income after taxes.

This dual taxation is a loss for the investor, and to address this issue, the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement came into the picture. The agreement was made to promote international trade. Under the provisions of the agreement, in the case of foreign income, taxation is done only once. Thus, when the individual knows that he would be taxed only once on the international income, he would be motivated to do business internationally and increase his scope of earning. This would, in turn, help countries attract investments from entrepreneurs. India can enjoy foreign investments as well as other countries can enjoy investments from Indian entrepreneurs. Thus, the agreement is mutually beneficial for all member countries in boosting their economies.

Abhinav, an Indian resident, earns INR 2500 through his investments in the USA. This INR 2500 would be taxed in India as foreign income and also in the USA as non-resident income. If the tax rates in India and USA are 30% each, an effective tax of 60% would be paid on the income, leaving Abhinav with only INR 1000 (INR 2500 – 60%) as the net income after taxes.

This dual taxation is a loss for the investor, and to address this issue, the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement came into the picture. The agreement was made to promote international trade. Under the provisions of the agreement, in the case of foreign income, taxation is done only once. Thus, when the individual knows that he would be taxed only once on the international income, he would be motivated to do business internationally and increase his scope of earning. This would, in turn, help countries attract investments from entrepreneurs. India can enjoy foreign investments as well as other countries can enjoy investments from Indian entrepreneurs. Thus, the agreement is mutually beneficial for all member countries in boosting their economies.


Rates of DTAA in Income Tax

The rates at which tax is deducted under DTAA depend on the individual agreement between the countries and vary for different countries. For example, the TDS rate in the agreement between India and Singapore might be different from the TDS rate in the agreement between India and Dubai. Generally, the rates range from 10% to 15 %.


Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) Country List

Below is the list of the nations that India have a DTAA agreement with (withholding rates%)-

Recipient country Dividend Interest Royalty Technical services
Albania 10 10 10 10
Armenia 10 10 10 10
Australia 15 15 10/15 10/15
Austria 10 10 10 10
Bangladesh 10/15 10 10 NA
Belarus 10/15 10 15 15
Belgium 15 15/10 10 10
Bhutan 10 10 10 10
Botswana 7.5/10 10 10 10
Brazil 15 15 25/15 NA
Bulgaria 15 15 15/20 20
Canada 15/25 15 10/15 10/15
Chile 10 10 10 10
China 10 10 10 10
Colombia 5 10 10 10
Croatia 5/15 10 10 10
Cyprus 10 10 10 10
Czech Republic 10 10 10 10
Denmark 15/25 10/15 20 20
Egypt/ United Arab Republic 10/10 20 25 NA
Estonia 10 10 10 10
Ethiopia 7.5 10 10 10
Fiji 5 10 10 10
Finland 10 10 10 10
France 10 10 10 10
Georgia 10 10 10 10
Germany 10 10 10 10
Greece 20 20 25 NA
Hong Kong 5/10/20 5/10/20 10 10
Hungary 10 10 10 10
Iceland 10 10 10 10
Indonesia 10 10 10 10
Iran 10 10 10 10
Ireland 10 10 10 10
Israel 10 10 10 10
Italy 15/25 15 20 20
Japan 10 10 10 10
Jordan 10 10 20 20
Kazakhstan 10 10 10 10
Kenya 10 10 10 10
Korea 15 10 10 10
Kuwait 10 10 10 10
Kyrgyzstan 10 10 15 15
Latvia 10 10 10 10
Libya 20 20 25 NA
Lithuania 5/15 10 10 10
Luxembourg 10 10 10 10
Macedonia 10 10 10 10
Malaysia 5 10 10 10
Malta 10 10 10 10
Mauritius 5/15 7.5 15 10
Mongolia 15 15 15 15
Montenegro 5/15 10 10 10
Morocco 10 10 10 10
Mozambique 7.5 10 10 NA
Myanmar 5 10 10 NA
Namibia 10 10 10 10
Nepal 5/10 10 15 NA
Netherlands 10 10 10 10
New Zealand 15 10 10 10
Norway 10 10 10 10
Oman 10/12.5 10 15 15
Philippines 15/20 10/15 15 NA
Poland 10 10 15 15
Portugal 10/15 10 10 10
Qatar 5/10 10 10 10
Romania 10 10 10 10
Russian Federation 10 10 10 10
Saudi Arabia 5 10 10 NA
Serbia 5/15 10 10 10
Singapore 10/15 10/15 10 10
Slovak Republic* 10 10 10 10
Slovenia 5/15 10 10 10
South Africa 10 10 10 10
Spain 15 15 10/20 20
Sri Lanka 7.5 10 10 10
Sudan 10 10 10 10
Sweden 10 10 10 10
Switzerland 10 10 10 10
Syria 5/10 10 10 NA
Tajikistan 5/10 10 10 NA
Tanzania 5/10 10 10 NA
Thailand 10 10 10 NA
Trinidad and Tobago 10 10 10 10
Turkey 15 10/15 15 15
Turkmenistan 10 10 10 10
Uganda 10 10 10 10
Ukraine 10 10 10 10
United Arab Emirates 10 5/12.5 10 NA
United Mexican States 10 10 10 10
United Kingdom 10/15 0/10/15 10/15 10/15
United States 15/25 10/15 10/15 10/15
Uruguay 5 10 10 10
Uzbekistan 10 10 10 10
Vietnam 10 10 10 10
Zambia 5/10 10 10 10

What are the Basic Principles of DTAA?

Given below are the principles on which the DTAA works -

  • If the DTAA does not address any dispute, but the Income Tax Act contains specific provisions, the provisions of the IT law should be considered.
  • If the treaty has certain provisions, but the Income tax law does not contain information on the same, refer to the treaty.
  • If both the treaty and the IT law contain provisions, whatever is more beneficial for the taxpayer is considered.
  • If the DTAA has certain provisions, but the Income Tax law contradicts them, the treaty will supersede the IT law.

What are the Documents Required for Claiming DTAA Benefits?

NRI’s can claim the benefits of DTAA by submitting the below-mentioned documents -

  • Self Declaration form or Indemnity form
  • Self-attested copy of PAN card
  • Self-attested Visa
  • Self-attested Xerox copy of Passport
  • Tax residency certificate (TRC)
  • A copy of PIO proof

How can NRIs Claim the Benefit of DTAA?

Non-resident Indians living in a DTAA country can avail of the DTAA tax benefits by submitting the following documents -

  • Tax residency certificate (TRC) - TRC is a mandatory document if you want to avail of tax benefits under DTAA. You can get a TRC by approaching the government authorities of the residence country.
  • Form 10F - Form 10F is another essential document to be filed by NRIs to avail of benefits under DTAA.
  • PAN Number - You are also required to submit your PAN number in addition to the above-mentioned documents.

It is essential to understand what DTAA means and read the terms between the concerned countries to find the TDS rate. To know more about DTAA, connect with our experts.


How can one Apply for Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement?

There are a total of 3 ways in which you can claim DTAA benefits -

  • Exemption - Exemption from tax can be claimed in any one country, i.e., residence or source country, subject to certain conditions.
  • Tax Credit - A credit of the tax paid is claimed in the country where the taxpayer resides.
  • Deduction - The country of residence allows the tax paid in a foreign country as a deduction.

For example, Mr.A is an Indian resident having income arising in the U.S. Now the income arising on a foreign land is taxable both in the origin country and the resident country. Under DTAA, the taxpayer, i.e., Mr.A can get relief from paying taxes in any one country. Generally, the taxpayer is either granted an exemption, deduction, or tax credit in the resident country.


What Services are Exempted Under DTAA?

The income earned from the following sources do not attract tax under DTAA -

  • Services provided in India
  • House property present in India
  • Salary received in India
  • Capital gains on transfer of assets in India
  • Fixed deposits in India
  • Savings bank account in India

FAQs on Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement

Q- When was DTAA introduced?

The DTAA, or Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, was signed between India and Korea on 19th July 1985.


Q- Which form is needed to claim DTAA?

The taxpayer needs to file Form 67 to claim benefits under DTAA. The income tax act provides relief to the taxpayers and allows the tax credit to ensure that the taxpayers do not have to pay income tax twice.


Q- What is meant by beneficial ownership under DTAA?

Beneficial owner refers to the person who has control of a natural person on whose behalf the transaction is taking place.


CA Abhishek Soni
CA Abhishek Soni

Abhishek Soni is a Chartered Accountant by profession & entrepreneur by passion. He is the co-founder & CEO of Tax2Win.in. Tax2win is amongst the top 25 emerging startups of Asia and authorized ERI by the Income Tax Department. In the past, he worked in EY and comes with wide industry experience from telecom, retail to manufacturing to entertainment where he has handled various national and international assignments.