U.S.-Chile Tax Treaty Technical Explanation
U.S.-Chile Tax Treaty Technical Explanation
Length: 67,855 wordsOfficial source
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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY TECHNICAL EXPLANATION OF THE
CONVENTION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHILE FOR THE
AVOIDANCE OF DOUBLE TAXATION AND THE PREVENTION OF FISCAL EVASION
WITH RESPECT TO TAXES ON INCOME AND CAPITAL
This is a Technical Explanation of the Convention between the Government of the United
States and the Government of the Republic of Chile for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and
the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and Capital, signed on
February 4, 2010 (the “Convention”) as well as an amending Protocol signed the same day (the
“Protocol”).
Negotiations on the Convention took into account the U.S. Treasury Department’s
current tax treaty policy and the Treasury Department’s Model Income Tax Convention,
published on November 15, 2006 (the “U.S. Model”). Negotiations also took into account the
Model Tax Convention on Income and on Capital, published by the Organisation for Economic
Cooperation and Development (the “OECD Model”), and recent tax treaties concluded by both
countries.
On the date of signing of the Convention and the Protocol, the United States and Chile
also exchanged diplomatic Notes (the “2010 Exchange of Notes”) relating to various provisions
of the Convention and the Protocol. The United States and Chile also exchanged diplomatic
Notes on February 25, 2011 (the “2011 Exchange of Notes”) and on February 10 and 21, 2012
(the “2012 Exchange of Notes”). The 2010, 2011, and 2012 Exchanges of Notes constitute an
integral part of the overall agreement between the United States and Chile.
The Technical Explanation is an official guide to the Convention, Protocol, and
Exchanges of Notes. It reflects the policies behind particular Convention provisions, as well as
understandings reached during the negotiations with respect to the application and interpretation
of the Convention, Protocol, and Exchanges of Notes
rt of the overall agreement between the United States and Chile.
The Technical Explanation is an official guide to the Convention, Protocol, and
Exchanges of Notes. It reflects the policies behind particular Convention provisions, as well as
understandings reached during the negotiations with respect to the application and interpretation
of the Convention, Protocol, and Exchanges of Notes. References in the Technical Explanation
to “he” or “his” should be read to mean “he or she” or “his and her.” References to the “Code”
are to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
ARTICLE 1 (GENERAL SCOPE)
Article 1 provides that the Convention applies only to residents of the United States or
Chile except where the terms of the Convention provide otherwise. Under Article 4 (Residence)
a person is generally treated as a resident of a Contracting State if that person is, under the laws
of that State, liable to tax therein by reason of his domicile, residence, citizenship, place of
management, place of incorporation, or any other criterion of a similar nature. However, if a
person is considered a resident of both Contracting States, Article 4 provides rules for
determining a State of residence (or no Contracting State of residence). This determination
governs for all purposes of the Convention.
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Certain provisions are applicable to persons who may not be residents of either
Contracting State. For example, paragraph 1 of Article 25 (Non-Discrimination) applies to
nationals of the Contracting States. In addition, under Article 27 (Exchange of Information),
information may be exchanged with respect to residents of third states.
Paragraph 2 of the Protocol states the generally accepted relationship both between the
Convention and domestic law and between the Convention and other agreements to which both
of the Contracting States are parties
applies to
nationals of the Contracting States. In addition, under Article 27 (Exchange of Information),
information may be exchanged with respect to residents of third states.
Paragraph 2 of the Protocol states the generally accepted relationship both between the
Convention and domestic law and between the Convention and other agreements to which both
of the Contracting States are parties. That is, no provision in the Convention may restrict any
exclusion, exemption, deduction, credit or other allowance or benefit accorded by the tax laws of
the Contracting States, or by any other agreement between the Contracting States. The
relationship between the non-discrimination provisions of the Convention and the General
Agreement on Trade in Services (the “GATS”) is addressed in paragraph 3 of the Protocol.
Under paragraph 2 of the Protocol, for example, if a deduction would be allowed under
the Code in computing the U.S. taxable income of a resident of Chile, the deduction also is
allowed to that person in computing taxable income under the Convention. Paragraph 2 also
means that the Convention may not increase the tax burden on a resident of a Contracting State
beyond the burden determined under domestic law. Thus, a right to tax permitted by the
Convention cannot be exercised unless that right also exists under domestic law.
It follows that, under the principle of paragraph 2 of the Protocol, a taxpayer’s U.S. tax
liability need not be determined under the Convention if the Code would produce a more
favorable result. A taxpayer may not, however, choose among the provisions of the Code and
the Convention in an inconsistent manner in order to minimize tax. Thus, a taxpayer may use the
Convention to reduce its taxable income, but may not combine both treaty and Code rules in a
way that would be inconsistent with the intent of either set of rules. For example, assume that a
resident of Chile has three separate businesses in the United States
e among the provisions of the Code and
the Convention in an inconsistent manner in order to minimize tax. Thus, a taxpayer may use the
Convention to reduce its taxable income, but may not combine both treaty and Code rules in a
way that would be inconsistent with the intent of either set of rules. For example, assume that a
resident of Chile has three separate businesses in the United States. One is a profitable
permanent establishment and the other two are trades or businesses that would earn taxable
income under the Code but that do not meet the permanent establishment threshold tests of the
Convention. One is profitable and the other incurs a loss. Under the Convention, the income of
the permanent establishment is taxable in the United States, and both the profit and loss of the
other two businesses are ignored. Under the Code, all three would be subject to tax, but the loss
would offset the profits of the two profitable ventures. The taxpayer may not invoke the
Convention to exclude the profits of the profitable trade or business and invoke the Code to
claim the loss of the loss trade or business against the profit of the permanent establishment. See
Rev. Rul. 84-17, 1984-1 C.B. 308. If, however, the taxpayer invokes the Code for the taxation of
all three ventures, he would not be precluded from invoking the Convention with respect, for
example, to any dividend income he may receive from the United States that is not effectively
connected with any of his business activities in the United States.
Similarly, except as provided in paragraph 3, nothing in the Convention can be used to
deny any benefit granted by any other agreement between the United States and Chile. For
example, if certain benefits are provided for military personnel or military contractors under a
Status of Forces Agreement between the United States and Chile, those benefits or protections
ies in the United States.
Similarly, except as provided in paragraph 3, nothing in the Convention can be used to
deny any benefit granted by any other agreement between the United States and Chile. For
example, if certain benefits are provided for military personnel or military contractors under a
Status of Forces Agreement between the United States and Chile, those benefits or protections
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will be available to residents of the Contracting States regardless of any provisions to the
contrary (or silence) in the Convention.
Paragraph 3 of the Protocol relates to non-discrimination obligations of the Contracting
States under the GATS. The provisions of paragraph 3 are an exception to the rule provided in
paragraph 2 of the Protocol under which the Convention shall not restrict in any manner any
benefit now or hereafter accorded by any other agreement between the Contracting States.
Subparagraph 3(a) of the Protocol provides that, unless the competent authorities
determine that a taxation measure is not within the scope of the Convention, the national
treatment obligations of the GATS shall not apply with respect to that measure. Further, any
question arising as to the interpretation or application of the Convention, including in particular
whether a measure is within the scope of the Convention, shall be considered only by the
competent authorities of the Contracting States, and the procedures under the Convention
exclusively shall apply to the dispute. Thus, paragraph 3 of Article XXII (Consultation) of the
GATS may not be used to bring a dispute before the World Trade Organization unless the
competent authorities of both Contracting States have determined that the relevant taxation
measure is not within the scope of Article 25 (Non-Discrimination) of the Convention.
The term “measure” for these purposes is defined broadly in paragraph 3 of the Protocol
h 3 of Article XXII (Consultation) of the
GATS may not be used to bring a dispute before the World Trade Organization unless the
competent authorities of both Contracting States have determined that the relevant taxation
measure is not within the scope of Article 25 (Non-Discrimination) of the Convention.
The term “measure” for these purposes is defined broadly in paragraph 3 of the Protocol.
It would include a law, regulation, rule, procedure, decision, administrative action or guidance,
or any other similar provision or action.
Paragraph 4 of the Protocol contains the traditional saving clause found in all U.S.
income tax treaties. The Contracting States reserve their rights, except as provided otherwise in
paragraph 4 of the Protocol, to tax their residents and citizens as provided under their domestic
laws, notwithstanding any provisions of the Convention to the contrary. For example, if a
resident of Chile performs professional services in the United States and the income from the
services is not attributable to a permanent establishment in the United States, Article 7 (Business
Profits) would by its terms prevent the United States from taxing the income. If, however, the
resident of Chile is also a citizen of the United States, the saving clause permits the United States
to include the remuneration in the worldwide income of the citizen and subject it to tax under the
normal Code rules (i.e., without regard to Code section 894(a)). Paragraph 4 of the Protocol also
preserves the benefits of special foreign tax credit rules applicable to the U.S. taxation of certain
U.S. income of its citizens resident in Chile. See paragraph 5 of Article 23 (Relief from Double
Taxation).
For purposes of the saving clause, “residence” is determined under Article 4 (Residence).
Thus, an individual who is a resident of the United States under the Code (but not a U.S
so
preserves the benefits of special foreign tax credit rules applicable to the U.S. taxation of certain
U.S. income of its citizens resident in Chile. See paragraph 5 of Article 23 (Relief from Double
Taxation).
For purposes of the saving clause, “residence” is determined under Article 4 (Residence).
Thus, an individual who is a resident of the United States under the Code (but not a U.S. citizen)
but who is determined to be a resident of the other Contracting State under the tie-breaker rules
of Article 4 would be subject to U.S. tax only to the extent permitted by the Convention. The
United States would not be permitted to apply its domestic law to that person to the extent that its
law is inconsistent with the Convention.
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However, the person would still be treated as a U.S. resident for U.S. tax purposes other
than determining the individual’s U.S. tax liability. For example, in determining under Code
section 957 whether a foreign corporation is a controlled foreign corporation, shares in that
corporation held by the individual would be considered to be held by a U.S. resident. As a result,
other U.S. citizens or residents might be deemed to be United States shareholders of a controlled
foreign corporation subject to current inclusion of subpart F income recognized by the
corporation. See Treas. Reg. § 301.7701(b)-7(a)(3).
Under paragraph 4 of the Protocol, each Contracting State also reserves its right to tax
former citizens and former long-term residents for a period of ten years following the loss of
such status. Thus, paragraph 4 allows the United States to tax former U.S. citizens and former
U.S. long-term residents in accordance with Code section 877. Section 877 generally applies to
a former citizen or long-term resident of the United States who relinquishes citizenship or
terminates long-term residency before June 17, 2008, if he fails to certify that he has complied
with U.S
ss of
such status. Thus, paragraph 4 allows the United States to tax former U.S. citizens and former
U.S. long-term residents in accordance with Code section 877. Section 877 generally applies to
a former citizen or long-term resident of the United States who relinquishes citizenship or
terminates long-term residency before June 17, 2008, if he fails to certify that he has complied
with U.S. tax laws during the 5 preceding years, or if either of the following criteria exceed
established thresholds: (a) the average annual net income tax of such individual for the period of
5 taxable years ending before the date of the loss of status; or (b) the net worth of such individual
as of the date of the loss of status.
The United States defines “long-term resident” as an individual (other than a U.S. citizen)
who is a lawful permanent resident of the United States in at least 8 of the prior 15 taxable years.
An individual is not treated as a lawful permanent resident for any taxable year in which the
individual is treated as a resident of Chile under this Convention, or as a resident of any country
other than the United States under the provisions of any other U.S. tax treaty, and the individual
does not waive the benefits of the relevant tax treaty.
Subparagraphs 4(a) and 4(b) of the Protocol set forth certain exceptions to the saving
clause. The referenced provisions are intended to preserve benefits for citizens and residents of
the Contracting States even if such benefits do not exist under domestic law.
Subparagraph 4(a) of the Protocol lists certain provisions of the Convention that are
applicable to all citizens and residents of a Contracting State, despite the general saving clause
rule of paragraph 4:
(1) Paragraph 2 of Article 9 (Associated Enterprises) grants the right to a correlative
adjustment with respect to income tax due on profits reallocated under Article 9.
omestic law.
Subparagraph 4(a) of the Protocol lists certain provisions of the Convention that are
applicable to all citizens and residents of a Contracting State, despite the general saving clause
rule of paragraph 4:
(1) Paragraph 2 of Article 9 (Associated Enterprises) grants the right to a correlative
adjustment with respect to income tax due on profits reallocated under Article 9.
(2) Paragraphs 1 (b), 3, 4, and 6 of Article 18 (Pensions, Social Security, Alimony and
Child Support) provide exemptions from source or residence State taxation for certain
pension distributions, social security payments, investment income of pension funds
located in the other Contracting State, alimony, and child support.
(3) Article 23 (Relief from Double Taxation) confers to citizens and residents of one
Contracting State the benefit of a credit for income taxes paid to the other or an
exemption for income earned in the other State.
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(4) Article 25 (Non-Discrimination) protects residents and nationals of one Contracting
State against the adoption of certain discriminatory taxation practices in the other
Contracting State.
(5) Article 26 (Mutual Agreement Procedure) confers certain benefits on citizens and
residents of the Contracting States in order to reach and implement solutions to
disputes between the two Contracting States. For example, the competent authorities
are permitted to use a definition of a term that differs from an internal law definition.
The statute of limitations may be waived for refunds, so that the benefits of an
agreement may be implemented.
Subparagraph 4(b) of the Protocol provides a different set of exceptions to the saving
clause. The benefits referred to are all intended to be granted to temporary residents of a
Contracting State (for example, in the case of the United States, holders of non-immigrant visas),
but not to citizens or to persons who have acquired permanent residence in that State
eement may be implemented.
Subparagraph 4(b) of the Protocol provides a different set of exceptions to the saving
clause. The benefits referred to are all intended to be granted to temporary residents of a
Contracting State (for example, in the case of the United States, holders of non-immigrant visas),
but not to citizens or to persons who have acquired permanent residence in that State. If
beneficiaries of these provisions travel from one of the Contracting States to the other, and
remain in the other long enough to become residents under its internal law, but do not acquire
permanent residence status (i.e., in the U.S. context, they do not become “green card” holders)
and are not citizens of that State, the host State will continue to grant these benefits even if they
conflict with the statutory rules. The benefits preserved by this paragraph are: the host country
exemptions for certain pension distributions and the beneficial tax treatment of pension fund
contributions under paragraphs 2 and 5 of Article 18 (Pensions, Social Security, Alimony and
Child Support); government service salaries and pensions under Article 19 (Government
Service); certain income of visiting students, apprentices, and trainees under Article 20 (Students
and Trainees); and the income of diplomatic agents and consular officers under Article 28
(Members of Diplomatic Missions and Consular Posts).
Paragraph 1 of the Protocol addresses special issues presented by fiscally transparent
entities such as partnerships and certain estates and trusts. Because countries may take different
views as to when an entity is fiscally transparent, the risks of both double taxation and double
non-taxation are relatively high. The intention of paragraph 1 of the Protocol is to eliminate a
number of technical problems that arguably would have prevented investors using such entities
from claiming treaty benefits, even though such investors would be subject to tax on the income
derived through such entities
n entity is fiscally transparent, the risks of both double taxation and double
non-taxation are relatively high. The intention of paragraph 1 of the Protocol is to eliminate a
number of technical problems that arguably would have prevented investors using such entities
from claiming treaty benefits, even though such investors would be subject to tax on the income
derived through such entities. The provision also prevents the use of such entities to claim treaty
benefits in circumstances where the person investing through such an entity is not subject to tax
on the income in its State of residence. The provision, and the corresponding requirements of
other Articles of the Convention, should be interpreted with those two goals in mind.
In general, this paragraph applies to any resident of a Contracting State who is entitled to
income derived through an entity that is treated as fiscally transparent under the laws of either
Contracting State. Treas. Reg. § 1.894-1(d)(3)(iii) provides that an entity will be fiscally
transparent under the laws of an interest holder’s jurisdiction with respect to an item of income to
the extent that the laws of that jurisdiction require the interest holder resident in that jurisdiction
to separately take into account on a current basis the interest holder’s respective share of the item
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of income paid to the entity, whether or not distributed to the interest holder, and the character
and source of the item in the hands of the interest holder are determined as if such item were
realized directly by the interest holder. Entities falling under this description in the United States
include partnerships, corporations that have made a valid election to be taxed under Subchapter S
of Chapter 1 of the Code (“S” corporations), common investment trusts under section 584,
simple trusts, and grantor trusts. This paragraph also applies to other entities that are treated as
partnerships or as disregarded entities for U.S. tax purposes, such as U.S
description in the United States
include partnerships, corporations that have made a valid election to be taxed under Subchapter S
of Chapter 1 of the Code (“S” corporations), common investment trusts under section 584,
simple trusts, and grantor trusts. This paragraph also applies to other entities that are treated as
partnerships or as disregarded entities for U.S. tax purposes, such as U.S. limited liability
companies (“LLCs”).
Under paragraph 1 of the Protocol, an item of income, profit or gain derived by such a
fiscally transparent entity will be considered to be derived by a resident of a Contracting State if
a resident is treated under the taxation laws of that State as deriving the item of income. For
example, if a company that is a resident of Chile pays interest to an entity that is treated as
fiscally transparent for U.S. tax purposes, the interest will be considered derived by a resident of
the United States only to the extent that the taxation laws of the United States treat one or more
U.S. residents (whose status as U.S. residents is determined, for this purpose, under U.S. tax law)
as deriving the interest for U.S. tax purposes. In the case of a partnership, the persons who are,
under U.S. tax laws, treated as partners of the entity would normally be the persons whom the
U.S. tax laws would treat as deriving the interest income through the partnership. Also, it
follows that persons whom the United States treats as partners but who are not U.S. residents for
U.S. tax purposes may not claim a benefit for the interest paid to the entity, because they are not
residents of the United States for purposes of claiming this benefit. If, however, the country in
which they are treated as resident for tax purposes, as determined under the laws of that country,
has an income tax convention with Chile, they may be entitled to claim a benefit under that
convention. In contrast, if, for example, an entity is organized under U.S. laws and is classified
as a corporation for U.S
nited States for purposes of claiming this benefit. If, however, the country in
which they are treated as resident for tax purposes, as determined under the laws of that country,
has an income tax convention with Chile, they may be entitled to claim a benefit under that
convention. In contrast, if, for example, an entity is organized under U.S. laws and is classified
as a corporation for U.S. tax purposes, interest paid by a company that is a resident of Chile to
the U.S. entity will be considered derived by a resident of the United States since the U.S.
corporation is treated under U.S. taxation laws as a resident of the United States and as deriving
the income.
The same result would be reached even if the tax laws of Chile would treat the entity
differently (e.g., if the entity were not treated as fiscally transparent in the source State in the first
example above where the entity is treated as a partnership for U.S. tax purposes). The results
follow regardless of whether the entity is disregarded as a separate entity under the laws of one
jurisdiction but not the other, such as a single-owner entity that is viewed as a branch for U.S. tax
purposes and as a corporation for tax purposes under the laws of Chile. Similarly, the
characterization of the entity in a third country is also irrelevant, even if the entity is organized in
that third country. The outcome would be identical regardless of where the entity is organized
(i.e., in the United States, in Chile, or as noted above, in a third country), subject to the saving
clause of paragraph 4.
For example, income from U.S. sources received by an entity organized under the laws of
the United States, which is treated for tax purposes under the laws of Chile as a corporation and
is owned by a shareholder who is a resident of Chile for its tax purposes, is not considered
derived by the shareholder of that corporation even if, under the tax laws of the United States,
e of paragraph 4.
For example, income from U.S. sources received by an entity organized under the laws of
the United States, which is treated for tax purposes under the laws of Chile as a corporation and
is owned by a shareholder who is a resident of Chile for its tax purposes, is not considered
derived by the shareholder of that corporation even if, under the tax laws of the United States,
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the entity is treated as fiscally transparent. Rather, for purposes of the treaty, the income is
treated as derived by the U.S. entity.
These principles also apply to trusts to the extent that they are fiscally transparent in
either Contracting State. For example, if X, a resident of Chile, creates a revocable trust in the
United States and names persons resident in a third country as the beneficiaries of the trust, the
trust’s income would be regarded as being derived by a resident of Chile only to the extent that
the laws of Chile treat X as deriving the income for its tax purposes, perhaps through application
of rules similar to the U.S. “grantor trust” rules.
Paragraph 1 of the Protocol is not an exception to the saving clause of paragraph 4 of the
Protocol. Accordingly, paragraph 1 does not prevent a Contracting State from taxing an entity
that is treated as a resident of that State under its tax law. For example, if a U.S. LLC with
members who are residents of Chile elects to be taxed as a corporation for U.S. tax purposes, the
United States will tax that LLC on its worldwide income on a net basis, without regard to
whether Chile views the LLC as fiscally transparent.
ARTICLE 2 (TAXES COVERED)
This Article specifies the U.S. taxes and the taxes of Chile to which the Convention
applies. With two exceptions, the taxes specified in Article 2 are the covered taxes for all
purposes of the Convention. A broader coverage applies, however, for purposes of Articles 25
(Non-Discrimination) and 27 (Exchange of Information)
ews the LLC as fiscally transparent.
ARTICLE 2 (TAXES COVERED)
This Article specifies the U.S. taxes and the taxes of Chile to which the Convention
applies. With two exceptions, the taxes specified in Article 2 are the covered taxes for all
purposes of the Convention. A broader coverage applies, however, for purposes of Articles 25
(Non-Discrimination) and 27 (Exchange of Information). Article 25 applies with respect to taxes
of every kind and description imposed by a Contracting State or a political subdivision or local
authority thereof, except that in the case of taxes not covered by the Convention, Article 25 does
not apply to any tax laws of a Contracting State that are in force on the date of signature of the
Convention. Article 27 applies with respect to all taxes imposed at the national level.
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1 identifies the categories of taxes to which the Convention applies. Paragraph
1 is based on the U.S. and OECD Models and defines the scope of application of the Convention.
The Convention applies to taxes on income and on capital, including gains, imposed on behalf of
a Contracting State, irrespective of the manner in which they are levied. Except with respect to
Article 25 (Non-Discrimination), state and local taxes are not covered by the Convention.
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2 also is based on the U.S. and OECD Models and provides a definition of
taxes on income and on capital. The Convention covers taxes on total income, on total capital, or
on any part of income or of capital, and includes taxes on gains derived from the alienation of
property as well as taxes on capital appreciation. The Convention does not apply, however, to
social security or unemployment taxes, or any other charges where there is a direct connection
between the levy and individual benefits. Nor does it apply to property taxes, except with
respect to Article 25 (Non-Discrimination).
f capital, and includes taxes on gains derived from the alienation of
property as well as taxes on capital appreciation. The Convention does not apply, however, to
social security or unemployment taxes, or any other charges where there is a direct connection
between the levy and individual benefits. Nor does it apply to property taxes, except with
respect to Article 25 (Non-Discrimination).
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Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3 lists the taxes in force at the time of signature of the Convention to which the
Convention applies. Subparagraph 3(a) provides that the existing U.S. taxes subject to the rules
of the Convention are the Federal income taxes imposed by the Code, together with the Federal
excise taxes imposed on insurance premiums paid to foreign insurers (Code sections 4371
through 4374) and with respect to private foundations (Code sections 4940 through 4948).
Social security and unemployment taxes (Code sections 1401, 3101, 3111 and 3301) are
specifically excluded from coverage. Subparagraph 3(b) provides that the existing covered taxes
of Chile are the taxes imposed under the Income Tax Act (Ley sobre Impuesto a la Renta).
Paragraph 4
Under paragraph 4, the Convention will apply to any taxes that are identical, or
substantially similar, to those enumerated in paragraph 3, and to taxes on capital, which are
imposed in addition to, or in place of, the existing taxes after February 4, 2010, the date of
signature of the Convention. The paragraph also provides that the competent authorities of the
Contracting States will notify each other of any significant changes to their tax laws.
ARTICLE 3 (GENERAL DEFINITIONS)
Article 3 provides general definitions and rules of interpretation applicable throughout
the Convention. Certain other terms are defined in other articles of the Convention. For
example, the term “resident of a Contracting State” is defined in Article 4 (Residence). The term
“permanent establishment” is defined in Article 5 (Permanent Establishment)
aws.
ARTICLE 3 (GENERAL DEFINITIONS)
Article 3 provides general definitions and rules of interpretation applicable throughout
the Convention. Certain other terms are defined in other articles of the Convention. For
example, the term “resident of a Contracting State” is defined in Article 4 (Residence). The term
“permanent establishment” is defined in Article 5 (Permanent Establishment). These definitions
apply for all purposes of the Convention. Other terms, such as “dividends,” “interest,” and
“royalties” are defined in specific articles for purposes of those articles.
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1 defines a number of basic terms used in the Convention. The introduction to
paragraph 1 makes clear that these definitions apply for all purposes of the Convention, unless
the context requires otherwise. This latter condition allows flexibility in the interpretation of the
Convention in order to avoid results not intended by the Convention’s negotiators.
The geographical scope of the Convention with respect to the United States is set out in
subparagraphs 1(a) and 1(c). It encompasses the United States of America, including the states
and the District of Columbia. The term does not include Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam
or any other U.S. possession. For certain purposes, the term "United States" includes the
territorial sea of the United States, as well as the sea bed and subsoil of undersea areas adjacent
to the territorial sea of the United States to the extent that the United States exercises sovereignty
in accordance with international law for the purpose of natural resource exploration and
exploitation of such areas. This extension of the definition applies, however, only if the person,
property or activity to which the Convention is being applied is connected with such natural
s adjacent
to the territorial sea of the United States to the extent that the United States exercises sovereignty
in accordance with international law for the purpose of natural resource exploration and
exploitation of such areas. This extension of the definition applies, however, only if the person,
property or activity to which the Convention is being applied is connected with such natural
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resource exploration or exploitation. Thus, it would not include any activity involving the sea
floor of an area over which the United States exercised sovereignty for natural resource purposes
if that activity was unrelated to the exploration and exploitation of natural resources. This result
is consistent with the result that would be obtained under Section 638, which treats the
continental shelf as part of the United States for purposes of natural resource exploration and
exploitation.
The geographical scope of the Convention with respect to Chile is set out in
subparagraphs 1(b) and 1(c). The term “Chile” means the Republic of Chile and includes the
territorial sea thereof as well as the sea bed and subsoil of the submarine areas adjacent to the
territorial sea over which Chile exercises sovereign rights in accordance with international law.
Subparagraph 1(d) defines the term “person” to include an individual, a company and any
other body of persons. Paragraph 1 of the 2010 Exchange of Notes provides that the term
“person” includes an estate, trust or partnership. The definition is significant for a variety of
reasons. For example, under Article 4 (Residence), only a “person” can be a “resident” and
therefore eligible for most benefits under the Convention. Also, all “persons” are eligible to
claim relief under Article 26 (Mutual Agreement Procedure).
The term “company” is defined in subparagraph 1(e) as a body corporate or an entity
treated as a body corporate for tax purposes in the state where it is organized
mple, under Article 4 (Residence), only a “person” can be a “resident” and
therefore eligible for most benefits under the Convention. Also, all “persons” are eligible to
claim relief under Article 26 (Mutual Agreement Procedure).
The term “company” is defined in subparagraph 1(e) as a body corporate or an entity
treated as a body corporate for tax purposes in the state where it is organized. The definition
refers to the law of the state in which an entity is organized in order to ensure that an entity that
is treated as fiscally transparent in its country of residence will not get inappropriate benefits,
such as the reduced withholding rate provided by subparagraph 2(a) of Article 10 (Dividends). It
also ensures that the Limitation on Benefits provisions of Article 24 will be applied at the
appropriate level.
The terms “enterprise of a Contracting State” and “enterprise of the other Contracting
State” are defined in subparagraph (f) respectively as an enterprise carried on by a resident of a
Contracting State and an enterprise carried on by a resident of the other Contracting State. An
enterprise of a Contracting State need not be carried on in that State. It may be carried on in the
other Contracting State or a third state (e.g., a U.S. corporation doing all of its business in the
other Contracting State would still be a U.S. enterprise).
Paragraph 2 of the 2010 Exchange of Notes provides that the terms defined in
subparagraph 1(f) of Article 3 of the Convention include an enterprise conducted through an
entity (such as a partnership) that is treated as fiscally transparent in the Contracting State where
the entity’s owner is resident. The definition makes this point explicitly to ensure that the
purpose of the Convention is not thwarted by an overly technical application of the term
“enterprise of a Contracting State” to activities carried on through partnerships and similar
entities
ugh an
entity (such as a partnership) that is treated as fiscally transparent in the Contracting State where
the entity’s owner is resident. The definition makes this point explicitly to ensure that the
purpose of the Convention is not thwarted by an overly technical application of the term
“enterprise of a Contracting State” to activities carried on through partnerships and similar
entities. In accordance with Article 4 (Resident), an entity that is fiscally transparent in the
Contracting State in which it is organized is not considered to be a resident of that Contracting
State (although income derived through such an entity may be treated as the income of a resident
of a Contracting State to the extent that it is taxed in the hands of resident partners or other
resident owners). The definition makes clear that an enterprise conducted by such an entity will
10
be treated as carried on by a resident of a Contracting State to the extent its partners or other
owners are residents. This approach is consistent with Code section 875, which attributes a trade
or business conducted by a partnership to its partners and a trade or business conducted by an
estate or trust to its beneficiaries.
Subparagraph 1(g) defines the term “international traffic.” The term means any transport
by a ship or aircraft except when such transport is solely between places within a Contracting
State. This definition is applicable principally in the context of Article 8 (International
Transport). The definition combines with paragraph 2 of Article 8 to exempt from tax by the
source State profits from the rental of ships of or aircraft on a full (time or voyage) basis and
profits from the rental on a bareboat basis of ships or aircraft if the rental income is incidental to
profits from the operation of ships or aircraft in international traffic
t of Article 8 (International
Transport). The definition combines with paragraph 2 of Article 8 to exempt from tax by the
source State profits from the rental of ships of or aircraft on a full (time or voyage) basis and
profits from the rental on a bareboat basis of ships or aircraft if the rental income is incidental to
profits from the operation of ships or aircraft in international traffic.
The exclusion from international traffic of transport solely between places within a
Contracting State means, for example, that carriage of goods or passengers solely between New
York and Chicago would not be treated as international traffic, whether carried by a U.S. or a
foreign carrier. The substantive taxing rules of the Convention relating to the taxation of income
from transport, principally Article 8 (International Transport), therefore, would not apply to
income from such carriage. Thus, if the carrier engaged in internal U.S. traffic were a resident of
Chile (assuming that were possible under U.S. law), the United States would not be required to
exempt the income from that transport under Article 8. The income would, however, be treated
as business profits under Article 7 (Business Profits), and therefore would be taxable in the
United States only if attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment of the foreign carrier, and
then only on a net basis. The gross basis U.S. tax imposed by section 887 would never apply
under the circumstances described. If, however, goods or passengers were carried by a carrier
resident in Chile from a non-U.S. port to, for example, New York, and some of the goods or
passengers continued on to Chicago, the entire transport would be international traffic. This
would be true if the international carrier transferred the goods at the U.S
mposed by section 887 would never apply
under the circumstances described. If, however, goods or passengers were carried by a carrier
resident in Chile from a non-U.S. port to, for example, New York, and some of the goods or
passengers continued on to Chicago, the entire transport would be international traffic. This
would be true if the international carrier transferred the goods at the U.S. port of entry from a
ship to a land vehicle, from a ship to a lighter, or even if the overland portion of the trip in the
United States was handled by an independent carrier under contract with the original internation-
al carrier, so long as both parts of the trip were reflected in original bills of lading. For this
reason, the Convention, following the U.S. Model, refers, in the definition of “international
traffic,” to “such transport” being solely between places in the other Contracting State, while the
OECD Model refers to the ship or aircraft being operated solely between such places. The
formulation in the Convention is intended to make clear that, as in the above example, even if the
goods are carried on a different aircraft for the internal portion of the international voyage than is
used for the overseas portion of the trip, the definition applies to that internal portion as well as
the external portion.
Finally, a “cruise to nowhere,” i.e., a cruise beginning and ending in a port in the same
Contracting State with no stops in a foreign port, would not constitute international traffic.
Subparagraph 1(h) designates the “competent authorities” for the other Contracting State
and the United States. The U.S. competent authority is the Secretary of the Treasury or his
delegate. The Secretary of the Treasury has delegated the competent authority function to the
in a port in the same
Contracting State with no stops in a foreign port, would not constitute international traffic.
Subparagraph 1(h) designates the “competent authorities” for the other Contracting State
and the United States. The U.S. competent authority is the Secretary of the Treasury or his
delegate. The Secretary of the Treasury has delegated the competent authority function to the
11
Commissioner of Internal Revenue, who in turn has delegated the authority to the Deputy
Commissioner (International) LB&I of the Internal Revenue Service. With respect to
interpretative issues, the Deputy Commissioner (International) LB&I acts with the concurrence
of the Associate Chief Counsel (International) of the Internal Revenue Service. In the case of
Chile, the competent authority is the Minister of Finance or his authorized representative.
The term “national,” as it relates to the United States and to Chile, is defined in
subparagraph 1(i). This term is relevant for purposes of Articles 4 (Residence), 19 (Government
Service) and 25 (Non-Discrimination). A national of one of the Contracting States is (1) an
individual who is a citizen or national of that State, and (2) any legal person, partnership or
association deriving its status as such from the laws in force in the State where it is established.
Subparagraph 1(j) defines the term “pension fund.” The term means any person that is
established in a Contracting State and that satisfies two criteria. First, as provided in clause
1(j)(i), the person must be generally exempt from income taxation in the Contracting State in
which it is established
riving its status as such from the laws in force in the State where it is established.
Subparagraph 1(j) defines the term “pension fund.” The term means any person that is
established in a Contracting State and that satisfies two criteria. First, as provided in clause
1(j)(i), the person must be generally exempt from income taxation in the Contracting State in
which it is established. Second, as provided in clause 1(j)(ii), the person must be operated
principally either to administer or provide pension or retirement benefits, or to earn income only
for the benefit of one or more persons established in the same Contracting State that are
generally exempt from income taxation in that Contracting State and are operated principally to
administer or provide pension or retirement benefits.
The definition recognizes that pension funds sometimes administer or provide benefits
other than pension or retirement benefits, such as death benefits. However, in order for the fund
to be considered a pension fund for purposes of the Convention, the provision of any other such
benefits must be merely incidental to the fund’s principal activity of administering or providing
pension or retirement benefits. The definition also ensures that if a fund is a collective fund that
earns income for the benefit of other funds, then each fund that participates in the collective fund
must be a resident of the same Contracting State as the collective fund and must be entitled to
benefits under the Convention in its own right
s principal activity of administering or providing
pension or retirement benefits. The definition also ensures that if a fund is a collective fund that
earns income for the benefit of other funds, then each fund that participates in the collective fund
must be a resident of the same Contracting State as the collective fund and must be entitled to
benefits under the Convention in its own right.
In the case of the United States, the term “pension fund” includes the following: a trust providing
pension or retirement benefits under a Code section 401(a) qualified pension plan (which
includes a section 401(k) plan); a profit sharing or stock bonus plan; a Code section 403(a)
qualified annuity plan; a Code section 403(b) plan; a trust that is an individual retirement account
under Code section 408; a Roth individual retirement account under Code section 408A or a
simple retirement account under Code section 408(p); a trust providing pension or retirement
benefits under a simplified employee pension plan under Code section 408(k); a trust described
in section 457(g) providing pension or retirement benefits under a Code section 457(b) plan; and
the Thrift Savings Fund (section 7701(j)). A group trust described in Rev. Rul. 81-100, as
amended by Rev. Rul. 2004-67 and Rev. Rul. 2011-1, qualifies as a pension fund only if each
participant is a pension fund that is itself entitled to benefits under the Convention as a resident
of the United States.
Paragraph 2
ng pension or retirement benefits under a Code section 457(b) plan; and
the Thrift Savings Fund (section 7701(j)). A group trust described in Rev. Rul. 81-100, as
amended by Rev. Rul. 2004-67 and Rev. Rul. 2011-1, qualifies as a pension fund only if each
participant is a pension fund that is itself entitled to benefits under the Convention as a resident
of the United States.
Paragraph 2
12
Terms that are not defined in the Convention are dealt with in paragraph 2. Paragraph 2
provides that in the application of the Convention, any term used but not defined in the
Convention will have the meaning that it has under the law of the Contracting State whose tax is
being applied, unless the context requires otherwise. If the term is defined under both the tax
and non-tax laws of a Contracting State, the definition in the tax law will take precedence over
the definition in the non-tax laws. Finally, there also may be cases where the tax laws of a State
contain multiple definitions of the same term. In such a case, the definition used for purposes of
the particular provision at issue, if any, should be used.
If the meaning of a term cannot be readily determined under the law of a Contracting
State, or if there is a conflict in meaning under the laws of the two States that creates difficulties
in the application of the Convention, the competent authorities, as indicated in paragraph 5 of the
Protocol, may establish, pursuant to the provisions of Article 26 (Mutual Agreement Procedure),
a common meaning in order to prevent double taxation or to further any other purpose of the
Convention. This common meaning need not conform to the meaning of the term under the laws
of either Contracting State.
The reference in paragraph 2 to the domestic law of a Contracting State means the law in
effect at the time the treaty is being applied, not the law in effect at the time the treaty was
signed
ing in order to prevent double taxation or to further any other purpose of the
Convention. This common meaning need not conform to the meaning of the term under the laws
of either Contracting State.
The reference in paragraph 2 to the domestic law of a Contracting State means the law in
effect at the time the treaty is being applied, not the law in effect at the time the treaty was
signed. The use of ambulatory definitions, however, may lead to results that are at variance with
the intentions of the negotiators and of the Contracting States when the treaty was negotiated and
ratified. The inclusion in both paragraphs 1 and 2 of an exception to the generally applicable
definitions where the “context otherwise requires” is intended to address this
circumstance. Where reflecting the intent of the Contracting States requires the use of a
definition that is different from a definition under paragraph 1 or the law of the Contracting State
applying the Convention, that definition will apply. Thus, flexibility in defining terms is
necessary and permitted.
ARTICLE 4 (RESIDENCE)
This Article sets forth rules for determining whether a person is a resident of a
Contracting State for purposes of the Convention. As a general matter only residents of the
Contracting States may claim the benefits of the Convention. The treaty definition of residence
is to be used only for purposes of the Convention. The fact that a person is determined to be a
resident of a Contracting State under Article 4 does not automatically entitle that person to the
benefits of the Convention. In addition to being a resident, a person also must qualify for
benefits under Article 24 (Limitation on Benefits) in order to receive benefits conferred on
residents of a Contracting State.
The determination of residence for treaty purposes looks first to a person’s liability to tax
as a resident under the respective taxation laws of the Contracting States
the
benefits of the Convention. In addition to being a resident, a person also must qualify for
benefits under Article 24 (Limitation on Benefits) in order to receive benefits conferred on
residents of a Contracting State.
The determination of residence for treaty purposes looks first to a person’s liability to tax
as a resident under the respective taxation laws of the Contracting States. As a general matter, a
person who is liable to tax as a resident under the domestic laws of one Contracting State and not
of the other is a resident of the State in which he is liable to tax as resident under domestic law.
If, however, a person is liable to tax as a resident under the domestic laws of both Contracting
13
States, the Article uses tie-breaker rules to assign a single State of residence (or no State of
residence) to such a person for purposes of the Convention.
Paragraph 1
The term “resident of a Contracting State” is defined in paragraph 1. In general, this
definition incorporates the definitions of residence in U.S. law and that of Chile by referring to a
resident as a person who, under the laws of a Contracting State, is liable to tax therein by reason
of his domicile, residence, citizenship, place of management, place of incorporation or any other
similar criterion. Thus, residents of the United States include aliens who are considered U.S.
residents under Code section 7701(b). Paragraph 1 also specifically includes the two Contracting
States, and political subdivisions and local authorities of the two States and any agency or
instrumentality of the States, as residents for purposes of the Convention.
The fact that a particular entity does not pay tax in practice will not necessarily mean that
the entity is not a resident. An entity that is not fiscally transparent in its Contracting State of
residence for purposes of paragraph 1 of the Protocol, and is not unconditionally exempt from
tax, will generally be treated as a resident for purposes of the Convention
purposes of the Convention.
The fact that a particular entity does not pay tax in practice will not necessarily mean that
the entity is not a resident. An entity that is not fiscally transparent in its Contracting State of
residence for purposes of paragraph 1 of the Protocol, and is not unconditionally exempt from
tax, will generally be treated as a resident for purposes of the Convention. This is generally true
even for an entity that, in practice, is not required to pay tax if it meets certain requirements with
respect to its activities, types of income, or distribution practices. For example, a U.S. Regulated
Investment Company (RIC) and a U.S. Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) are residents of the
United States for purposes of the treaty. These entities are taxable to the extent that they do not
currently distribute their profits, and therefore may be regarded as “liable to tax,” even though
these entities do not generally have taxable income in practice. They also must satisfy a number
of requirements under the Code in order to be entitled to special tax treatment.
Under paragraph 1 of Article 4, a person who is liable to tax in a Contracting State only
in respect of income from sources within that State or capital situated therein will not be treated
as a resident of that Contracting State for purposes of the Convention. Thus, a consular official
of Chile who is posted in the United States, who may be subject to U.S. tax on U.S. source
investment income, but is not taxable in the United States on non-U.S. source income (see Code
section 7701(b)(5)(B)), would not be considered a resident of the United States for purposes of
the Convention. Under paragraph 3 of the 2010 Exchange of Notes, a person who is liable to tax
in a Contracting State only on profits attributable to a permanent establishment in that State will
also not be treated as a resident of that State for purposes of the Convention
. source income (see Code
section 7701(b)(5)(B)), would not be considered a resident of the United States for purposes of
the Convention. Under paragraph 3 of the 2010 Exchange of Notes, a person who is liable to tax
in a Contracting State only on profits attributable to a permanent establishment in that State will
also not be treated as a resident of that State for purposes of the Convention. Thus, an enterprise
of Chile with a permanent establishment in the United States is not, by virtue of that permanent
establishment, a resident of the United States. The enterprise generally is subject to U.S. tax
only with respect to its income that is attributable to the U.S. permanent establishment, not with
respect to its worldwide income, as it would be if it were a U.S. resident.
Paragraph 6 of the Protocol provides that entities such as pension funds as defined in
Article 3 (General Definitions) and legal persons organized under the laws of a Contracting State
and established exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, artistic, cultural, or educational
purposes are residents of the Contracting State in which they are established or organized. Such
persons are liable to tax, notwithstanding that all or part of their income or gains may be exempt
14
from tax under the domestic laws of that State. Thus, a section 501(c) organization organized in
the United States (such as a U.S. charity) that is generally exempt from tax under U.S. law is
nevertheless a resident of the United States for all purposes of the Convention.
Paragraph 7 of the Protocol provides that Chile shall treat a U.S. citizen or an alien
lawfully admitted for permanent residence (a “green card holder”) as a resident of the United
States only if such individual has a substantial presence, permanent home, or habitual abode in
the United States and if that individual is not a resident of a State other than Chile for purposes
of a double taxation convention between that State and Chile
Chile shall treat a U.S. citizen or an alien
lawfully admitted for permanent residence (a “green card holder”) as a resident of the United
States only if such individual has a substantial presence, permanent home, or habitual abode in
the United States and if that individual is not a resident of a State other than Chile for purposes
of a double taxation convention between that State and Chile.
Paragraph 2
If, under the domestic law of both Contracting States, and, thus, under paragraph 1, an
individual is a resident of both Contracting States, a series of tie-breaker rules are provided in
paragraph 2 to determine a single State of residence for that individual. These tests are to be
applied in the order in which they are stated. The first test is based on where the individual has a
permanent home. If that test is inconclusive because the individual has a permanent home
available to him in both States, he will be considered to be a resident of the Contracting State
where his personal and economic relations are closest (i.e., the location of his “center of vital
interests”). If that test is also inconclusive, or if he does not have a permanent home available to
him in either State, he will be treated as a resident of the Contracting State where he maintains a
habitual abode. If he has a habitual abode in both States or in neither of them, he will be treated
as a resident of the Contracting State of which he is a national. If he is a national of both States
or of neither, competent authorities shall settle the question by mutual agreement.
Paragraph 3
Dual residents other than individuals (such as companies, trusts or estates) are addressed
by paragraph 3. If such a person is, under the rules of paragraph 1, resident in both Contracting
States, the competent authorities shall seek to determine a single State of residence for that
person for purposes of the Convention
thorities shall settle the question by mutual agreement.
Paragraph 3
Dual residents other than individuals (such as companies, trusts or estates) are addressed
by paragraph 3. If such a person is, under the rules of paragraph 1, resident in both Contracting
States, the competent authorities shall seek to determine a single State of residence for that
person for purposes of the Convention. If the competent authorities are unable to reach such an
agreement, that person may not claim any benefit provided by the Convention, except for those
provided by Article 26 (Mutual Agreement Procedure).
Regardless of the outcomes under this paragraph, dual resident companies, may be
treated as a resident of a Contracting State for purposes other than that of obtaining benefits
under the Convention. For example, if a dual resident company pays a dividend to a resident of
Chile, the U.S. paying agent would withhold on that dividend at the appropriate treaty rate
because reduced withholding is a benefit enjoyed by the resident of Chile, not by the dual
resident company. The dual resident company that paid the dividend would, for this purpose, be
treated as a resident of the United States under the Convention. In addition, information relating
to dual resident persons can be exchanged under the Convention because, by its terms, Article 27
(Exchange of Information) is not limited to residents of the Contracting States.
, not by the dual
resident company. The dual resident company that paid the dividend would, for this purpose, be
treated as a resident of the United States under the Convention. In addition, information relating
to dual resident persons can be exchanged under the Convention because, by its terms, Article 27
(Exchange of Information) is not limited to residents of the Contracting States.
15
ARTICLE 5 (PERMANENT ESTABLISHMENT)
This Article defines the term “permanent establishment,” a term that is significant for
several articles of the Convention. The existence of a permanent establishment in a Contracting
State is necessary under Article 7 (Business Profits) for the taxation by that State of the business
profits of a resident of the other Contracting State. Articles 10 (Dividends), 11 (Interest), and 12
(Royalties) provide for reduced rates of tax at source on payments of these items of income to a
resident of the other State only when the income is not attributable to a permanent establishment
that the recipient has in the source State. The concept is also relevant in determining which
Contracting State may tax certain gains under Article 13 (Capital Gains) and certain “other
income” under Article 21 (Other Income).
Paragraph 1
The basic definition of the term “permanent establishment” is contained in paragraph 1.
As used in the Convention, the term means a fixed place of business through which the business
of an enterprise is wholly or partly carried on. As indicated in the OECD Commentary to Article
5 (see paragraphs 4 through 8), a general principle to be observed in determining whether a
permanent establishment exists is that the place of business must be “fixed” in the sense that a
particular building or physical location is used by the enterprise for the conduct of its business,
and that it must be foreseeable that the enterprise’s use of this building or other physical location
will be more than temporary
rough 8), a general principle to be observed in determining whether a
permanent establishment exists is that the place of business must be “fixed” in the sense that a
particular building or physical location is used by the enterprise for the conduct of its business,
and that it must be foreseeable that the enterprise’s use of this building or other physical location
will be more than temporary.
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2 lists a number of types of fixed places of business that constitute a
permanent establishment. This list is illustrative and non-exclusive. According to paragraph 2,
the term permanent establishment includes a place of management, a branch, an office, a factory,
a workshop, and a mine, oil or gas well, quarry or any other place of extraction or exploitation of
natural resources.
Paragraph 3
Subparagraphs 3(a) and 3(b) provide rules to determine whether a building site or a
construction, assembly or installation project, or an installation or drilling rig or ship used for the
exploration of natural resources constitutes a permanent establishment for the contractor, driller,
etc. Subparagraph 3(a) provides that an installation used for on-land exploration of natural
resources does not create a permanent establishment unless it lasts, or the activity continues, for
more than three months. Subparagraph 3(b) provides that a building site or construction or
installation project and the supervisory activities in connection therewith, or a drilling rig or ship
used for the exploration of natural resources not referred to in subparagraph 3(a) does not create
a permanent establishment unless it lasts, or the activity continues, for more than six months. It
is only necessary to refer to “exploration” and not “exploitation” in this context because
exploitation activities are defined to constitute a permanent establishment under subparagraph
2(f). Thus, a drilling rig does not constitute a permanent establishment if a well is drilled in only
create
a permanent establishment unless it lasts, or the activity continues, for more than six months. It
is only necessary to refer to “exploration” and not “exploitation” in this context because
exploitation activities are defined to constitute a permanent establishment under subparagraph
2(f). Thus, a drilling rig does not constitute a permanent establishment if a well is drilled in only
16
two months, but if production begins in the following month the well becomes a permanent
establishment as of that date.
In applying subparagraphs 3(a) and 3(b), time spent by a sub-contractor on a building site
is counted as time spent by the general contractor at the site for purposes of determining whether
the general contractor has a permanent establishment. However, for the sub-contractor to be
treated as having a permanent establishment, the sub-contractor's activities at the site must last
for more than 12 months. If a sub-contractor is on a site intermittently, then, for purposes of
applying the 12-month rule, time is measured from the first day the sub-contractor is on the site
until the last day he is on the site (i.e., intervening days that the sub-contractor is not on the site
are counted).
Subparagraph 3(c) provides that an enterprise is deemed to have a permanent
establishment in the other Contracting State if the enterprise performs services in that other State
for a period or periods exceeding in the aggregate 183 days in any twelve month period, and
these services are performed through one or more individuals who are present and performing
such services in that other State. Subparagraph 3(c) applies only to the performance of services
by an enterprise and only to services performed by an enterprise for third parties. Thus, the
provision does not have the effect of deeming an enterprise to have a permanent establishment
merely because services are provided to that enterprise
ne or more individuals who are present and performing
such services in that other State. Subparagraph 3(c) applies only to the performance of services
by an enterprise and only to services performed by an enterprise for third parties. Thus, the
provision does not have the effect of deeming an enterprise to have a permanent establishment
merely because services are provided to that enterprise. The provision only applies to services
that are performed by an enterprise of a Contracting State within the other Contracting State. It
is therefore not sufficient that the relevant services be merely furnished to a resident of the other
Contracting State. Where, for example, an enterprise provides customer support or other
services by telephone or computer to customers located in the other State, those would not be
covered by subparagraph 3(c) because they are not performed by that enterprise within the other
State. Another example would be that of an architect who is hired to design blueprints for the
construction of a building in the other State. As part of completing the project, the architect must
make visits to that other State, and his days of presence there would be counted for purposes of
determining whether the 183-day threshold is satisfied. However, the days that the architect
spends working on the blueprint in his home office shall not count for purposes of the 183-day
threshold, because the architect is not performing those services within the other State.
Subparagraph 3(c) refers to days during which an enterprise performs services in the
other Contracting State through one or more individuals who are present and performing such
services in that other State. Accordingly, non-working days such as weekends or holidays would
not count for purposes of the provision, as long as no services are actually being performed while
in the other State on those days
raph 3(c) refers to days during which an enterprise performs services in the
other Contracting State through one or more individuals who are present and performing such
services in that other State. Accordingly, non-working days such as weekends or holidays would
not count for purposes of the provision, as long as no services are actually being performed while
in the other State on those days. For purposes of subparagraph 3(c), even if the enterprise sends
many individuals simultaneously to the other State to provide services, their collective presence
during one calendar day will count for only one day of the enterprise’s presence in the other
State. For instance, if an enterprise sends 20 employees to the other Contracting State to perform
services for a client in that other State for 10 days, the enterprise will be considered to have
performed services in that other State only for 10 days, not 200 days (20 employees x 10 days).
By deeming the enterprise to provide services through a permanent establishment in the
other Contracting State, subparagraph 3(c) allows the application of Article 7 (Business Profits),
17
and accordingly, the taxation of the services shall be on a net basis. Such taxation is also limited
to the profits attributable to the activities carried on in performing the relevant services. It will
be important to ensure that only the profits properly attributable to the functions performed and
risks assumed by provision of the services will be attributed to the deemed permanent
establishment.
For purposes of computing the time limits described in paragraph 3, the time limits apply
separately to each installation, site or project, as the case may be. The time period begins when
work (including preparatory work carried on by the enterprise) physically begins in a
Contracting State
risks assumed by provision of the services will be attributed to the deemed permanent
establishment.
For purposes of computing the time limits described in paragraph 3, the time limits apply
separately to each installation, site or project, as the case may be. The time period begins when
work (including preparatory work carried on by the enterprise) physically begins in a
Contracting State. A series of contracts or projects by a contractor that are interdependent both
commercially and geographically are to be treated as a single project for purposes of applying
the time period. For example, the construction of a housing development would be considered as
a single project even if each house were constructed for a different purchaser.
If the relevant time limit is exceeded, the installation, site or project constitutes a
permanent establishment from the first day of activity.
Paragraph 3 provides that for purposes of computing the time limits in paragraph 3,
activities carried on by an enterprise associated with another enterprise, within the meaning of
Article 9 (Associated Enterprises), shall be regarded as carried on by the last-mentioned
enterprise if the activities of both enterprises are substantially the same, unless they are carried
on simultaneously.
Paragraph 4
This paragraph contains exceptions to the general rule of paragraph 1, listing a number of
activities that may be carried on through a fixed place of business but which nevertheless do not
create a permanent establishment. The use of facilities solely to store, display or deliver
merchandise belonging to an enterprise does not constitute a permanent establishment of that
enterprise. The maintenance of a stock of goods belonging to an enterprise solely for the
purpose of storage, display or delivery, or solely for the purpose of processing by another
enterprise does not give rise to a permanent establishment of the first-mentioned enterprise
o store, display or deliver
merchandise belonging to an enterprise does not constitute a permanent establishment of that
enterprise. The maintenance of a stock of goods belonging to an enterprise solely for the
purpose of storage, display or delivery, or solely for the purpose of processing by another
enterprise does not give rise to a permanent establishment of the first-mentioned enterprise. The
maintenance of a fixed place of business solely for the purpose of purchasing goods or
merchandise, or for collecting information, for the enterprise does not constitute a permanent
establishment of that enterprise. The maintenance of a fixed place of business solely for the
purpose of advertising, supplying information or carrying out scientific research for the
enterprise or any other similar activity, if such activity is of a preparatory or auxiliary character
does not constitute a permanent establishment of the enterprise.
Paragraph 5
Paragraphs 5 and 6 specify when activities carried on by an agent or other person acting
on behalf of an enterprise create a permanent establishment of that enterprise. Under paragraph
5, a person is deemed to create a permanent establishment of the enterprise if that person has and
habitually exercises an authority to conclude contracts that are binding on the enterprise. If,
18
however, his activities are limited to those activities specified in paragraph 4 which would not
constitute a permanent establishment if carried on by the enterprise through a fixed place of
business, the person does not create a permanent establishment of the enterprise. For example, if
the person has no authority to conclude contracts in the name of the enterprise with its customers
for the sale of the goods produced by the enterprise, but it can enter into service contracts that are
binding on the enterprise for the enterprise's business equipment, this contracting authority
would not fall within the scope of the paragraph, even if exercised regularly
prise. For example, if
the person has no authority to conclude contracts in the name of the enterprise with its customers
for the sale of the goods produced by the enterprise, but it can enter into service contracts that are
binding on the enterprise for the enterprise's business equipment, this contracting authority
would not fall within the scope of the paragraph, even if exercised regularly.
The Convention uses the U.S. Model language “binding on the enterprise,” rather than
the OECD Model language “in the name of that enterprise.” This difference in language is not
intended to be a substantive difference. As indicated in paragraph 32 to the OECD
Commentaries on Article 5, paragraph 5 of the Article is intended to encompass persons who
have “sufficient authority to bind the enterprise’s participation in the business activity in the
State concerned.”
Paragraph 6
Under paragraph 6, an enterprise is not deemed to have a permanent establishment in a
Contracting State merely because it carries on business in that State through an independent
agent, including a broker or general commission agent, if the agent is acting in the ordinary
course of his business as an independent agent. Paragraph 8 of the Protocol identifies the two
conditions that must be satisfied for a person to be within the scope of paragraph 6 of Article 5 of
the Convention: the agent must be both legally and economically independent of the enterprise;
and the agent must act in the ordinary course of its business in carrying out activities on behalf of
the enterprise.
Whether the agent and the enterprise are independent is a factual determination. Among
the questions to be considered is the extent to which the agent operates on the basis of
instructions from the enterprise. An agent that is subject to (i) detailed instructions regarding the
conduct of its operations, or (ii) comprehensive control by the enterprise is not legally
independent
nterprise.
Whether the agent and the enterprise are independent is a factual determination. Among
the questions to be considered is the extent to which the agent operates on the basis of
instructions from the enterprise. An agent that is subject to (i) detailed instructions regarding the
conduct of its operations, or (ii) comprehensive control by the enterprise is not legally
independent.
In determining whether the agent is economically independent, a relevant factor is the
extent to which the agent bears business risk. Business risk refers primarily to risk of loss. An
independent agent typically bears risk of loss from its own activities. In the absence of other
factors that would establish dependence, an agent that shares business risk with the enterprise, or
has its own business risk, is economically independent because its business activities are not
integrated with those of the principal. Conversely, an agent that bears little or no risk from the
activities it performs is not economically independent and therefore is not described in paragraph
6.
Another relevant factor in determining whether an agent is economically independent is
whether the agent acts exclusively or nearly exclusively for the principal. Such a relationship
may indicate that the principal has economic control over the agent. A number of principals
acting in concert also may have economic control over an agent. The limited scope of the
escribed in paragraph
6.
Another relevant factor in determining whether an agent is economically independent is
whether the agent acts exclusively or nearly exclusively for the principal. Such a relationship
may indicate that the principal has economic control over the agent. A number of principals
acting in concert also may have economic control over an agent. The limited scope of the
19
agent’s activities and the agent’s dependence on a single source of income may indicate that the
agent lacks economic independence. It should be borne in mind, however, that exclusivity is not
in itself dispositive; an agent may be economically independent notwithstanding an exclusive
relationship with the principal if it has the capacity to diversify and acquire other clients without
substantial modifications to its current business and without substantial harm to its business
profits. Thus, exclusivity should be viewed merely as a pointer to further investigation of the
relationship between the principal and the agent. Each case must be addressed on the basis of its
own facts and circumstances.
Paragraph 7
This paragraph clarifies that a company that is a resident of a Contracting State is not
deemed to have a permanent establishment in the other Contracting State merely because it con-
trols, or is controlled by, a company that is a resident of that other Contracting State, or that
carries on business in that other Contracting State. The determination whether a permanent
establishment exists is made solely on the basis of the factors described in paragraphs 1 through
6 of the Article. Whether a company is a permanent establishment of a related company,
therefore, is based solely on those factors and not on the ownership or control relationship
between the companies.
ARTICLE 6 (INCOME FROM REAL PROPERTY (IMMOVABLE PROPERTY))
This article deals with the taxation of income from real property (immovable property)
situated in a Contracting State (the “situs State”)
icle. Whether a company is a permanent establishment of a related company,
therefore, is based solely on those factors and not on the ownership or control relationship
between the companies.
ARTICLE 6 (INCOME FROM REAL PROPERTY (IMMOVABLE PROPERTY))
This article deals with the taxation of income from real property (immovable property)
situated in a Contracting State (the “situs State”). The Article does not grant an exclusive taxing
right to the situs State; the situs State is merely given the primary right to tax. The Article does
not impose any limitation in terms of rate or form of tax imposed by the situs State, except that,
as provided in paragraph 9 of the Protocol, the situs State must allow the taxpayer an election to
be taxed on a net basis.
Paragraph 1
The first paragraph of Article 6 states the general rule that income of a resident of a
Contracting State derived from real property (immovable property) situated in the other
Contracting State may be taxed in the Contracting State in which the property is situated. The
paragraph specifies that income from real property (immovable property) includes income from
agriculture and forestry. Given the availability of the net election in paragraph 9 of the Protocol,
taxpayers generally should be able to obtain the same tax treatment in the situs country
regardless of whether the income is treated as business profits or real property (immovable
property) income.
Paragraph 2
The term “real property (immovable property)” is defined in paragraph 2 by reference to
the internal law definition in the situs State. In the case of the United States, the term has the
meaning given to it by Treas. Reg. § 1.897-1(b). In addition to the definitions in the two
whether the income is treated as business profits or real property (immovable
property) income.
Paragraph 2
The term “real property (immovable property)” is defined in paragraph 2 by reference to
the internal law definition in the situs State. In the case of the United States, the term has the
meaning given to it by Treas. Reg. § 1.897-1(b). In addition to the definitions in the two
20
Contracting States, the paragraph specifies certain additional classes of property that, regardless
of domestic law definitions, are within the scope of the term for purposes of the Convention.
This expanded definition conforms to that in the OECD Model. The definition of “real property
(immovable property)” for purposes of Article 6 is more limited than the expansive definition of
“real property (immovable property)” in paragraph 1 of Article 13 (Capital Gains). The Article
13 term includes not only real property (immovable property) as defined in Article 6 but certain
other interests in real property (immovable property).
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3 makes clear that all forms of income derived from the exploitation of real
property (immovable property) are taxable in the Contracting State in which the property is
situated. This includes income from any use of real property (immovable property), including,
but not limited to, income from direct use by the owner (in which case income may be imputed
to the owner for tax purposes) and rental income from the letting of real property (immovable
property). In the case of a net lease of real property (immovable property), if a net election
pursuant to paragraph 9 of the Protocol has not been made, the gross rental payment (before
deductible expenses incurred by the lessee) is treated as income from the property.
Other income closely associated with real property (immovable property) is covered by
other Articles of the Convention, however, and not Article 6
a net lease of real property (immovable property), if a net election
pursuant to paragraph 9 of the Protocol has not been made, the gross rental payment (before
deductible expenses incurred by the lessee) is treated as income from the property.
Other income closely associated with real property (immovable property) is covered by
other Articles of the Convention, however, and not Article 6. For example, income from the
disposition of an interest in real property (immovable property) is not considered “derived” from
real property (immovable property); taxation of that income is addressed in Article 13 (Capital
Gains). Interest paid on a mortgage on real property (immovable property) property would be
covered by Article 11 (Interest). Distributions by a U.S. Real Estate Investment Trust or certain
regulated investment companies would fall under Article 13 in the case of distributions of U.S.
real property gain or Article 10 (Dividends) in the case of distributions treated as dividends.
Finally, distributions from a United States Real Property Holding Corporation are not considered
to be income from the exploitation of real property (immovable property); such payments would
fall under Article 10 or 13.
Paragraph 4
This paragraph specifies that the basic rule of paragraph 1 (as elaborated in paragraph 3)
applies to income from real property (immovable property) of an enterprise and to income from
real property (immovable property) used for the performance of independent personal services.
This clarifies that the situs country may tax the real property income (including rental income) of
a resident of the other Contracting State in the absence of attribution to a permanent
establishment or a fixed base in the situs State. This provision represents an exception to the
general rule under Articles 7 (Business Profits) and 14 (Independent Personal Services) that
income must be attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base in order to be taxable in
the situs State
e) of
a resident of the other Contracting State in the absence of attribution to a permanent
establishment or a fixed base in the situs State. This provision represents an exception to the
general rule under Articles 7 (Business Profits) and 14 (Independent Personal Services) that
income must be attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base in order to be taxable in
the situs State.
Paragraph 9 of the Protocol
21
The paragraph provides that a resident of one Contracting State that derives real property
(immovable property) income from the other State may elect, for any taxable year, to be subject
to tax in that other State on a net basis, as though the income were attributable to a permanent
establishment in that other State. In the case of real property (immovable property) situated in
the United States, the election may be terminated only with the consent of the competent
authority of the United States. Termination of such election will be granted in accordance with
the provisions of Treas. Reg. § 1.871-10(d)(2).
The 2011 Exchange of Notes corrects a typographical error in the header of paragraph 9
of the Protocol. The header refers to paragraph 5 of Article 6. It should refer instead only to
Article 6.
ARTICLE 7 (BUSINESS PROFITS)
This Article provides rules for the taxation by a Contracting State of the business profits
of an enterprise of the other Contracting State.
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1 states the general rule that business profits of an enterprise of one
Contracting State may not be taxed by the other Contracting State unless the enterprise carries on
business in that other Contracting State through a permanent establishment (as defined in Article
5 (Permanent Establishment)) situated there. When that condition is met, the State in which the
permanent establishment is situated may tax the enterprise on the income that is attributable to
the permanent establishment
not be taxed by the other Contracting State unless the enterprise carries on
business in that other Contracting State through a permanent establishment (as defined in Article
5 (Permanent Establishment)) situated there. When that condition is met, the State in which the
permanent establishment is situated may tax the enterprise on the income that is attributable to
the permanent establishment.
Because Article 7 applies to income earned by an enterprise from the furnishing of
personal services, the article also applies to income derived by a partner resident in a Contracting
State that is attributable to personal services performed in the other Contracting State through a
partnership with a permanent establishment in that other State. Income which may be taxed
under this Article includes all income attributable to the permanent establishment in respect of
the performance of the personal services carried on by the partnership (whether by the partner
himself, other partners in the partnership, or by employees assisting the partners) and any income
from activities ancillary to the performance of those services (e.g., charges for facsimile
services).
The application of Article 7 to a service partnership may be illustrated by the following
example. A partnership formed in Chile has five partners (who agree to split profits equally),
four of whom are resident and perform personal services only in Chile at Office A, and one of
whom performs personal services at Office B, a permanent establishment in the United States.
In this case, the four partners of the partnership resident in Chile may be taxed in the United
States in respect of their share of the income attributable to the permanent establishment, Office
B
equally),
four of whom are resident and perform personal services only in Chile at Office A, and one of
whom performs personal services at Office B, a permanent establishment in the United States.
In this case, the four partners of the partnership resident in Chile may be taxed in the United
States in respect of their share of the income attributable to the permanent establishment, Office
B. The services giving rise to income which may be attributed to the permanent establishment
would include not only the services performed by the one resident partner, but also, for example,
if one of the four other partners came to the United States and worked on an Office B matter
22
there, the income in respect of those services. Income from the services performed by the
visiting partner would be subject to tax in the United States regardless of whether the visiting
partner actually visited or used Office B while performing services in the United States.
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2 provides rules for the attribution of business profits to a permanent
establishment. The Contracting States will attribute to a permanent establishment the profits that
it would have earned had it been a distinct and separate enterprise engaged in the same or similar
activities under the same or similar conditions and dealing wholly independently with the
enterprise of which it is a permanent establishment. This language incorporates the arm’s-length
standard for purposes of determining the profits attributable to a permanent establishment. The
computation of business profits attributable to a permanent establishment under this paragraph is
subject to the rules of paragraph 3 for the allowance of expenses incurred for the purposes of
earning the profits.
The “attributable to” concept of paragraph 2 is analogous but not equivalent to the
“effectively connected” concept in Code section 864(c). The profits attributable to a permanent
establishment may be from sources within or without a Contracting State
under this paragraph is
subject to the rules of paragraph 3 for the allowance of expenses incurred for the purposes of
earning the profits.
The “attributable to” concept of paragraph 2 is analogous but not equivalent to the
“effectively connected” concept in Code section 864(c). The profits attributable to a permanent
establishment may be from sources within or without a Contracting State.
Paragraph 10 of the Protocol provides that the business profits attributed to a permanent
establishment include only those derived from the assets or activities of the permanent
establishment. This rule is consistent with the “asset-use” and “business activities” tests of Code
section 864(c)(2).
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3 provides that in determining the business profits of a permanent
establishment, deductions shall be allowed for the necessary expenses incurred for the purposes
of the permanent establishment, ensuring that business profits will be taxed on a net basis. This
rule is not limited to expenses incurred exclusively for the purposes of the permanent
establishment, but includes a reasonable allocation of executive and general administrative
expenses, research and development expenses, interest, and other expenses incurred for the
purposes of the enterprise as a whole, or that part of the enterprise that includes the permanent
establishment, whether incurred in the Contracting State in which the permanent establishment is
situated or elsewhere. Deductions are to be allowed regardless of which accounting unit of the
enterprise books the expenses, so long as they are incurred for the purposes of the permanent
establishment. For example, a portion of the interest expense recorded on the books of the home
office in one State may be deducted by a permanent establishment in the other if properly
allocable thereto. This rule permits (but does not require) each Contracting State to apply the
type of expense allocation rules provided by U.S. law (such as in Treas. Reg
d for the purposes of the permanent
establishment. For example, a portion of the interest expense recorded on the books of the home
office in one State may be deducted by a permanent establishment in the other if properly
allocable thereto. This rule permits (but does not require) each Contracting State to apply the
type of expense allocation rules provided by U.S. law (such as in Treas. Reg. §§ 1.861-8 and
1.882-5).
Paragraph 3 does not permit a deduction for expenses charged to a permanent
establishment by another unit of the enterprise. Thus, a permanent establishment may not deduct
23
a royalty deemed paid to the head office. Similarly, a permanent establishment may not increase
its business profits by the amount of any notional fees for ancillary services performed for
another unit of the enterprise, but also should not receive a deduction for the expense of
providing such services, since those expenses would be incurred for purposes of a business unit
other than the permanent establishment.
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4 provides that no business profits can be attributed to a permanent
establishment merely because it purchases goods or merchandise for the enterprise of which it is
a part. This rule applies only to an office that performs functions for the enterprise in addition to
purchasing. The income attribution issue does not arise if the sole activity of the office is the
purchase of goods or merchandise because such activity does not give rise to a permanent
establishment under Article 5 (Permanent Establishment). A common situation in which
paragraph 4 is relevant is one in which a permanent establishment purchases raw materials for
the enterprise's manufacturing operation conducted outside the United States and sells the manu-
factured product. While business profits may be attributable to the permanent establishment with
respect to its sales activities, no profits are attributable to it with respect to its purchasing
activities
paragraph 4 is relevant is one in which a permanent establishment purchases raw materials for
the enterprise's manufacturing operation conducted outside the United States and sells the manu-
factured product. While business profits may be attributable to the permanent establishment with
respect to its sales activities, no profits are attributable to it with respect to its purchasing
activities.
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5 provides that profits shall be determined by the same method each year,
unless there is good reason to change the method used. This rule assures consistent tax treatment
over time for permanent establishments. It limits the ability of both the Contracting State and the
enterprise to change the accounting methods to be applied to the permanent establishment. It
does not, however, restrict a Contracting State from imposing additional requirements, such as
the rules under Code section 481, to prevent amounts from being duplicated or omitted following
a change in accounting method.
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6 coordinates the provisions of Article 7 and other provisions of the
Convention. Under this paragraph, when business profits include items of income that are dealt
with separately under other articles of the Convention, the provisions of those articles will,
except when they specifically provide to the contrary, take precedence over the provisions of
Article 7. For example, the taxation of dividends will be determined by the rules of Article 10
(Dividends), and not by Article 7, except where, as provided in paragraph 5 of Article 10, the
dividend is attributable to a permanent establishment. In the latter case, the provisions of Article
7 apply. Thus, an enterprise of one State deriving dividends from the other State may not rely on
Article 7 to exempt those dividends from tax at source if they are not attributable to a permanent
establishment of the enterprise in the other State
as provided in paragraph 5 of Article 10, the
dividend is attributable to a permanent establishment. In the latter case, the provisions of Article
7 apply. Thus, an enterprise of one State deriving dividends from the other State may not rely on
Article 7 to exempt those dividends from tax at source if they are not attributable to a permanent
establishment of the enterprise in the other State. By the same token, if the dividends are
attributable to a permanent establishment in the other State, the dividends may be taxed on a net
income basis at the source State’s full corporate tax rate, rather than on a gross basis under
Article 10.
24
As provided in Article 8 (International Transport), income derived from shipping and air
transport activities in international traffic described in that Article is taxable only in the country
of residence of the enterprise regardless of whether it is attributable to a permanent establishment
situated in the source State.
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7 incorporates into the Convention the rule of Code section 864(c)(6). Like
the Code section on which it is based, paragraph 7 provides that any income or gain attributable
to a permanent establishment or fixed base during its existence is taxable in the Contracting State
where the permanent establishment or fixed base is situated, even if the payment of that income
or gain is deferred until after the permanent establishment or fixed base ceases to exist. This rule
applies with respect to this Article, paragraph 5 of Article 10 (Dividends), paragraph 6 of Article
11 (Interest), paragraph 4 of Article 12 (Royalties), paragraph 3 of Article 13 (Capital Gains),
Article 14 (Independent Personal Services), and paragraph 2 of Article 21 (Other Income).
The effect of this rule can be illustrated by the following example
fixed base ceases to exist. This rule
applies with respect to this Article, paragraph 5 of Article 10 (Dividends), paragraph 6 of Article
11 (Interest), paragraph 4 of Article 12 (Royalties), paragraph 3 of Article 13 (Capital Gains),
Article 14 (Independent Personal Services), and paragraph 2 of Article 21 (Other Income).
The effect of this rule can be illustrated by the following example. Assume a company
that is a resident of the other Contracting State and that maintains a permanent establishment in
the United States winds down the permanent establishment's business and sells the permanent
establishment's inventory and assets to a U.S. buyer at the end of year 1 in exchange for an
interest-bearing installment obligation payable in full at the end of year 3. Despite the fact that
Article 13’s threshold requirement for U.S. taxation is not met in year 3 because the company
has no activities in the United States, the United States may tax the deferred income payment
recognized by the company in year 3.
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8 provides that notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1, in the absence
of a permanent establishment, the United States may impose its excise tax on insurance
premiums paid to foreign insurers, and Chile may impose its tax on payments for insurance
policies contracted with foreign insurers. However, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 2
(Taxes Covered), such tax shall not exceed: (i) 2 percent of the gross amount of premiums in the
case of policies of reinsurance; and (ii) 5 percent of the gross amount of premiums in the case of
all other policies of insurance.
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9 defines the term “business profits” to mean income from any trade or
business
ers. However, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 2
(Taxes Covered), such tax shall not exceed: (i) 2 percent of the gross amount of premiums in the
case of policies of reinsurance; and (ii) 5 percent of the gross amount of premiums in the case of
all other policies of insurance.
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9 defines the term “business profits” to mean income from any trade or
business. In accordance with this broad definition, the term “business profits” includes income
attributable to notional principal contracts and other financial instruments to the extent that the
income is attributable to a trade or business of dealing in such instruments or is otherwise related
to a trade or business (as in the case of a notional principal contract entered into for the purpose
of hedging currency risk arising from a trade or business). Any other income derived from such
25
instruments is, unless specifically covered in another article, dealt with under Article 21 (Other
Income).
In addition, the term includes income derived from the furnishing of personal services.
Thus, a consulting firm resident in one State whose employees or partners perform services in
the other State through a permanent establishment may be taxed in that other State on a net basis
under Article 7, and not under Article 15 (Dependent Personal Services), which applies only to
income of employees. With respect to the enterprise’s employees themselves, however, their
salary remains subject to Article 15.
Relationship to Other Articles
This Article is subject to the saving clause of paragraph 4 of the Protocol
tablishment may be taxed in that other State on a net basis
under Article 7, and not under Article 15 (Dependent Personal Services), which applies only to
income of employees. With respect to the enterprise’s employees themselves, however, their
salary remains subject to Article 15.
Relationship to Other Articles
This Article is subject to the saving clause of paragraph 4 of the Protocol. Thus, if a
citizen of the United States who is a resident of Chile under the Convention derives business
profits from the United States that are not attributable to a permanent establishment in the United
States, the United States may, subject to the special foreign tax credit rules of paragraph 3 of
Article 23 (Relief from Double Taxation), tax those profits, notwithstanding the provision of
paragraph 1 of this Article which would exempt the income from U.S. tax.
The benefits of this Article are also subject to Article 24 (Limitation on Benefits). Thus,
an enterprise of Chile that derives income effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business
may not claim the benefits of Article 7 unless the resident carrying on the enterprise qualifies for
such benefits under Article 24.
ARTICLE 8 (INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT)
This Article governs the taxation of profits from the operation of ships and aircraft in
international traffic. The term “international traffic” is defined in subparagraph 1(g) of Article 3
(General Definitions).
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1 provides that profits derived by an enterprise of a Contracting State from the
operation in international traffic of ships or aircraft are taxable only in that Contracting State.
Because paragraph 6 of Article 7 (Business Profits) defers to Article 8 with respect to shipping
income, such income derived by a resident of one of the Contracting States may not be taxed in
the other State even if the enterprise has a permanent establishment in that other State. Thus, if a
U.S
eration in international traffic of ships or aircraft are taxable only in that Contracting State.
Because paragraph 6 of Article 7 (Business Profits) defers to Article 8 with respect to shipping
income, such income derived by a resident of one of the Contracting States may not be taxed in
the other State even if the enterprise has a permanent establishment in that other State. Thus, if a
U.S. airline has a ticket office in Chile, Chile may not tax the airline’s profits attributable to that
office under Article 7. Since entities engaged in international transportation activities normally
will have many permanent establishments in a number of countries, the rule avoids difficulties
that would be encountered in attributing income to multiple permanent establishments if the
income were covered by Article 7.
Paragraph 2
26
The profits from the operation of ships or aircraft in international traffic that is exempt
from tax under paragraph 1 is defined in paragraph 2.
In addition to profits derived directly from the operation of ships or aircraft in
international traffic, this definition also includes certain items of rental income. First, profits
from the operation of ships or aircraft include profits of an enterprise of a Contracting State from
the rental of ships or aircraft on a full (time or voyage) basis (i.e., with crew). Therefore, such
profits are exempt from tax in the other Contracting State under paragraph 1. Also, paragraph 2
encompasses profits from the charter or rental of ships or aircraft on a bareboat basis (i.e.,
without crew) if those profits are incidental to profits from the operation by the enterprise of
ships or aircraft in international traffic. If profits of an enterprise from bareboat rentals are not
incidental to profits from that enterprise’s operation of ships or aircraft in international traffic,
the profits from the bareboat rentals would constitute business profits and would be taxed in
accordance with the provisions of Article 7
al to profits from the operation by the enterprise of
ships or aircraft in international traffic. If profits of an enterprise from bareboat rentals are not
incidental to profits from that enterprise’s operation of ships or aircraft in international traffic,
the profits from the bareboat rentals would constitute business profits and would be taxed in
accordance with the provisions of Article 7.
Paragraph 11 of the Protocol provides that inland transport within either Contracting
State shall be treated as the operation of ships or aircraft in international traffic if undertaken as
part of a transport that includes transport by ships or aircraft in international traffic. Thus,
consistent with the Commentary to Article 8 of the OECD Model, profits of an enterprise from
the inland transport of property or passengers within either Contracting State falls within Article
8 if the transport is undertaken as part of the international transport of property or passengers by
the enterprise. For example, if a U.S. shipping company contracts to carry property from Chile
to a U.S. city and, as part of that contract, it transports the property by truck from its point of
origin to an airport in Chile (or it contracts with a trucking company to carry the property to the
airport) the income earned by the U.S. shipping company from the overland leg of the journey
would be taxable only in the United States. Similarly, Article 8 also would apply to all of the
income derived from a contract for the international transport of goods, even if the goods were
transported to the port by a lighter, not by the vessel that carried the goods in international
waters.
Finally, certain non-transport activities that are an integral part of the services performed
by a transport company, or are ancillary to the enterprise’s operation of ships or aircraft in
international traffic, are understood to be covered in paragraph 1, though they are not specified in
paragraph 2
to the port by a lighter, not by the vessel that carried the goods in international
waters.
Finally, certain non-transport activities that are an integral part of the services performed
by a transport company, or are ancillary to the enterprise’s operation of ships or aircraft in
international traffic, are understood to be covered in paragraph 1, though they are not specified in
paragraph 2. These include, for example, the provision of goods and services by engineers,
ground and equipment maintenance and staff, cargo handlers, catering staff and customer
services personnel. Where the enterprise provides such goods to, or performs services for, other
enterprises and such activities are directly connected with or ancillary to the enterprise’s
operation of ships or aircraft in international traffic, the profits from the provision of such goods
and services to other enterprises will fall under this paragraph.
For example, enterprises engaged in the operation of ships or aircraft in international
traffic may enter into pooling arrangements for the purposes of reducing the costs of maintaining
facilities needed for the operation of their ships or aircraft in other countries. For instance, where
an airline enterprise agrees (for example, under an International Airlines Technical Pool
agreement) to provide spare parts or maintenance services to other airlines landing at a particular
27
location (which allows it to benefit from these services at other locations), activities carried on
pursuant to that agreement will be ancillary to the operation of aircraft in international traffic by
the enterprise.
Also, advertising that the enterprise may do for other enterprises in magazines offered
aboard ships or aircraft that it operates in international traffic or at its business locations, such as
ticket offices, is ancillary to its operation of these ships or aircraft. Profits generated by such
advertising fall within this paragraph
ion of aircraft in international traffic by
the enterprise.
Also, advertising that the enterprise may do for other enterprises in magazines offered
aboard ships or aircraft that it operates in international traffic or at its business locations, such as
ticket offices, is ancillary to its operation of these ships or aircraft. Profits generated by such
advertising fall within this paragraph. Income earned by concessionaires, however, is not
covered by Article 8. These interpretations of paragraph 1 also are consistent with the Commen-
tary to Article 8 of the OECD Model.
Paragraph 3
Under this paragraph, profits of an enterprise of a Contracting State from the use,
maintenance or rental of containers (including related equipment, such as barges and trailers, for
the transport of such containers) used for the transport of goods or merchandise in international
traffic are exempt from tax in the other Contracting State. This result obtains under paragraph 3
regardless of whether the recipient of the income is engaged in the operation of ships or aircraft
in international traffic, and regardless of whether the enterprise has a permanent establishment in
the other Contracting State. Only income from the use, maintenance or rental of containers that
is incidental to other income from international traffic is covered by Article 8 of the OECD
Model.
Paragraph 4
This paragraph clarifies that the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 3 also apply to profits of
an enterprise of a Contracting State from participation in a pool, joint business or international
operating agency. This refers to various arrangements for international cooperation by carriers in
shipping and air transport. For example, airlines from two countries may agree to share the
transport of passengers between the two countries. They each will fly the same number of flights
per week and share the revenues from that route equally, regardless of the number of passengers
that each airline actually transports
rs to various arrangements for international cooperation by carriers in
shipping and air transport. For example, airlines from two countries may agree to share the
transport of passengers between the two countries. They each will fly the same number of flights
per week and share the revenues from that route equally, regardless of the number of passengers
that each airline actually transports. Paragraph 4 makes clear that with respect to each carrier the
income dealt with in the Article is that carrier’s share of the total transport, not the income
derived from the passengers actually carried by the airline. This paragraph corresponds to
paragraph 4 of Article 8 of the OECD Model.
Relationship to Other Articles
The taxation of gains from the alienation of ships, aircraft or containers is not dealt with
in this Article but in paragraph 4 of Article 13 (Capital Gains).
As with other benefits of the Convention, the benefit of exclusive residence country
taxation under Article 8 is available to an enterprise only if it is entitled to benefits under Article
24 (Limitation on Benefits).
28
This Article also is subject to the saving clause of paragraph 4 of the Protocol. Thus, if a
citizen of the United States who is a resident of Chile derives profits from the operation of ships
or aircraft in international traffic, notwithstanding the exclusive residence country taxation in
paragraph 1 of Article 8, the United States may, subject to the special foreign tax credit rules of
paragraph 3 of Article 23 (Relief from Double Taxation), tax those profits as part of the
worldwide income of the citizen. (This is an unlikely situation, however, because non-tax
considerations (e.g., insurance) generally result in shipping activities being carried on in
corporate form.)
ARTICLE 9 (ASSOCIATED ENTERPRISES)
This Article incorporates into the Convention the arm’s-length principle reflected in the
U.S. domestic transfer pricing provisions, particularly Code section 482
ide income of the citizen. (This is an unlikely situation, however, because non-tax
considerations (e.g., insurance) generally result in shipping activities being carried on in
corporate form.)
ARTICLE 9 (ASSOCIATED ENTERPRISES)
This Article incorporates into the Convention the arm’s-length principle reflected in the
U.S. domestic transfer pricing provisions, particularly Code section 482. It provides that when
related enterprises engage in a transaction on terms that are not arm’s-length, the Contracting
States may make appropriate adjustments to the taxable income and tax liability of such related
enterprises to reflect what the income and tax of these enterprises with respect to the transaction
would have been had there been an arm’s-length relationship between them.
Paragraph 1
This paragraph addresses the situation where an enterprise of a Contracting State is
related to an enterprise of the other Contracting State, and there are arrangements or conditions
imposed between the enterprises in their commercial or financial relations that are different from
those that would have existed in the absence of the relationship. Under these circumstances, the
Contracting States may adjust the income (or loss) of the enterprise to reflect what it would have
been in the absence of such a relationship.
The paragraph identifies the relationships between enterprises that serve as a prerequisite
to application of the Article. As the Commentary to the OECD Model makes clear, the
necessary element in these relationships is effective control, which is also the standard for
purposes of section 482. Thus, the Article applies if an enterprise of one State participates
directly or indirectly in the management, control, or capital of the enterprise of the other State.
Also, the Article applies if any third person or persons participate directly or indirectly in the
management, control, or capital of enterprises of different States
ol, which is also the standard for
purposes of section 482. Thus, the Article applies if an enterprise of one State participates
directly or indirectly in the management, control, or capital of the enterprise of the other State.
Also, the Article applies if any third person or persons participate directly or indirectly in the
management, control, or capital of enterprises of different States. For this purpose, all types of
control are included, i.e., whether or not legally enforceable and however exercised or
exercisable.
The fact that a transaction is entered into between such related enterprises does not, in
and of itself, mean that a Contracting State may adjust the income (or loss) of one or both of the
enterprises under the provisions of this Article. If the conditions of the transaction are consistent
with those that would be made between independent persons, the income arising from that trans-
action should not be subject to adjustment under this Article.
Similarly, the fact that associated enterprises may have concluded arrangements, such as
cost sharing arrangements or general services agreements, is not in itself an indication that the
29
two enterprises have entered into a non-arm’s-length transaction that should give rise to an
adjustment under paragraph 1. Both related and unrelated parties enter into such arrangements
(e.g., joint venturers may share some development costs). As with any other kind of transaction,
when related parties enter into an arrangement, the specific arrangement must be examined to see
whether or not it meets the arm’s-length standard. In the event that it does not, an appropriate
adjustment may be made, which may include modifying the terms of the agreement or re-
characterizing the transaction to reflect its substance
development costs). As with any other kind of transaction,
when related parties enter into an arrangement, the specific arrangement must be examined to see
whether or not it meets the arm’s-length standard. In the event that it does not, an appropriate
adjustment may be made, which may include modifying the terms of the agreement or re-
characterizing the transaction to reflect its substance.
It is understood that the “commensurate with income” standard for determining
appropriate transfer prices for intangibles, added to Code section 482 by the Tax Reform Act of
1986, was designed to operate consistently with the arm’s-length standard. The implementation
of this standard in the section 482 regulations is in accordance with the general principles of
paragraph 1 of Article 9 of the Convention, as interpreted by the OECD Transfer Pricing
Guidelines.
This Article also permits tax authorities to deal with thin capitalization issues. They may,
in the context of Article 9, scrutinize more than the rate of interest charged on a loan between
related persons. They also may examine the capital structure of an enterprise, whether a
payment in respect of that loan should be treated as interest, and, if it is treated as interest, under
what circumstances interest deductions should be allowed to the payor. Paragraph 2 of the
Commentary to Article 9 of the OECD Model, together with the U.S. observation set forth in
paragraph 15, sets forth a similar understanding of the scope of Article 9 in the context of thin
capitalization.
Paragraph 2
When a Contracting State has made an adjustment that is consistent with the provisions
of paragraph 1, and the other Contracting State agrees that the adjustment was appropriate to
reflect arm’s-length conditions, that other Contracting State is obligated to make a correlative
adjustment (sometimes referred to as a “corresponding adjustment”) to the tax liability of the
related person in that other Contracting State
e has made an adjustment that is consistent with the provisions
of paragraph 1, and the other Contracting State agrees that the adjustment was appropriate to
reflect arm’s-length conditions, that other Contracting State is obligated to make a correlative
adjustment (sometimes referred to as a “corresponding adjustment”) to the tax liability of the
related person in that other Contracting State. Although the OECD Model does not specify that
the other Contracting State must agree with the initial adjustment before it is obligated to make
the correlative adjustment, the Commentary makes clear that the paragraph is to be read that
way.
As explained in the Commentary to Article 9 of the OECD Model, Article 9 leaves the
treatment of “secondary adjustments” to the laws of the Contracting States. When an adjustment
under Article 9 has been made, one of the parties will have in its possession funds that it would
not have had at arm’s length. The question arises as to how to treat these funds. In the United
States, the general practice is to treat such funds as a dividend or contribution to capital,
depending on the relationship between the parties. Under certain circumstances, the parties may
be permitted to restore the funds to the party that would have the funds had the transactions been
entered into on arm’s length terms, and to establish an account payable pending restoration of the
funds. See Rev. Proc. 99-32, 1999-2 C.B. 296.
ch funds as a dividend or contribution to capital,
depending on the relationship between the parties. Under certain circumstances, the parties may
be permitted to restore the funds to the party that would have the funds had the transactions been
entered into on arm’s length terms, and to establish an account payable pending restoration of the
funds. See Rev. Proc. 99-32, 1999-2 C.B. 296.
30
The Contracting State making a secondary adjustment will take the other provisions of
the Convention, where relevant, into account. For example, if the effect of a secondary
adjustment is to treat a U.S. corporation as having made a distribution of profits to its parent
corporation in Chile, the provisions of Article 10 (Dividends) will apply, and the United States
may impose a 5 percent withholding tax on the dividend. Also, if under Article 23 (Relief from
Double Taxation) Chile generally gives a credit for taxes paid with respect to such dividends, it
would also be required to do so in this case.
The competent authorities are authorized by paragraph 3 of Article 26 (Mutual
Agreement Procedure) to consult, if necessary, to resolve any differences in the application of
these provisions. For example, there may be a disagreement over whether an adjustment made
by a Contracting State under paragraph 1 was appropriate.
If a correlative adjustment is made under paragraph 2, it is to be implemented, pursuant
to paragraph 2 of Article 26 (Mutual Agreement Procedure), notwithstanding any time limits or
other procedural limitations in the law of the Contracting State making the adjustment. Thus,
even if a statute of limitations has run, a refund of tax can be made in order to implement a
correlative adjustment (statutory or procedural limitations , however, cannot be overridden to
impose additional tax, because paragraph 2 of Article 1 (General Scope) provides that the
Convention cannot restrict any statutory benefit)
s in the law of the Contracting State making the adjustment. Thus,
even if a statute of limitations has run, a refund of tax can be made in order to implement a
correlative adjustment (statutory or procedural limitations , however, cannot be overridden to
impose additional tax, because paragraph 2 of Article 1 (General Scope) provides that the
Convention cannot restrict any statutory benefit). If a taxpayer has entered a closing agreement
(or other written settlement) with the United States prior to bringing a case to the competent
authorities, the U.S. competent authority will endeavor only to obtain a correlative adjustment
from Chile. See Rev. Proc. 2006-54, 2006-2 C.B. 1035, § 7.05 (or any applicable successor
procedures).
Relationship to Other Articles
The saving clause of paragraph 4 of the Protocol does not apply to paragraph 2 of Article
9 by virtue of an exception to the saving clause in subparagraph 4(a) of the Protocol. This
ensures that the competent authorities of the Contracting States have the ability to make any
adjustments necessary to relieve double taxation pursuant to the mutual agreement procedure.
ARTICLE 10 (DIVIDENDS)
Article 10 provides rules for the taxation of dividends paid by a company that is a
resident of one Contracting State to a beneficial owner that is a resident of the other Contracting
State. The Article provides for full residence-State taxation of such dividends and a limited
source-State right to tax. Article 10 also provides rules for the imposition of a tax on branch
profits by the State of source. Finally, the Article prohibits a State from imposing taxes on a
company resident in the other Contracting State, other than a branch profits tax, on undistributed
earnings.
Paragraph 1
provides for full residence-State taxation of such dividends and a limited
source-State right to tax. Article 10 also provides rules for the imposition of a tax on branch
profits by the State of source. Finally, the Article prohibits a State from imposing taxes on a
company resident in the other Contracting State, other than a branch profits tax, on undistributed
earnings.
Paragraph 1
31
Paragraph 1 permits a Contracting State to tax its residents on dividends paid to them by
a company that is a resident of the other Contracting State. For dividends from any other source
paid to a resident, Article 21 (Other Income) grants the State of residence exclusive taxing
jurisdiction (other than for dividends attributable to a permanent establishment in the other
State).
Paragraph 2
The State of source also may tax dividends beneficially owned by a resident of the other
State, subject to the limitations of paragraphs 2 and 3. Paragraph 2 generally limits the rate of
withholding tax in the State of source on dividends paid by a company resident in that State to 15
percent of the gross amount of the dividend. If, however, the beneficial owner of the dividend is
a company resident in the other State and owns directly shares representing at least 10 percent of
the voting stock of the company paying the dividend, then the rate of withholding tax is limited
to 5 percent of the gross amount of the dividend. For application of this paragraph by the United
States, shares are considered voting shares if they provide the power to elect, appoint or replace
any person vested with the powers ordinarily exercised by the board of directors of a U.S.
corporation.
The determination of whether the ownership threshold for subparagraph (a) is met for
purposes of the 5 percent maximum rate of withholding tax is made on the date on which
entitlement to the dividend is determined. Thus, the determination would generally be made on
the dividend record date
y person vested with the powers ordinarily exercised by the board of directors of a U.S.
corporation.
The determination of whether the ownership threshold for subparagraph (a) is met for
purposes of the 5 percent maximum rate of withholding tax is made on the date on which
entitlement to the dividend is determined. Thus, the determination would generally be made on
the dividend record date.
Paragraph 2 does not affect the taxation of the profits out of which the dividends are paid.
The taxation by a Contracting State of the income of its resident companies is governed by the
internal law of the Contracting State, subject to the provisions of paragraph 3 of Article 25 (Non-
Discrimination).
The term “beneficial owner” is not defined in the Convention, and is, therefore, defined
as under the internal law of the State granting treaty benefits (i.e., the source State). The
beneficial owner of the dividend for purposes of Article 10 is the person to which the income is
attributable under the laws of the source State. Thus, if a dividend paid by a corporation that is a
resident of one of the States (as determined under Article 4 (Residence)) is received by a
nominee or agent that is a resident of the other State on behalf of a person that is not a resident of
that other State, the dividend is not entitled to the benefits of this Article. However, a dividend
received by a nominee on behalf of a resident of that other State would be entitled to benefits.
These limitations are confirmed by paragraph 12 of the Commentary to Article 10 of the OECD
Model. See also paragraph 24 of the Commentary to Article 1 of the OECD Model.
Special rules, however, apply to shares that are held through fiscally transparent entities.
In that case, the rules of paragraph 1 of the Protocol will apply to determine whether the
dividends should be treated as having been derived by a resident of a Contracting State
the Commentary to Article 10 of the OECD
Model. See also paragraph 24 of the Commentary to Article 1 of the OECD Model.
Special rules, however, apply to shares that are held through fiscally transparent entities.
In that case, the rules of paragraph 1 of the Protocol will apply to determine whether the
dividends should be treated as having been derived by a resident of a Contracting State.
Residence-State principles shall be used to determine who derives the dividend, to assure that
the dividends for which the source State grants benefits of the Convention will be taken into
32
account for tax purposes by a resident of the residence State. Source-State principles of
beneficial ownership shall then apply to determine whether the person who derives the
dividends, or another resident of the other Contracting State, is the beneficial owner of the
dividend. If the person who derives the dividend under paragraph 1 of the Protocol would not
be treated as a nominee, agent, custodian, conduit, etc., under the source State’s principles for
determining beneficial ownership, that person will be treated as the beneficial owner of the
income, profits or gains for purposes of the Convention.
Assume for instance, that a company resident in Chile pays a dividend to LLC, an entity
that is treated as fiscally transparent for U.S. tax purposes but is treated as a company for
Chilean tax purposes. USCo, a corporation incorporated in the United States, is the sole interest
holder in LLC. Paragraph 1 of the Protocol provides that USCo derives the dividend. Chile’s
principles of beneficial ownership shall then be applied to USCo. If under the laws of Chile
USCo is found not to be the beneficial owner of the dividend, USCo will not be entitled to the
benefits of Article 10 with respect to such dividend. If USCo is found to be a nominee, agent,
custodian, or conduit for another person who is a resident of the United States, that person may
be entitled to benefits with respect to the dividends
l then be applied to USCo. If under the laws of Chile
USCo is found not to be the beneficial owner of the dividend, USCo will not be entitled to the
benefits of Article 10 with respect to such dividend. If USCo is found to be a nominee, agent,
custodian, or conduit for another person who is a resident of the United States, that person may
be entitled to benefits with respect to the dividends.
Beyond identifying the person to whom the principles of beneficial ownership shall be
applied, the principles of paragraph 1 of the Protocol will also apply when determining whether
other requirements, such as the ownership threshold of subparagraph 2(a) of Article 10 have
been satisfied.
For example, assume that FCo, a corporation that is a resident of Chile, owns a 50
percent interest in FP, a partnership that is organized in Chile. FP owns 100 percent of the sole
class of stock of USCo, a company resident in the United States. Chile views FP as fiscally
transparent under its domestic law, and accordingly taxes FCo currently on its distributive share
of the income of FP and determines the character and source of the income received through FP
in the hands of FCo as if such income were realized directly by FCo. In this case, FCo is treated
as deriving 50 percent of the dividends paid by USCo under paragraph 1 of the Protocol.
Moreover, FCo is treated as owning 50 percent of the stock of USCo directly. The same result
would be reached even if the tax laws of the United States would treat FP differently (e.g., if FP
were not treated as fiscally transparent in the United States), or if FP were organized in a third
state, as long as FP were still treated as fiscally transparent under the laws of the other
Contracting State. The same principles would apply in determining whether companies holding
shares through other fiscally transparent entities such as partnerships, trusts, and estates would
qualify for benefits
t treated as fiscally transparent in the United States), or if FP were organized in a third
state, as long as FP were still treated as fiscally transparent under the laws of the other
Contracting State. The same principles would apply in determining whether companies holding
shares through other fiscally transparent entities such as partnerships, trusts, and estates would
qualify for benefits. As a result, companies holding shares through such entities may be able to
claim the benefits of subparagraph (a) under certain circumstances. The lower rate applies when
the company’s proportionate share of the shares held by the intermediate entity meets the 10
percent threshold, and the company meets the requirements of paragraph 1 of the Protocol (i.e.,
the company’s country of residence treats the intermediate entity as fiscally transparent) with
respect to the dividend. Whether this ownership threshold is satisfied may be difficult to
determine and often will require an analysis of the partnership or trust agreement.
Paragraph 3
33
Paragraph 3 provides that dividends beneficially owned by an entity that is established
and maintained in a Contracting State principally to provide or administer pensions or other
similar benefits to employed and self-employed persons, or to earn income for the benefit of
one or more such arrangements, and that is generally exempt from tax in that State, may not be
taxed in the other Contracting State of which the payer of the dividends is a resident, provided
that such dividends are not derived from the carrying on of a trade or business, directly or
indirectly, by the beneficial owner or through an associated enterprise.
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4 defines the term dividends broadly and flexibly. The definition is intended
to cover all arrangements that yield a return on an equity investment in a corporation as
determined under the tax law of the state of source, as well as arrangements that might be
developed in the future
, directly or
indirectly, by the beneficial owner or through an associated enterprise.
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4 defines the term dividends broadly and flexibly. The definition is intended
to cover all arrangements that yield a return on an equity investment in a corporation as
determined under the tax law of the state of source, as well as arrangements that might be
developed in the future.
The term includes income from shares, or other corporate rights that are not treated as
debt under the law of the source State, and that participate in the profits of the company. The
term also includes income from rights that is subjected to the same tax treatment as income from
shares by the law of the State of source. Thus, a constructive dividend that results from a non-
arm’s length transaction between a corporation and a related party is a dividend. In the case of
the United States, the term dividend includes amounts treated as a dividend under U.S. law upon
the sale or redemption of shares or upon a transfer of shares in a reorganization. See, e.g., Rev.
Rul. 92-85, 1992-2 C.B. 69 (sale of foreign subsidiary’s stock to U.S. sister company is a
deemed dividend to extent of the subsidiary’s and sister company’s earnings and profits).
Further, a distribution from a U.S. publicly traded limited partnership, which is taxed as a
corporation under U.S. law, is a dividend for purposes of Article 10. However, a distribution by
a limited liability company is not taxable by the United States under Article 10, provided the
limited liability company is not characterized as an association taxable as a corporation under
U.S. law.
Finally, a payment denominated as interest may be treated as a dividend to the extent that
the debt is re-characterized as equity under the laws of the source State.
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5 provides a rule for taxing dividends attributable to a permanent establish-
ment or fixed base
ited liability company is not characterized as an association taxable as a corporation under
U.S. law.
Finally, a payment denominated as interest may be treated as a dividend to the extent that
the debt is re-characterized as equity under the laws of the source State.
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5 provides a rule for taxing dividends attributable to a permanent establish-
ment or fixed base. In such case, the rules of Article 7 (Business Profits) or Article 14
(Independent Personal Services), as the case may be, shall apply. Accordingly, the dividends
will be taxed on a net basis using the rates and rules of taxation generally applicable to residents
of the State in which the permanent establishment or fixed base is located, as such rules may be
modified by the Convention. An example of dividends attributable to a permanent establishment
would be dividends derived by a dealer in stock or securities from stock or securities that the
dealer held for sale to customers.
34
Paragraph 6
The right of a Contracting State to tax dividends paid by a company that is a resident of
the other Contracting State is restricted by paragraph 6 to cases in which the dividends are paid
to a resident of that Contracting State or are attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed
base in that Contracting State. Thus, a Contracting State may not impose a “secondary”
withholding tax on dividends paid by a nonresident company out of earnings and profits from
that Contracting State.
The paragraph also restricts the right of a Contracting State to impose corporate level
taxes on undistributed profits, other than a branch profits tax. The paragraph does not restrict a
State’s right to tax its resident shareholders on undistributed earnings of a corporation resident in
the other State. For example, the authority of the United States to impose taxes on subpart F
income and on earnings deemed invested in U.S
ight of a Contracting State to impose corporate level
taxes on undistributed profits, other than a branch profits tax. The paragraph does not restrict a
State’s right to tax its resident shareholders on undistributed earnings of a corporation resident in
the other State. For example, the authority of the United States to impose taxes on subpart F
income and on earnings deemed invested in U.S. property, and its tax on income of a passive
foreign investment company that is a qualified electing fund is in no way restricted by this
provision.
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7 permits a Contracting State to impose a branch profits tax on a company
resident in the other Contracting State. The tax is in addition to other taxes permitted by the
Convention. The term “company” is defined in subparagraph 1(e) of Article 3 (General
Definitions).
A Contracting State may impose a branch profits tax on a company if the company has
income attributable to a permanent establishment in that Contracting State, derives income from
real property (immovable property) in that Contracting State that is taxed on a net basis under
Article 6 (Income from Real Property (Immovable Property)), or realizes gains taxable in that
State under paragraph 1 of Article 13 (Capital Gains). In the case of the United States, the
imposition of such tax is limited, however, to the portion of the aforementioned items of income
that represents the amount of such income that is the “dividend equivalent amount.” This is
consistent with the relevant rules under the U.S. branch profits tax, and the term dividend
equivalent amount is defined under U.S. law
of Article 13 (Capital Gains). In the case of the United States, the
imposition of such tax is limited, however, to the portion of the aforementioned items of income
that represents the amount of such income that is the “dividend equivalent amount.” This is
consistent with the relevant rules under the U.S. branch profits tax, and the term dividend
equivalent amount is defined under U.S. law. The dividend equivalent amount is an amount for
a particular year that is equivalent to the income described above that is included in the
corporation’s effectively connected earnings and profits for that year, after payment of the
corporate tax under Articles 6 (Income from Real Property (Immovable Property), 7 (Business
Profits) or 13 (Capital Gains), reduced for any increase in the corporation’s U.S. net equity
during the year or increased for any reduction in its U.S. net equity during the year. See Code
section 884(b); Treas. Reg. § 1.884-1. U.S. net equity is U.S. assets less U.S. liabilities. See
Code section 884(c); Treas. Reg. § 1.884-1.
The dividend equivalent amount for any year approximates the dividend that a U.S.
branch office would have paid during the year if the branch had been operated as a separate U.S.
subsidiary company. If in the future Chile also imposes a branch profits tax, the base of its tax
must be limited to an amount that is analogous to the dividend equivalent amount.
884(c); Treas. Reg. § 1.884-1.
The dividend equivalent amount for any year approximates the dividend that a U.S.
branch office would have paid during the year if the branch had been operated as a separate U.S.
subsidiary company. If in the future Chile also imposes a branch profits tax, the base of its tax
must be limited to an amount that is analogous to the dividend equivalent amount.
35
As discussed in the explanation of Article 1 (General Scope), consistency principles
prohibit a taxpayer from applying provisions of the Code and this Convention inconsistently. In
the context of the branch profits tax, this consistency requirement means that if a Chilean
company uses the principles of Article 7 to determine its U.S. taxable income then it must also
use those principles to determine its dividend equivalent amount. Similarly, if the Chilean
company instead uses the Code to determine its U.S. taxable income, it must also use the Code to
determine its dividend equivalent amount. As in the case of Article 7, if a Chilean company, for
example, does not from year to year consistently apply the Code or the Convention to determine
its dividend equivalent amount, then the Chilean company must make appropriate adjustments or
recapture amounts that would otherwise be subject to U.S. branch profits tax if it had
consistently applied the Code or the Convention to determine its dividend equivalent amount
from year to year.
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8 provides that the branch profits tax shall not be imposed at a rate exceeding
five percent. It is intended that paragraph 8 apply equally if a taxpayer determines its taxable
income under the laws of a Contracting State or under the provisions of Article 7. For example,
as discussed above, consistency principles require a Chilean company that determines its U.S.
taxable income under the Code to also determine its dividend equivalent amount under the Code
ate exceeding
five percent. It is intended that paragraph 8 apply equally if a taxpayer determines its taxable
income under the laws of a Contracting State or under the provisions of Article 7. For example,
as discussed above, consistency principles require a Chilean company that determines its U.S.
taxable income under the Code to also determine its dividend equivalent amount under the Code.
In that case, paragraph 8 would apply even though the Chilean company did not determine its
dividend equivalent amount using the principles of Article 7.
Paragraph 12 of the Protocol
As stated in paragraph 4 of the 2010 Exchange of Notes, at the time of the signing of the
Convention, Chile has an integrated tax system pursuant to which it collects a total 35 percent
tax on business profits imposed at two levels. First, business profits of companies resident in
Chile are subject to the First Category Tax at a rate of 17 percent. Second, in the case of non-
resident shareholders, distributions are subject to Additional Tax at a rate of 35 percent of the
gross amount of the distribution. Nonresident shareholders are allowed a credit for the First
Category Tax in computing their liability for the Additional Tax. The effective rate of
Additional Tax after a credit for the First Category Tax is 18 percent.
Paragraph 12 of the Protocol reflects the unique operation of Chile’s integrated tax
system and is intended to prevent the avoidance of the Additional Tax. Accordingly,
subparagraph (a) provides that paragraphs 2, 3, 7, and 8 of Article 10 (Dividends) do not limit
Chile’s application of the Additional Tax provided that under the domestic law of Chile the First
Category Tax is fully creditable in computing the amount of Additional Tax to be paid
ation of Chile’s integrated tax
system and is intended to prevent the avoidance of the Additional Tax. Accordingly,
subparagraph (a) provides that paragraphs 2, 3, 7, and 8 of Article 10 (Dividends) do not limit
Chile’s application of the Additional Tax provided that under the domestic law of Chile the First
Category Tax is fully creditable in computing the amount of Additional Tax to be paid.
Accordingly, as long as Chile allows a credit for the full amount of First Category Tax in
computing the amount of Additional Tax to be paid, the Convention does not require Chile to
reduce the rate of Additional Tax withheld on dividends paid by companies resident in Chile and
beneficially owned by residents of the United States.
36
As provided in subparagraph 12(b) of the Protocol, if Chile makes certain changes to the
Additional Tax or First Category Tax, Chile’s right to tax under Article 10 will be limited as
described below.
First, clause (i) of subparagraph 12(b) of the Protocol provides that if at any time under
the domestic law of Chile the First Category Tax ceases to be fully creditable in computing the
amount of Additional Tax to be paid, the provisions of subparagraph 12(a) of the Protocol shall
not apply. Accordingly, the amount of Additional Tax imposed by Chile will be limited by
paragraphs 2, 3, 7, and 8 of Article 10 (Dividends).
Second, clause (ii) of subparagraph 12(b) of the Protocol provides that if under the
domestic law of Chile the rate of Additional Tax exceeds 35 percent, the provisions of Article 10
will apply to both the United States and Chile, but the tax charged under subparagraphs 2(a) and
2(b) of Article 10 will not exceed 15 percent of the gross amount of dividends paid by a resident
of a Contracting State and beneficially owned by a resident of the other Contracting State
if under the
domestic law of Chile the rate of Additional Tax exceeds 35 percent, the provisions of Article 10
will apply to both the United States and Chile, but the tax charged under subparagraphs 2(a) and
2(b) of Article 10 will not exceed 15 percent of the gross amount of dividends paid by a resident
of a Contracting State and beneficially owned by a resident of the other Contracting State. In
such case, Chile and the United States will be equally bound by the provisions of Article 10, and
dividends paid by a company resident in a Contracting State and beneficially owned by a
resident of the other Contracting State may be taxed in the first-mentioned State, however, the
tax so charged shall not exceed 15 percent of the gross amount of the dividends, regardless of
whether the beneficial owner is a company that owns directly 10 percent of the company paying
the dividends. If the rate of Additional Tax exceeds 35 percent, clause (ii) of subparagraph 12(b)
of the Protocol also provides that the Contracting States shall consult to reassess the balance of
benefits of the Convention with a view to concluding a protocol to incorporate terms limiting the
right of the source State to tax dividends under Article 10.
Paragraph 13 of the Protocol
Paragraph 13 of the Protocol provides that Article 10 (Dividends) shall not apply in the
case of distributions or dividends paid by an enterprise when the investment is subject to a
foreign investment contract under the Foreign Investment Statute (DL 600), as it may be
amended from time to time without changing the general principles thereof.
Paragraph 14 of the Protocol
Paragraph 14 of the Protocol imposes limitations on the rate reductions provided by
paragraph 2 in the case of dividends paid by a RIC or a REIT.
The first sentence of paragraph 14 provides that dividends paid by a RIC or a REIT are
not eligible for the 5 percent rate of withholding tax of subparagraph 2(a) of Article 10
(Dividends)
general principles thereof.
Paragraph 14 of the Protocol
Paragraph 14 of the Protocol imposes limitations on the rate reductions provided by
paragraph 2 in the case of dividends paid by a RIC or a REIT.
The first sentence of paragraph 14 provides that dividends paid by a RIC or a REIT are
not eligible for the 5 percent rate of withholding tax of subparagraph 2(a) of Article 10
(Dividends).
The second sentence of paragraph 14 provides that the 15 percent maximum rate of
withholding tax of subparagraph (b) of paragraph 2 of Article 10 (Dividends) applies to
dividends paid by RICs.
37
The third sentence of paragraph 14 provides that the 15 percent rate of withholding tax
also applies to dividends paid by a REIT, provided that one of the three following conditions is
met. First, the beneficial owner of the dividend is an individual holding an interest of not more
than 10 percent in the REIT. Second, the dividend is paid with respect to a class of stock that is
publicly traded and the beneficial owner of the dividend is a person holding an interest of not
more than 5 percent of any class of the REIT’s shares. Third, the beneficial owner of the
dividend holds an interest in the REIT of not more than 10 percent and the REIT is “diversified.”
Paragraph 14 provides a definition of the term diversified. A REIT is diversified if the
gross value of no single interest in real property held by the REIT exceeds 10 percent of the
gross value of the REIT’s total interest in real property. Foreclosure property is not considered
an interest in real property, and a REIT holding a partnership interest is treated as owning its
proportionate share of any interest in real property held by the partnership
A REIT is diversified if the
gross value of no single interest in real property held by the REIT exceeds 10 percent of the
gross value of the REIT’s total interest in real property. Foreclosure property is not considered
an interest in real property, and a REIT holding a partnership interest is treated as owning its
proportionate share of any interest in real property held by the partnership.
Relationship to Other Articles
Notwithstanding the foregoing limitations on source country taxation of dividends, the
saving clause of paragraph 4 of the Protocol permits the United States to tax dividends received
by its residents and citizens, subject to the special foreign tax credit rules of paragraph 3 of
Article 23 (Relief from Double Taxation), as if the Convention had not come into effect.
The benefits of this Article are also subject to the provisions of Article 24 (Limitation on
Benefits). Thus, if a resident of the other Contracting State is the beneficial owner of dividends
paid by a U.S. corporation, the shareholder must qualify for treaty benefits under at least one of
the tests of Article 24 in order to receive the benefits of this Article.
ARTICLE 11 (INTEREST)
Article 11 provides rules for the taxation of interest arising in one Contracting State and
paid to a beneficial owner that is a resident of the other Contracting State.
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1 grants to the State of residence the non-exclusive right to tax interest
beneficially owned by its residents and arising in the other Contracting State.
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2 provides that the State of source also may tax interest beneficially owned by
a resident of the other Contracting State, but generally limits the rate of tax to 10 percent of the
gross amount of the interest
h 1 grants to the State of residence the non-exclusive right to tax interest
beneficially owned by its residents and arising in the other Contracting State.
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2 provides that the State of source also may tax interest beneficially owned by
a resident of the other Contracting State, but generally limits the rate of tax to 10 percent of the
gross amount of the interest. However, the rate of tax is limited to 4 percent of the gross amount
of the interest if the beneficial owner of the interest is a resident of the other Contracting State
that is: (1) a bank; (2) an insurance company; (3) an enterprise substantially deriving its gross
income from the active and regular conduct of a lending or finance business involving
38
transactions with unrelated parties, where the enterprise is unrelated to the payer of the interest;
(4) an enterprise that sold machinery or equipment, where the interest is paid in connection with
the sale on credit of such machinery or equipment; or (5) any other enterprise, provided that in
the three tax years preceding the tax year in which the interest is paid, the enterprise derives
more than 50 percent of its liabilities from the issuance of bonds in the financial markets or from
taking deposits at interest, and more than 50 percent of the assets of the enterprise consist of
debt-claims against persons that do not have with the resident a relationship described in
subparagraph (a) or (b) of paragraph 1 of Article 9 (Associated Enterprises).
For purposes of subparagraph 2(a)(iii), under which certain enterprises substantially
deriving their gross income from the active and regular conduct of a lending or finance business
may qualify for the 4 percent rate, the term “lending or finance business” is defined to include
the business of issuing letters of credit or providing guarantees, or providing charge and credit
card services
.
For purposes of subparagraph 2(a)(iii), under which certain enterprises substantially
deriving their gross income from the active and regular conduct of a lending or finance business
may qualify for the 4 percent rate, the term “lending or finance business” is defined to include
the business of issuing letters of credit or providing guarantees, or providing charge and credit
card services.
The term “beneficial owner” is not defined in the Convention, and is therefore defined
under the internal law of the State granting treaty benefits (i.e., the source State). The beneficial
owner of the interest for purposes of Article 11 is the person to which the income is attributable
under the laws of the source State. Thus, if interest arising in a Contracting State is received by a
nominee or agent that is a resident of the other State on behalf of a person that is not a resident of
that other State, the interest is not entitled to the benefits of Article 11. However, interest
received by a nominee on behalf of a resident of that other State would be entitled to benefits.
These limitations are similar to those provided in paragraph 9 of the OECD Commentary to
Article 11.
Special rules apply to interest derived through fiscally transparent entities for purposes
of determining the beneficial owner of the interest. In such cases, residence-State principles
shall be used to determine who derives the interest, to assure that the interest for which the
source State grants benefits of the Convention will be taken into account for tax purposes by a
resident of the residence State.
For example, assume that FCo, a corporation that is a resident of Chile, owns a 50
percent interest in FP, a partnership that is organized in Chile. FP receives interest arising in the
United States
derives the interest, to assure that the interest for which the
source State grants benefits of the Convention will be taken into account for tax purposes by a
resident of the residence State.
For example, assume that FCo, a corporation that is a resident of Chile, owns a 50
percent interest in FP, a partnership that is organized in Chile. FP receives interest arising in the
United States. Chile views FP as fiscally transparent under its domestic law, and thus taxes FCo
currently on its distributive share of the income of FP and determines the character and source
of the income received through FP in the hands of FCo as if such income were realized directly
by FCo. In this case, FCo is treated as deriving 50 percent of the interest received by FP that
arises in the United States under paragraph 1 of the Protocol. The same result would be reached
even if the tax laws of the United States would treat FP differently (e.g., if FP were not treated
as fiscally transparent in the United States), or if FP were organized in a third state, as long as
FP were still treated as fiscally transparent under the laws of Chile.
While residence-State principles control who is treated as deriving the interest, source-
State principles of beneficial ownership apply to determine whether the person who derives the
interest or another resident of the other Contracting State is the beneficial owner of the interest.
organized in a third state, as long as
FP were still treated as fiscally transparent under the laws of Chile.
While residence-State principles control who is treated as deriving the interest, source-
State principles of beneficial ownership apply to determine whether the person who derives the
interest or another resident of the other Contracting State is the beneficial owner of the interest.
39
If the person who derives the interest under paragraph 1 of the Protocol would not be treated as a
nominee, agent, custodian, conduit, etc., under the source State’s principles for determining
beneficial ownership, that person will be treated as the beneficial owner of the interest for
purposes of the Convention. In the example above, FCo is required to satisfy the beneficial
ownership principles of the United States with respect to the interest it derives. If under the
beneficial ownership principles of the United States, FCo is found not to be the beneficial owner
of the interest, FCo will not be entitled to the benefits of Article 11 with respect to such interest.
If FCo is found to be a nominee, agent, custodian, or conduit for a person who is a resident of the
other Contracting State, that person may be entitled to benefits with respect to the interest.
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3 provides that the rate limitation of subparagraph 2(b) will be phased in. For
five years from the date on which the provisions of paragraph 2 take effect, the rate of 15 percent
will apply in lieu of the rate provided in subparagraph 2(b). Thereafter, the 10 percent rate will
apply
g State, that person may be entitled to benefits with respect to the interest.
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3 provides that the rate limitation of subparagraph 2(b) will be phased in. For
five years from the date on which the provisions of paragraph 2 take effect, the rate of 15 percent
will apply in lieu of the rate provided in subparagraph 2(b). Thereafter, the 10 percent rate will
apply.
In addition, paragraph 22 of the Protocol provides that, if Chile concludes with another
state an income tax treaty that imposes a limit on rates of withholding on payments of interest
lower than the limits imposed under paragraph 2 of Article 11, the United States and Chile shall,
at the request of the United States, consult to reassess the balance of benefits of the Convention
with a view to concluding a protocol incorporating such lower rates into the Convention.
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4 provides an anti-abuse exception to subparagraph 2(a). Interest described in
that subparagraph may be taxed by the source State at a rate not exceeding 10 percent of the
gross amount of the interest if the interest is paid as part of an arrangement involving back-to-
back loans or another arrangement that is economically equivalent to and intended to have a
similar effect as back-to-back loans. By referencing arrangements that are economically similar to
and that have the effect of a back-to-back loan, paragraph 4 applies to transactions that would not
meet the legal requirements of a loan but would nevertheless serve that purpose economically. For
example, the term would encompass securities issued at a discount or certain swap arrangements
intended to operate as the economic equivalent of a back-to-back loan.
Paragraph 5
The term “interest” as used in Article 11 is defined in paragraph 5 to include, inter alia,
income from debt claims of every kind, whether or not secured by a mortgage. Penalty charges
for late payment are excluded from the definition of interest
securities issued at a discount or certain swap arrangements
intended to operate as the economic equivalent of a back-to-back loan.
Paragraph 5
The term “interest” as used in Article 11 is defined in paragraph 5 to include, inter alia,
income from debt claims of every kind, whether or not secured by a mortgage. Penalty charges
for late payment are excluded from the definition of interest. Interest that is paid or accrued
subject to a contingency is within the ambit of Article 11. This definition includes income from
a debt obligation carrying the right to participate in profits if the contract by its character clearly
evidences a loan at interest. The term does not, however, include amounts treated as dividends
under Article 10 (Dividends).
40
The term “interest” also includes amounts subject to the same tax treatment as income
from money lent under the law of the State in which the income arises. Thus, for purposes of the
Convention, amounts that the United States will treat as interest include: (i) the difference
between the issue price and the stated redemption price at maturity of a debt instrument (i.e.,
original issue discount (“OID”)), which may be wholly or partially realized on the disposition of
a debt instrument (section 1273); (ii) amounts that are imputed interest on a deferred sales
contract (section 483); (iii) amounts treated as interest or OID under the stripped bond rules
(section 1286); (iv) amounts treated as original issue discount under the below-market interest
rate rules (section 7872); (v) a partner's distributive share of a partnership’s interest income
(section 702); (vi) the interest portion of periodic payments made under a “finance lease” or
similar contractual arrangement that in substance is a borrowing by the nominal lessee to finance
the acquisition of property; (vii) amounts included in the income of a holder of a residual interest
in a REMIC (section 860E), because these amounts generally are subject to the same taxation
treatment as in
tion 702); (vi) the interest portion of periodic payments made under a “finance lease” or
similar contractual arrangement that in substance is a borrowing by the nominal lessee to finance
the acquisition of property; (vii) amounts included in the income of a holder of a residual interest
in a REMIC (section 860E), because these amounts generally are subject to the same taxation
treatment as interest under U.S. tax law; and (viii) interest with respect to notional principal
contracts that are re-characterized as loans because of a “substantial non-periodic payment.”
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6 provides a rule for taxing interest in cases where the beneficial owner of the
interest either carries on business through a permanent establishment in the other Contracting
State, in which the interest arises, or performs in that other State independent personal services
from a fixed base in that other State, and the interest is attributable to that permanent establish-
ment or fixed base. In such cases the provisions of Article 7 (Business Profits) or 14
(Independent Personal Services), as the case may be, will apply, and the State of source will
retain the right to impose tax on such interest income.
In the case of a permanent establishment or fixed base that once existed in the State of
source but that no longer exists, the provisions of paragraph 6 also apply, by virtue of paragraph
7 of Article 7, to interest that would be attributable to such a permanent establishment or fixed
base if it did exist in the year of payment or accrual. See the Technical Explanation of paragraph
7 of Article 7.
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7 provides a source rule for interest that is identical in substance to the interest
source rule of the OECD Model. Interest is considered to arise in a Contracting State if paid by a
resident of that State
e to such a permanent establishment or fixed
base if it did exist in the year of payment or accrual. See the Technical Explanation of paragraph
7 of Article 7.
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7 provides a source rule for interest that is identical in substance to the interest
source rule of the OECD Model. Interest is considered to arise in a Contracting State if paid by a
resident of that State. As an exception, interest on a debt incurred in connection with a
permanent establishment or a fixed base in one of the States and borne by the permanent
establishment or fixed base is deemed to arise in that State. For this purpose, interest is
considered to be borne by a permanent establishment or fixed base if it is allocable to taxable
income of that permanent establishment or fixed base.
Paragraph 8
41
Paragraph 8 provides that in cases involving special relationships between the payor and
the beneficial owner of interest income, Article 11 applies only to that portion of the total interest
payments that would have been made absent such special relationships (i.e., an arm’s-length
interest payment). Any excess amount of interest paid remains taxable according to the laws of
the United States and Chile, respectively, with due regard to the other provisions of the Conven-
tion. Thus, if the excess amount would be treated under the source country’s law as a distribu-
tion of profits by a corporation, such amount could be taxed as a dividend rather than as interest,
but the tax would be subject, if appropriate, to the rate limitations of paragraph 2 of Article 10
(Dividends).
The term “special relationship” is not defined in the Convention. In applying this
paragraph, the United States considers the term to include the relationships described in Article
9, which in turn corresponds to the definition of “control” for purposes of Code section 482
erest,
but the tax would be subject, if appropriate, to the rate limitations of paragraph 2 of Article 10
(Dividends).
The term “special relationship” is not defined in the Convention. In applying this
paragraph, the United States considers the term to include the relationships described in Article
9, which in turn corresponds to the definition of “control” for purposes of Code section 482.
This paragraph does not address cases where, owing to a special relationship between the
payer and the beneficial owner or between both of them and some other person, the amount of
the interest is less than an arm’s-length amount. In those cases a transaction may be
characterized to reflect its substance and interest may be imputed consistent with the definition
of “interest” in paragraph 5. For example, the United States would apply Code section 482 or
7872 to determine the amount of imputed interest in those cases.
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9 provides anti-abuse exceptions to paragraph 2 for two classes of interest
payments.
The first class of interest, dealt with in subparagraph 9(a), is so-called contingent interest.
Under this provision, interest arising in one of the Contracting States that is determined with
reference to receipts, sales, income, profits or other cash flows of the debtor or a related person,
to any change in the value of any property of the debtor or a related person or to any dividend,
partnership distribution or similar payment made by the debtor or a related person also may be
taxed in the State in which it arises, and according to the laws of that State. If the beneficial
owner is a resident of the other Contracting State, however, the gross amount of the interest may
be taxed at a rate not exceeding the rate prescribed in subparagraph 2(b) of Article 10
(Dividends).
The second class of interest that is dealt with in subparagraph 9(b) is excess inclusions
from U.S. real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMICs”)
the laws of that State. If the beneficial
owner is a resident of the other Contracting State, however, the gross amount of the interest may
be taxed at a rate not exceeding the rate prescribed in subparagraph 2(b) of Article 10
(Dividends).
The second class of interest that is dealt with in subparagraph 9(b) is excess inclusions
from U.S. real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMICs”). Subparagraph 9(b) serves as a
backstop to Code section 860G(b). That section generally requires that a foreign person holding a
residual interest in a REMIC take into account for U.S. tax purposes “any excess inclusion” and
“amounts includible … [under the REMIC provisions] when paid or distributed (or when the interest
is disposed of)….”
42
Without a full tax at source, non-U.S. transferees of residual interests would have a
competitive advantage over U.S. transferees at the time these interests are initially offered. Absent
this rule, the United States would suffer a revenue loss with respect to mortgages held in a REMIC
because of opportunities for tax avoidance created by differences in the timing of taxable and
economic income produced by such interests. In many cases, the transfer to the foreign person is
simply disregarded under Treas. Reg. § 1.860G-3. Subparagraph 9(b) also serves to indicate that
excess inclusions from REMICs are not considered “other income” subject to Article 21 (Other
Income) of the Convention.
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10 permits a Contracting State to impose its branch level interest tax on a
company resident in the other Contracting State
fer to the foreign person is
simply disregarded under Treas. Reg. § 1.860G-3. Subparagraph 9(b) also serves to indicate that
excess inclusions from REMICs are not considered “other income” subject to Article 21 (Other
Income) of the Convention.
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10 permits a Contracting State to impose its branch level interest tax on a
company resident in the other Contracting State. The base of this tax is the excess, if any, of the
interest allocable to the profits of the company that are either attributable to a permanent
establishment in the first-mentioned State (including gains under paragraph 3 of Article 13
(Capital Gains)) or subject to tax in the first-mentioned State under Article 6 (Income from Real
Property (Immovable Property)) or paragraph 1 of Article 13 (Capital Gains)) over the interest
paid by the permanent establishment, or in the case of profits subject to tax under Article 6 or
Article 13(1), over the interest paid by that trade or business in the first-mentioned State. Such
excess interest may be taxed as if it were interest arising in the first-mentioned State and
beneficially owned by the resident of the other State. Thus, such excess interest may be taxed by
the first-mentioned State at a rate not to exceed the applicable rates provided in paragraph 2.
Relationship to Other Articles
Notwithstanding the foregoing limitations on source country taxation of interest, the
saving clause of paragraph 4 of the Protocol permits the United States to tax its residents and
citizens, subject to the special foreign tax credit rules of paragraph 3 of Article 23 (Relief from
Double Taxation), as if the Convention had not come into force.
As with other benefits of the Convention, the benefits of Article 11 are available to a
resident of the other State only if that resident is entitled to those benefits under the provisions of
Article 24 (Limitation on Benefits)
d
citizens, subject to the special foreign tax credit rules of paragraph 3 of Article 23 (Relief from
Double Taxation), as if the Convention had not come into force.
As with other benefits of the Convention, the benefits of Article 11 are available to a
resident of the other State only if that resident is entitled to those benefits under the provisions of
Article 24 (Limitation on Benefits).
ARTICLE 12 (ROYALTIES)
Article 12 provides rules for the taxation of royalties arising in one Contracting State and
paid to a beneficial owner that is a resident of the other Contracting State.
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1 grants to the State of residence the non-exclusive right to tax royalties paid
to its residents and arising in the other Contracting State.
43
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2 provides that the State of source also may tax royalties, but if the beneficial
owner of the royalties is a resident of the other Contracting State, the rate of tax shall be limited
to 2 percent of the gross amount of the royalties described in subparagraph 3(a), and 10 percent
of the gross amount of the royalties described in subparagraph 3(b).
The term “beneficial owner” is not defined in the Convention, and is, therefore, defined
under the internal law of the State granting treaty benefits (i.e., the source State). The beneficial
owner of the royalty for purposes of Article 12 is the person to which the income is attributable
under the laws of the source State. Thus, if a royalty arising in a Contracting State is received by
a nominee or agent that is a resident of the other State on behalf of a person that is not a resident
of that other State, the royalty is not entitled to the benefits of Article 12. However, a royalty
received by a nominee on behalf of a resident of that other State would be entitled to benefits.
These limitations are similar to those provided in paragraph 4 of the OECD Commentary to
Article 12
ominee or agent that is a resident of the other State on behalf of a person that is not a resident
of that other State, the royalty is not entitled to the benefits of Article 12. However, a royalty
received by a nominee on behalf of a resident of that other State would be entitled to benefits.
These limitations are similar to those provided in paragraph 4 of the OECD Commentary to
Article 12.
Special rules apply to royalties derived through fiscally transparent entities for purposes
of determining the beneficial owner of the royalties. In such cases, residence-State principles
shall be used to determine who derives the royalties to assure that the royalties for which the
source State grants benefits of the Convention will be taken into account for tax purposes by a
resident of the residence State.
For example, assume that FCo, a company that is a resident of Chile, owns a 50 percent
interest in FP, a partnership that is organized in Chile. FP receives royalties arising in the
United States. Chile views FP as fiscally transparent under its domestic law, and thus taxes FCo
currently on its distributive share of the income of FP and determines the source and character
of the income received through FP in the hands of FCo as if such income were realized directly
by FCo. In this case, FCo is treated as deriving 50 percent of the royalties received by FP that
arise in the United States under paragraph 1 of the Protocol. The same result would be reached
even if the tax laws of the United States would treat FP differently (e.g., if FP were not treated
as fiscally transparent in the United States), or if FP were organized in a third state, as long as
FP were still treated as fiscally transparent under the laws of Chile
e royalties received by FP that
arise in the United States under paragraph 1 of the Protocol. The same result would be reached
even if the tax laws of the United States would treat FP differently (e.g., if FP were not treated
as fiscally transparent in the United States), or if FP were organized in a third state, as long as
FP were still treated as fiscally transparent under the laws of Chile.
While residence-State principles control who is treated as deriving the royalties, source-
State principles of beneficial ownership apply to determine whether the person who derives the
royalties, or another resident of the other Contracting State, is the beneficial owner of the
royalties. If the person who derives the royalties under paragraph 1 of the Protocol would not be
treated as a nominee, agent, custodian, conduit, etc., under the source State’s principles for
determining beneficial ownership, that person will be treated as the beneficial owner of the
royalties for purposes of the Convention. In the example above, FCo must satisfy the beneficial
ownership principles of the United States with respect to the royalties it derives. If under the
beneficial ownership principles of the United States, FCo is found not to be the beneficial owner
of the royalties, FCo will not be entitled to the benefits of Article 12 with respect to such
royalties. If FCo is found to be a nominee, agent, custodian, or conduit for a person who is a
neficial
ownership principles of the United States with respect to the royalties it derives. If under the
beneficial ownership principles of the United States, FCo is found not to be the beneficial owner
of the royalties, FCo will not be entitled to the benefits of Article 12 with respect to such
royalties. If FCo is found to be a nominee, agent, custodian, or conduit for a person who is a
44
resident of the other Contracting State, that person may be entitled to benefits with respect to the
royalties.
Paragraph 22 of the Protocol provides that, if Chile concludes with another state an
income tax treaty that imposes a limit on withholding rates on payments of royalties that is lower
than the limits imposed under paragraph 2 of Article 12, the United States and Chile shall, at the
request of the United States, consult to reassess the balance of benefits of the Convention with a
view to concluding a protocol incorporating such lower rates into the Convention.
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3 defines the term “royalties” as used in Article 12, and the term “royalties”
comprises two categories of consideration. The first category is any consideration for the use of,
or the right to use, industrial, commercial or scientific equipment, but not including ships,
aircraft or containers as dealt with in Article 8 (International Transport). The second category is
any consideration for the use of, or the right to use, any copyright of literary, artistic, scientific or
other work (including computer software, cinematographic films, audio or video tapes or disks,
and other means of image or sound reproduction), any patent, trademark, design or model, plan,
secret formula or process, or other like intangible property, or for information concerning
industrial, commercial, or scientific experience
right to use, any copyright of literary, artistic, scientific or
other work (including computer software, cinematographic films, audio or video tapes or disks,
and other means of image or sound reproduction), any patent, trademark, design or model, plan,
secret formula or process, or other like intangible property, or for information concerning
industrial, commercial, or scientific experience. The second category also includes gain derived
from the alienation of any property included in the second category, to the extent the gain is
contingent on the productivity, use, or disposition of the property. Gains that are not so
contingent are dealt with under Article 13 (Capital Gains).
For purposes of determining whether payments as consideration for computer software
should be classified as royalties under Article 12, paragraph 16 of the Protocol provides that the
paragraphs of the Commentary to Article 12 of the OECD Model Convention of 2008 addressing
computer software (paragraphs 12 to 14.4 and paragraph 17 to 17.4) will apply.
The term “royalties” is defined in the Convention and therefore is generally independent
of domestic law. Certain terms used in the definition are not defined in the Convention, but
these may be defined under domestic tax law. For example, the term “secret process or
formulas” is found in the Code, and its meaning has been elaborated in the context of sections
351 and 367. See Rev. Rul. 55-17, 1955-1 C.B. 388; Rev. Rul. 64-56, 1964-1 C.B. 133; Rev.
Proc. 69-19, 1969-2 C.B. 301.
Consideration for the use or right to use cinematographic films, or works on film, tape, or
other means of reproduction in radio or television broadcasting is specifically included in the
definition of royalties. It is intended that, with respect to any subsequent technological advances
in the field of radio or television broadcasting, consideration received for the use of such
technology will also be included in the definition of royalties
ographic films, or works on film, tape, or
other means of reproduction in radio or television broadcasting is specifically included in the
definition of royalties. It is intended that, with respect to any subsequent technological advances
in the field of radio or television broadcasting, consideration received for the use of such
technology will also be included in the definition of royalties.
If an artist who is resident in one Contracting State records a performance in the other
Contracting State, retains a copyrighted interest in a recording, and receives payments for the
right to use the recording based on the sale or public playing of the recording, then the right of
45
such other Contracting State to tax those payments is governed by Article 12. See Boulez v.
Commissioner, 83 T.C. 584 (1984), aff’d, 810 F.2d 209 (D.C. Cir. 1986). By contrast, if the
artist earns in the other Contracting State income covered by Article 17 (Artistes and
Sportsmen), for example, endorsement income from the artist’s attendance at a film screening,
and if such income also is attributable to one of the rights described in Article 12 (e.g., the use of
the artist’s photograph in promoting the screening), Article 17 and not Article 12 is applicable to
such income.
The term “industrial, commercial, or scientific experience” (sometimes referred to as
“know-how”) has the meaning ascribed to it in paragraph 11 et seq. of the Commentary to
Article 12 of the OECD Model. Consistent with that meaning, the term may include information
that is ancillary to a right otherwise giving rise to royalties, such as a patent or secret process.
Know-how also may include, in limited cases, technical information that is conveyed
through technical or consultancy services. It does not include general educational training of the
user’s employees, nor does it include information developed especially for the user, such as a
technical plan or design developed according to the user’s specifications
ies, such as a patent or secret process.
Know-how also may include, in limited cases, technical information that is conveyed
through technical or consultancy services. It does not include general educational training of the
user’s employees, nor does it include information developed especially for the user, such as a
technical plan or design developed according to the user’s specifications. Thus, as provided in
paragraph 11.3 of the Commentary to Article 12 of the OECD Model, the term “royalties” does
not include payments received as consideration for after-sales service, for services rendered by a
seller to a purchaser under a warranty, or for pure technical assistance.
The term “royalties” also does not include payments for professional services (such as
architectural, engineering, legal, managerial, medical or software development services). For
example, income from the design of a refinery by an engineer (even if the engineer employed
know-how in the process of rendering the design) or the production of a legal brief by a lawyer is
not income from the transfer of know-how taxable under Article 12, but is income from services
taxable under either Article 7 (Business Profits), 14 (Independent Personal Services) or 15
(Dependent Personal Services), as applicable. Professional services may be embodied in
property that gives rise to royalties, however. Thus, if a professional contracts to develop
patentable property and retains rights in the resulting property under the development contract,
subsequent license payments made for those rights would be royalties.
Paragraph 4
This paragraph provides a rule for taxing royalties in cases where the beneficial owner of
the royalties carries on business through a permanent establishment in the State of source or
performs in the source State independent personal services from a fixed based therein, and the
royalties are attributable to that permanent establishment or fixed base
ights would be royalties.
Paragraph 4
This paragraph provides a rule for taxing royalties in cases where the beneficial owner of
the royalties carries on business through a permanent establishment in the State of source or
performs in the source State independent personal services from a fixed based therein, and the
royalties are attributable to that permanent establishment or fixed base. In such cases the provi-
sions of Article 7 or Article 14, as the case may be, will apply.
The provisions of paragraph 7 of Article 7 apply to this paragraph. For example, royalty
income that is attributable to a permanent establishment and that accrues during the existence of
the permanent establishment, but is received after the permanent establishment no longer exists,
remains taxable under the provisions of Article 7, and not under this Article.
46
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5 contains the source rule for royalties. Under subparagraph 5(a), royalties are
treated as arising in a Contracting State when the payer is a resident of that State. Where,
however, the payer, whether he is a resident of a Contracting State, has in a Contracting State a
permanent establishment or fixed base in connection with which the liability to pay the royalties
was incurred, and such royalties are borne by such permanent establishment or fixed base, then
such royalties will be deemed to arise in the State in which the permanent establishment or fixed
base is situated.
Subparagraph 5(b) provides that where a royalty is not treated as arising in a Contracting
State under subparagraph 5(a), and the royalties are for the use of, or the right to use, in a
Contracting State any property or right described in paragraph 3, then such royalties will be
deemed to arise in that State and not in the State of which the payer is resident
ment or fixed
base is situated.
Subparagraph 5(b) provides that where a royalty is not treated as arising in a Contracting
State under subparagraph 5(a), and the royalties are for the use of, or the right to use, in a
Contracting State any property or right described in paragraph 3, then such royalties will be
deemed to arise in that State and not in the State of which the payer is resident.
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6 provides that in cases involving special relationships between the payer and
beneficial owner of royalties or between both of them and some other person, Article 12 applies
only to the extent the royalties would have been paid absent such special relationships (i.e., an
arm’s-length royalty). Any excess amount of royalties paid remains taxable according to the
laws of the two Contracting States, with due regard to the other provisions of the Convention. If,
for example, the excess amount is treated as a distribution of corporate profits under domestic
law, such excess amount will be taxed as a dividend rather than as royalties, but the tax imposed
on the dividend payment will be subject to the rate limitations of paragraph 2 of Article 10
(Dividends).
Relationship to Other Articles
Notwithstanding the foregoing limitations on source State taxation of royalties, the saving
clause of paragraph 4 of the Protocol permits the United States to tax its residents and citizens,
subject to the special foreign tax credit rules of paragraph 3 of Article 23 (Relief from Double
Taxation), as if the Convention had not come into force.
As with other benefits of the Convention, the benefits of Article 12 are available to a
resident of the other State only if that resident is entitled to those benefits under Article 24
(Limitation on Benefits).
ARTICLE 13 (CAPITAL GAINS)
Article 13 assigns either primary or exclusive taxing jurisdiction over gains from the
alienation of property to the State of residence or the State of source.
Paragraph 1
the Convention, the benefits of Article 12 are available to a
resident of the other State only if that resident is entitled to those benefits under Article 24
(Limitation on Benefits).
ARTICLE 13 (CAPITAL GAINS)
Article 13 assigns either primary or exclusive taxing jurisdiction over gains from the
alienation of property to the State of residence or the State of source.
Paragraph 1
47
Paragraph 1 of Article 13 preserves the non-exclusive right of the State of source to tax
gains attributable to the alienation of real property situated in that State. The paragraph therefore
permits the United States to apply Code section 897 to tax gains derived by a resident of Chile
that are attributable to the alienation of real property situated in the United States (as defined in
paragraph 2). Gains attributable to the alienation of real property include gains from any other
property that is treated as a real property interest within the meaning of paragraph 2.
Paragraph 1 refers to gains “attributable to the alienation of real property (immovable
property)” rather than the OECD Model phrase “gains from the alienation” to clarify that the
United States will look through distributions made by a REIT and certain RICs. Accordingly,
distributions made by a REIT or certain RICs are taxable under paragraph 1 of Article 13 (not
under Article 10 (Dividends)) when they are attributable to gains derived from the alienation of
real property
able
property)” rather than the OECD Model phrase “gains from the alienation” to clarify that the
United States will look through distributions made by a REIT and certain RICs. Accordingly,
distributions made by a REIT or certain RICs are taxable under paragraph 1 of Article 13 (not
under Article 10 (Dividends)) when they are attributable to gains derived from the alienation of
real property.
Paragraph 2
This paragraph defines the term “real property (immovable property) situated in the other
Contracting State.” The term includes real property (immovable property) referred to in Article
6 (Income from Real Property (Immovable Property)) (i.e., an interest in the real property
(immovable property) itself), a “United States real property interest” (when the United States is
the other Contracting State under paragraph 1) as defined in Code section 897 and the
regulations thereunder, as they may be amended from time to time without changing the general
principles thereof, and an equivalent interest in real property (immovable property) situated in
Chile, including shares or other rights deriving more than 50 percent of their value directly or
indirectly from real property (immovable property) situated in Chile (when Chile is the other
Contracting State under paragraph 1).
Under Code section 897(c) the term “United States real property interest” includes shares
in a U.S. corporation that owns sufficient U.S. real property interests to satisfy an asset-ratio test
on certain testing dates. The term also includes certain foreign corporations that have elected to
be treated as U.S. corporations for this purpose. Section 897(i)
acting State under paragraph 1).
Under Code section 897(c) the term “United States real property interest” includes shares
in a U.S. corporation that owns sufficient U.S. real property interests to satisfy an asset-ratio test
on certain testing dates. The term also includes certain foreign corporations that have elected to
be treated as U.S. corporations for this purpose. Section 897(i).
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3 of Article 13 deals with the taxation of certain gains from the alienation of
personal property (movable property) that are attributable to a permanent establishment that an
enterprise of a Contracting State has in the other Contracting State, or that are attributable to a
fixed base available to a resident of a Contracting State in the other Contracting State for the
purpose of performing independent personal services. This also includes gains from the alien-
ation of such a permanent establishment (alone or with the whole enterprise) or of the fixed base.
Such gains may be taxed in the State in which the permanent establishment or fixed base is
located.
A resident of Chile that is a partner in a partnership doing business in the United States
generally will have a permanent establishment in the United States as a result of the activities of
48
the partnership, assuming that the activities of the partnership rise to the level of a permanent
establishment. See Unger v. Commissioner, 936 F.2d 1316 (D.C. Cir. 1991); Donroy, Ltd., v.
United States, 301 F.2d 200 (9th Cir. 1962). See also Rev. Rul. 91-32, 1991-1 C.B. 107.
Further, under paragraph 3, the United States generally may tax a partner's distributive share of
income realized by a partnership on the disposition of movable property forming part of the
business property of the partnership in the United States
issioner, 936 F.2d 1316 (D.C. Cir. 1991); Donroy, Ltd., v.
United States, 301 F.2d 200 (9th Cir. 1962). See also Rev. Rul. 91-32, 1991-1 C.B. 107.
Further, under paragraph 3, the United States generally may tax a partner's distributive share of
income realized by a partnership on the disposition of movable property forming part of the
business property of the partnership in the United States.
The gains subject to paragraph 3 may be taxed in the State in which the permanent
establishment or fixed base is located, regardless of whether the permanent establishment or
fixed base exists at the time of the alienation. This rule incorporates the rule of Code section
864(c)(6). Accordingly, income that is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base,
but that is deferred and received after the permanent establishment or fixed base no longer exists,
may nevertheless be taxed by the State in which the permanent establishment or fixed base was
located.
Paragraph 4
This paragraph limits the taxing jurisdiction of the State of source with respect to gains
from the alienation of ships, aircraft, or containers operated or used in international traffic and
from personal property (movable property) pertaining to the operation or use of such ships,
aircraft, or containers.
Under paragraph 4, such gains are taxable only in the Contracting State in which the
alienator is resident. Notwithstanding paragraph 3, the rules of this paragraph apply even if the
income is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by the enterprise in
the other Contracting State. This result is consistent with the allocation of taxing rights under
Article 8 (International Transport)
uch gains are taxable only in the Contracting State in which the
alienator is resident. Notwithstanding paragraph 3, the rules of this paragraph apply even if the
income is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by the enterprise in
the other Contracting State. This result is consistent with the allocation of taxing rights under
Article 8 (International Transport).
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5 provides that gains derived by a resident of a Contracting State from the
alienation of shares or other rights or interests representing the capital of a company that is a
resident of the other Contracting State may be taxed in that other State, but the rate of tax shall
be limited to 16 percent of the amount of the gain. As stated in paragraph 4 of the 2010
Exchange of Notes, the provisions of paragraph 5 (and paragraph 7, discussed below) of Article
13 reflect the unique operation of Chile’s integrated tax system and are intended to prevent the
avoidance of the Additional Tax.
Paragraph 16 of the Protocol provides that, if under the domestic law of Chile, the First
Category Tax exceeds 30 percent, paragraph 5 (and paragraph 7, discussed below) of Article 13
shall not apply. In such case, paragraph 4 of the 2010 Exchange of Notes provides that
paragraph 16 of the Protocol will operate to limit the right of the source State to tax capital gains,
and such gains will only be subject to tax in the residence State.
nder the domestic law of Chile, the First
Category Tax exceeds 30 percent, paragraph 5 (and paragraph 7, discussed below) of Article 13
shall not apply. In such case, paragraph 4 of the 2010 Exchange of Notes provides that
paragraph 16 of the Protocol will operate to limit the right of the source State to tax capital gains,
and such gains will only be subject to tax in the residence State.
49
Paragraph 22 of the Protocol provides that if Chile concludes with another state an
income tax treaty that contains terms further limiting the right of the source State to tax capital
gains under Article 13, the United States and Chile shall, at the request of the United States,
consult to reassess the balance of benefits of the Convention with a view to concluding a
protocol to incorporate such lower rates into the Convention.
Paragraph 6
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 5, the State of residence of the alienator has
the exclusive right to tax gains from the alienation of certain shares of a company or other rights
representing the capital of a company that in either case is a resident of the other Contracting
State as described in paragraph 6.
Gains derived by a pension fund from the alienation of shares or other rights representing
the capital of a company that is a resident of the other Contracting State may be taxed only in the
State of residence of the pension fund.
In addition, gains derived by a mutual fund or other institutional investor from the
alienation of shares of a company that is a resident of the other Contracting State may be taxed
only in the State of residence of the mutual fund or other institutional investor, provided that the
company’s shares are substantially and regularly traded on a recognized stock exchanged located
in that other State and the alienation occurred on a recognized stock exchange in that other State
the
alienation of shares of a company that is a resident of the other Contracting State may be taxed
only in the State of residence of the mutual fund or other institutional investor, provided that the
company’s shares are substantially and regularly traded on a recognized stock exchanged located
in that other State and the alienation occurred on a recognized stock exchange in that other State.
For this purpose, paragraph 17 of the Protocol provides that the terms “mutual fund” and
“institutional investor” do not include an investor of a Contracting State which directly or
indirectly owns 10 percent or more of the shares or other rights representing the capital or of the
profits in a company that is a resident of the other Contracting State.
Finally, the State of residence of the alienator has the exclusive right to tax gains from the
alienation of shares of a company that is a resident of the other Contracting State and whose
shares are substantially and regularly traded on a recognized stock exchange located in that other
State, provided that: (1) the shares were sold either on a recognized stock exchange in that other
State or in a public offer for the acquisition of shares regulated by law; and (2) such shares were
previously acquired either on a recognized stock exchange in that other State, in a public offer
for the acquisition of such shares regulated by law, in a placement of first issue shares by that
company at the time of the constitution of that company or of an increase in the capital of that
company, or in an exchange of bonds convertible into shares.
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7 sets forth two exceptions to the limitation imposed by paragraph 5 on the
rate of source State tax. As stated in paragraph 4 of the 2010 Exchange of Notes, the provisions
of paragraph 7 (and paragraph 5, discussed above) of Article 13 reflect the unique operation of
Chile’s integrated tax system and are intended to prevent the avoidance of the Additional Tax.
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7 sets forth two exceptions to the limitation imposed by paragraph 5 on the
rate of source State tax. As stated in paragraph 4 of the 2010 Exchange of Notes, the provisions
of paragraph 7 (and paragraph 5, discussed above) of Article 13 reflect the unique operation of
Chile’s integrated tax system and are intended to prevent the avoidance of the Additional Tax.
50
As provided in subparagraph 7(a), the State of source may tax gains derived by a resident
of the other Contracting State if the recipient of the gain at any time during the 12-month period
preceding the alienation owned shares, directly or indirectly, consisting of more than 50 percent
of the capital of a company that is a resident of the first-mentioned State. As provided in
subparagraph 7(b), the State of source may tax gains derived by a resident of the other
Contracting State from the alienation of other rights not being shares or debt claims representing
the capital of a company (such as a limited liability company) that is a resident of the first-
mentioned State, if the recipient of the gain at any time during the 12-month period preceding the
alienation owned other such rights, directly or indirectly, consisting of 20 percent or more of the
capital of that company. Paragraph 16 of the Protocol provides that the rate of Additional Tax
imposed by Chile under the provisions of paragraph 7 of Article 13 shall not exceed 35 percent.
Paragraph 16 of the Protocol provides that the rate of Additional Tax imposed by Chile
under the provisions of paragraph 7 shall not exceed 35 percent. In addition, paragraph 16 of the
Protocol provides that if under the domestic law of Chile, the First Category Tax exceeds 30
percent, paragraph 7 (and paragraph 5, discussed above) of Article 13 shall not apply
hall not exceed 35 percent.
Paragraph 16 of the Protocol provides that the rate of Additional Tax imposed by Chile
under the provisions of paragraph 7 shall not exceed 35 percent. In addition, paragraph 16 of the
Protocol provides that if under the domestic law of Chile, the First Category Tax exceeds 30
percent, paragraph 7 (and paragraph 5, discussed above) of Article 13 shall not apply. In such
case, paragraph 4 of the 2010 Exchange of Notes provides that paragraph 16 of the Protocol will
operate to limit the right of the source State to tax capital gains, and such gains will only be
subject to tax in the residence State.
Under paragraph 22 of the Protocol, if Chile concludes with another state an income tax
treaty that contains terms further limiting the right of the source State to tax capital gains under
Article 13, the United States and Chile shall, at the request of the United States, consult to
reassess the balance of benefits of the Convention with a view to concluding a protocol
incorporating such lower rates into the Convention.
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8 provides that the State of residence of the alienator has the exclusive right to
tax gains from the alienation of any property other than property referred to in paragraphs 1
through 7.
Paragraph 9
The purpose of paragraph 9 is to provide a rule to address the mark-to-market exit tax
regime for “covered expatriates” under Code section 877A. This rule is intended to coordinate
United States and Chilean taxation of gains in the case of a timing mismatch. Such a mismatch
may occur, for example, where a U.S. resident recognizes, for U.S. tax purposes, gain on a
deemed sale of all property on the day before the individual expatriates to Chile
dress the mark-to-market exit tax
regime for “covered expatriates” under Code section 877A. This rule is intended to coordinate
United States and Chilean taxation of gains in the case of a timing mismatch. Such a mismatch
may occur, for example, where a U.S. resident recognizes, for U.S. tax purposes, gain on a
deemed sale of all property on the day before the individual expatriates to Chile. To avoid
double taxation, paragraph 9 of Article 13 provides that where an individual who, upon ceasing
to be a resident of one Contracting State, is treated for purposes of taxation by that State as
having alienated a property and is taxed by that State by reason thereof, the individual may elect
to be treated for the purposes of taxation by the other Contracting State as having sold and
repurchased the property for its fair market value on the day before the expatriation date. The
election in paragraph 9 therefore will be available to any individual who expatriates from the
51
United States to Chile. The effect of the election will be to give the individual an adjusted basis
for Chilean tax purposes equal to the fair market value of the property as of the date of the
deemed alienation in the United States, with the result that only post-emigration gain will be
subject to Chilean tax when there is an actual alienation of the property while the individual is a
resident of Chile.
If an individual recognizes in one Contracting State losses and gains from the deemed
alienation of multiple properties, then the individual must apply paragraph 9 consistently with
respect to all such properties. An individual who is deemed to have alienated multiple properties
may only make the election under paragraph 9 if the deemed alienation of all such properties
results in a net gain.
Paragraph 9 provides that an individual who ceases to be a resident of one of the
Contracting States may not make the election with respect to property situated in the other
Contracting State
such properties. An individual who is deemed to have alienated multiple properties
may only make the election under paragraph 9 if the deemed alienation of all such properties
results in a net gain.
Paragraph 9 provides that an individual who ceases to be a resident of one of the
Contracting States may not make the election with respect to property situated in the other
Contracting State. In addition, an individual may make the election only with respect to property
that is treated as sold for its fair market value under a Contracting State’s deemed disposition
rules. At the time the Convention was signed, the following were the types of property that were
generally excluded from the deemed disposition rules in the case of individuals who cease to be
citizens or long term residents of the United States: (1) an eligible deferred compensation item
as defined under Code section 877A(d)(3); (2) a specified tax deferred account as defined under
Code section 877A(e)(2); and (3) an interest in a non-grantor trust as defined under Code section
877A(f)(3).
Relationship to Other Articles
Notwithstanding the foregoing limitations on taxation of certain gains by the State of
source, the saving clause of paragraph 4 of the Protocol permits the United States to tax its
citizens and residents as if the Convention had not come into effect. Thus, any limitation in this
Article on the right of the United States to tax gains does not apply to gains of a U.S. citizen or
resident.
The benefits of this Article are also subject to the provisions of Article 24 (Limitation on
Benefits). Thus, only a resident of a Contracting State that satisfies one of the conditions in
Article 24 is entitled to the benefits of this Article.
ARTICLE 14 (INDEPENDENT PERSONAL SERVICES)
The Convention addresses in separate Articles the taxation of different classes of income
from personal services
f this Article are also subject to the provisions of Article 24 (Limitation on
Benefits). Thus, only a resident of a Contracting State that satisfies one of the conditions in
Article 24 is entitled to the benefits of this Article.
ARTICLE 14 (INDEPENDENT PERSONAL SERVICES)
The Convention addresses in separate Articles the taxation of different classes of income
from personal services. Article 14 concerns income from independent personal services, and
Article 15 concerns income from dependent personal services. The Convention provides
exceptions and additional rules for directors’ fees (Article 16); income of artists and athletes
(Article 17); pensions, social security benefits, alimony, and child support payments (Article 18);
government service salaries (Article 19); and certain income of students and trainees (Article
20).
52
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1 of Article 14 provides the general rule that an individual resident of a
Contracting State who derives income from performing professional services in an independent
capacity will not be taxed with respect to that income by the other Contracting State. Such
income may also be taxed in the other Contracting State only if one of two tests is met. First, if a
resident of a Contracting State has a fixed base regularly available to him in the host State for the
purpose of performing his activities, the host State may tax only so much of the income that is
attributable to that fixed base and is derived from services performed in any state other than the
residence State. Second, if a resident of a Contracting State is present in the host State for a
period or periods equaling or exceeding 183 days in any 12-month period that begins or ends
during the relevant taxable year (i.e., in the United States, the calendar year in which the services
are performed), the host State may tax only so much of the income that is derived from the
activities performed in the host State
if a resident of a Contracting State is present in the host State for a
period or periods equaling or exceeding 183 days in any 12-month period that begins or ends
during the relevant taxable year (i.e., in the United States, the calendar year in which the services
are performed), the host State may tax only so much of the income that is derived from the
activities performed in the host State.
Paragraph 5 of the 2010 Exchange of Notes provides that “performed in that other State”
does not mean “received in that other State.” This clarifies that Article 14 does not apply, for
example, to payments to a U.S. individual by a client in Chile for services that were performed in
the United States.
Income derived by persons other than individuals or groups of individuals from the
performance of independent personal services is not covered by Article 14. Such income
generally would be business profits taxable in accordance with Article 7 (Business Profits).
Income derived by employees of such persons generally would be taxable in accordance with
Article 15 (Dependent Personal Services).
The term “fixed base” is not defined in the Convention, but its meaning is understood to
be identical to that of the term “permanent establishment,” as defined in Article 5 (Permanent
Establishment). The term “regularly available” also is not defined in the Convention. Whether a
fixed base is regularly available to a person will be determined based on all the facts and
circumstances.
The 183-day period referred to in subparagraph 1(b) is to be measured using the “days of
physical presence” method. Under this method, the days that are counted include any day in
which a part of the day is spent in the host State. See Rev. Rul. 56-24, 1956-1 C.B. 851
. Whether a
fixed base is regularly available to a person will be determined based on all the facts and
circumstances.
The 183-day period referred to in subparagraph 1(b) is to be measured using the “days of
physical presence” method. Under this method, the days that are counted include any day in
which a part of the day is spent in the host State. See Rev. Rul. 56-24, 1956-1 C.B. 851. Thus,
days that are counted include the days of arrival and departure; weekends and holidays on which
the employee does not work but is present within the State; vacation days spent in the host State
before, during or after the employment period, unless the individual’s presence before or after
the employment can be shown to be independent of his presence there for employment purposes;
and time during periods of sickness, training periods, strikes, etc., when the individual is present
but not working. If illness prevented the individual from leaving the host State in sufficient time
to qualify for the benefit, those days will not count. Also, any part of a day spent in the host
State while in transit between two points outside the host State is not counted. If the individual
is a resident of the host State for part of the taxable year concerned and a nonresident for the
53
remainder of the year, the individual’s days of presence as a resident do not count for purposes of
determining whether the 183-day period is exceeded.
Paragraph 7 of Article 7 (Business Profits) clarifies that income that is attributable to a
permanent establishment or fixed base but that is deferred and received after such permanent
establishment or fixed base has ceased to exist may nevertheless be taxed by the State in which
the permanent establishment or fixed base was located
ses of
determining whether the 183-day period is exceeded.
Paragraph 7 of Article 7 (Business Profits) clarifies that income that is attributable to a
permanent establishment or fixed base but that is deferred and received after such permanent
establishment or fixed base has ceased to exist may nevertheless be taxed by the State in which
the permanent establishment or fixed base was located. Thus, under Article 14, income derived
by an individual resident of a Contracting State from services performed in the other Contracting
State and attributable to a fixed base there may be taxed by that other State even if the income is
deferred and received after there is no longer a fixed base available to the resident in that other
State.
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2 provides that in cases where the host State may tax income from independent
personal services under paragraph 1, the host State will do so only on a net basis, as if such
income were attributable to a permanent establishment and taxable by the host State under
Article 7. For purposes of paragraph 1, the principles of paragraph 3 of Article 7 (Business
Profits) will apply to determine the income that is taxable in the host State, provided that related
administrative requirements have been satisfied. Thus, all necessary expenses, including
expenses not incurred in the host State, must be allowed as deductions in computing the net
income from services subject to tax in the host State.
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3 contains a non-exhaustive list of activities that constitute “professional
services.” The term includes independent scientific, literary, artistic, educational or teaching
activities, as well as the independent activities of physicians, lawyers, engineers, architects,
dentists, and accountants.
In addition to applying to income in respect of professional services, Article 14 also
applies to income in respect of other activities of an independent character
ional
services.” The term includes independent scientific, literary, artistic, educational or teaching
activities, as well as the independent activities of physicians, lawyers, engineers, architects,
dentists, and accountants.
In addition to applying to income in respect of professional services, Article 14 also
applies to income in respect of other activities of an independent character. This includes
personal services performed by an individual for his own account, whether as a sole proprietor or
a partner, where he receives the income and bears the risk of loss arising from the services.
However, the taxation of income of an individual from those types of independent services
which are covered by Articles 16 through 18 is governed by the provisions of those articles. For
example, taxation of the income of a corporate director would be governed by Article 16 rather
than Article 14.
This Article applies to income derived by a partner resident in the Contracting State that
is attributable to personal services of an independent character performed in the other State
through a partnership that has a fixed base in that other Contracting State. Income which may be
taxed under this Article includes all income attributable to the fixed base in respect of the
performance of the personal services carried on by the partnership (whether by the partner
himself, other partners in the partnership, or by employees assisting the partners) and any income
e other State
through a partnership that has a fixed base in that other Contracting State. Income which may be
taxed under this Article includes all income attributable to the fixed base in respect of the
performance of the personal services carried on by the partnership (whether by the partner
himself, other partners in the partnership, or by employees assisting the partners) and any income
54
from activities ancillary to the performance of those services (for example, charges for facsimile
services). Income that is not derived from the performance of personal services and that is not
ancillary thereto (for example, rental income from subletting office space), will be governed by
other Articles of the Convention.
The application of Article 14 to a service partnership may be illustrated by the following
example: a partnership formed in a Contracting State has five partners (who agree to split
profits equally), four of whom are resident and perform personal services only in that
Contracting State at Office A, and one of whom performs personal services from Office B, a
fixed base in the other Contracting State. In this case, the four partners of the partnership
resident in the first-mentioned Contracting State may be taxed in the other Contracting State in
respect of their share of the income attributable to the fixed base, Office B. The services giving
rise to income which may be attributed to the fixed base would include not only the services
performed by the one resident partner, but also, for example, if one of the four other partners
came to the other Contracting State and worked on an Office B matter there, the income in
respect of those services also. As noted above, this would be the case regardless of whether such
partner from the first-mentioned Contracting State actually visited or used Office B when
performing services in the other State
one resident partner, but also, for example, if one of the four other partners
came to the other Contracting State and worked on an Office B matter there, the income in
respect of those services also. As noted above, this would be the case regardless of whether such
partner from the first-mentioned Contracting State actually visited or used Office B when
performing services in the other State.
Relationship to other Articles
This Article is subject to the provisions of the saving clause of paragraph 4 of the
Protocol. Thus, if a resident of Chile who is a U.S. citizen performs independent personal
services in the United States, the United States may tax his income without regard to the
provisions of this Article, subject to the special foreign tax credit provisions of paragraph 3 of
Article 23 (Relief from Double Taxation). In addition, as with other benefits of the Convention,
the benefits of this Article are available to a resident of a Contracting State only if that resident is
entitled to those benefits under Article 24 (Limitation on Benefits).
ARTICLE 15 (DEPENDENT PERSONAL SERVICES)
Article 15 apportions taxing jurisdiction over remuneration derived by a resident of a
Contracting State as an employee between the States of source and residence.
Paragraph 1
The general rule of Article 15 is contained in paragraph 1. Remuneration derived by a
resident of a Contracting State as an employee may be taxed by the State of residence, and the
remuneration also may be taxed by the other Contracting State to the extent derived from
employment exercised (i.e., services performed) in that other Contracting State. Paragraph 1
also provides that the more specific rules of Articles 16 (Directors’ Fees), 18 (Pensions, Social
Security, Alimony and Child Support), and 19 (Government Service) apply in the case of
employment income described in one of those articles
taxed by the other Contracting State to the extent derived from
employment exercised (i.e., services performed) in that other Contracting State. Paragraph 1
also provides that the more specific rules of Articles 16 (Directors’ Fees), 18 (Pensions, Social
Security, Alimony and Child Support), and 19 (Government Service) apply in the case of
employment income described in one of those articles. Thus, even though the State of source has
a right to tax employment income under Article 15, it may not have the right to tax that income
55
under the Convention if the income is described, for example, in Article 18 and is not taxable in
the State of source under the provisions of that article.
Article 15 applies to any form of compensation for employment, including payments in
kind. Paragraph 1.1 of the Commentary to Article 16 of the OECD Model is consistent with that
interpretation.
Consistent with Code section 864(c)(6), Article 15 also applies regardless of the timing of
actual payment for services. Consequently, a person who receives the right to a future payment
in consideration for services rendered in a Contracting State would be taxable in that State even
if the payment is received at a time when the recipient is a resident of the other Contracting
State. Thus, a bonus paid to a resident of a Contracting State with respect to services performed
in the other Contracting State with respect to a particular taxable year would be subject to Article
15 for that year even if it was paid after the close of the year. An annuity received for services
performed in a taxable year could be subject to Article 15 despite the fact that it was paid in
subsequent years. In that case, it would be necessary to determine whether the payment
constitutes deferred compensation, taxable under Article 15, or a qualified pension subject to the
rules of Article 18
that year even if it was paid after the close of the year. An annuity received for services
performed in a taxable year could be subject to Article 15 despite the fact that it was paid in
subsequent years. In that case, it would be necessary to determine whether the payment
constitutes deferred compensation, taxable under Article 15, or a qualified pension subject to the
rules of Article 18. Article 15 also applies to income derived from the exercise of stock options
granted with respect to services performed in the host State, even if those stock options are
exercised after the employee has left the host State. If Article 15 is found to apply, whether such
payments were taxable in the State where the employment was exercised would depend on
whether the requirements of paragraph 2 were satisfied in the year in which the services to which
the payment relates were performed.
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2 sets forth an exception to the general rule that employment income may be
taxed in the State where it is exercised. Under paragraph 2, the State where the employment is
exercised may not tax the income from the employment if three conditions are satisfied: (a) the
individual is present in the other Contracting State for a period or periods not exceeding 183 days
in any 12-month period that begins or ends during the relevant taxable year (i.e., in the United
States, the calendar year in which the services are performed); (b) the remuneration is paid by, or
on behalf of, an employer who is not a resident of that other Contracting State; and (c) the
remuneration is not borne as a deductible expense by a permanent establishment or a fixed base
which the employer has in that other State. In order for the remuneration to be exempt from tax
in the source State, all three conditions must be satisfied. This exception is identical to that set
forth in the OECD Model.
The 183-day period in condition (a) is to be measured using the “days of physical
presence” method
e as a deductible expense by a permanent establishment or a fixed base
which the employer has in that other State. In order for the remuneration to be exempt from tax
in the source State, all three conditions must be satisfied. This exception is identical to that set
forth in the OECD Model.
The 183-day period in condition (a) is to be measured using the “days of physical
presence” method. Under this method, the days that are counted include any day in which a part
of the day is spent in the host State. See Rev. Rul. 56-24, 1956-1 C.B. 851. Thus, days that are
counted include the days of arrival and departure; weekends and holidays on which the employee
does not work but is present within the State; vacation days spent in the host State before, during
or after the employment period, unless the individual’s presence before or after the employment
can be shown to be independent of his presence there for employment purposes; and time during
56
periods of sickness, training periods, strikes, etc., when the individual is present but not working.
If illness prevented the individual from leaving the host State in sufficient time to qualify for the
benefit, those days will not count. Also, any part of a day spent in the host State while in transit
between two points outside the host State is not counted. If the individual is a resident of the
host State for part of the taxable year concerned and a nonresident for the remainder of the year,
the individual’s days of presence as a resident do not count for purposes of determining whether
the 183-day period is exceeded.
Conditions (b) and (c) are intended to ensure that a Contracting State will not be required
to allow a deduction to the payor for compensation paid and at the same time to exempt the
employee on the amount received
and a nonresident for the remainder of the year,
the individual’s days of presence as a resident do not count for purposes of determining whether
the 183-day period is exceeded.
Conditions (b) and (c) are intended to ensure that a Contracting State will not be required
to allow a deduction to the payor for compensation paid and at the same time to exempt the
employee on the amount received. Accordingly, if a foreign person pays the salary of an
employee who is employed in the host State, but a host State corporation or permanent
establishment reimburses the payor with a payment that can be identified as a reimbursement,
neither condition (b) nor (c), as the case may be, will be considered to have been fulfilled.
The reference to remuneration “borne by” a permanent establishment is understood to
encompass all expenses that economically are incurred and not merely expenses that are
currently deductible for tax purposes. Accordingly, the expenses referred to include expenses
that are capitalizable as well as those that are currently deductible. Further, salaries paid by
residents that are exempt from income taxation may be considered to be borne by a permanent
establishment notwithstanding the fact that the expenses will be neither deductible nor
capitalizable since the payor is exempt from tax.
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3 contains a special rule applicable to remuneration derived by a resident of a
Contracting State as an employee aboard a ship or aircraft operated in international traffic. Such
remuneration may be taxed only in the State of residence of the employee if the services are
performed as a member of the regular complement of the ship or aircraft. The “regular
complement” includes the crew. In the case of a cruise ship, for example, it may also include
others, such as entertainers, lecturers, etc., employed by the shipping company to serve on the
ship throughout its voyage
emuneration may be taxed only in the State of residence of the employee if the services are
performed as a member of the regular complement of the ship or aircraft. The “regular
complement” includes the crew. In the case of a cruise ship, for example, it may also include
others, such as entertainers, lecturers, etc., employed by the shipping company to serve on the
ship throughout its voyage. The use of the term “regular complement” is intended to clarify that
a person who exercises his employment as, for example, an insurance salesman while aboard a
ship or aircraft is not covered by this paragraph.
Relationship to other Articles
If a U.S. citizen who is resident in Chile performs services as an employee in the United
States and meets the conditions of paragraph 2 for source State exemption, he nevertheless is
taxable in the United States by virtue of the saving clause of paragraph 4 of the Protocol, subject
to the special foreign tax credit rule of paragraph 3 of Article 23 (Relief from Double Taxation).
57
ARTICLE 16 (DIRECTORS’ FEES)
This Article provides that directors’ fees and other similar payments derived by a resident
of a Contracting State in his capacity as a member of the board of directors or an equivalent body
of a company that is a resident of the other Contracting State may be taxed by the State where
such fees or payments arise. Such fees or payments will be deemed to arise in the State in which
the company is resident, except to the extent that such fees or payments are paid in respect of
attendance at meetings held in the other Contracting State.
This rule is an exception to the more general rules of Articles 7 (Business Profits), 14
(Independent Personal Services), and 15 (Dependent Personal Services)
s arise. Such fees or payments will be deemed to arise in the State in which
the company is resident, except to the extent that such fees or payments are paid in respect of
attendance at meetings held in the other Contracting State.
This rule is an exception to the more general rules of Articles 7 (Business Profits), 14
(Independent Personal Services), and 15 (Dependent Personal Services). Thus, for example, in
determining whether a director’s fee paid to a non-employee director is subject to tax in the State
of residence of the corporation, it is not relevant to establish whether the fee is attributable to a
permanent establishment in that State.
ARTICLE 17 (ARTISTES AND SPORTSMEN)
This Article deals with the taxation in a Contracting State of entertainers and sportsmen
resident in the other Contracting State from the performance of their services as such. The
Article applies both to the income of an entertainer or sportsman who performs services on his
own behalf and one who performs services on behalf of another person, either as an employee of
that person, or pursuant to any other arrangement. The rules of this Article take precedence, in
some circumstances, over those of Articles 14 (Independent Personal Services) and 15
(Dependent Personal Services).
This Article applies only with respect to the income of entertainers and sportsmen.
Others involved in a performance or athletic event, such as producers, directors, technicians,
managers, coaches, etc., remain subject to the provisions of Articles 14 and 15. In addition,
except as provided in paragraph 2, income earned by juridical persons is not covered by Article
17.
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1 describes the circumstances in which a Contracting State may tax the
performance income of an entertainer or sportsman who is a resident of the other Contracting
State
managers, coaches, etc., remain subject to the provisions of Articles 14 and 15. In addition,
except as provided in paragraph 2, income earned by juridical persons is not covered by Article
17.
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1 describes the circumstances in which a Contracting State may tax the
performance income of an entertainer or sportsman who is a resident of the other Contracting
State. Under this paragraph, income derived by an individual resident of a Contracting State
from activities as an entertainer or sportsman exercised in the other Contracting State may be
taxed in that other State if the amount of the gross receipts derived by the performer equals or
exceeds $5,000 (or its equivalent in Chilean pesos) for the taxable year. The $5,000 threshold
includes expenses reimbursed to the individual or borne on his behalf. If the gross receipts
exceed $5,000, the full amount, not just the excess, may be taxed in the State of performance.
The Convention introduces this monetary threshold to distinguish between two groups of
entertainers and athletes – those who are paid relatively large sums of money for very short
periods of service, and who would, therefore, normally be exempt from tax in the host State
58
under the standard personal services income rules, from those who earn relatively modest
amounts and are, therefore, not easily distinguishable from those who earn other types of
personal services income.
Tax may be imposed under paragraph 1 even if the performer would have been exempt
from tax under Article 14 or 15. On the other hand, if the performer would be exempt from host-
State tax under Article 17, but would be taxable under either Article 14 or 15, tax may be
imposed under either of those Articles
easily distinguishable from those who earn other types of
personal services income.
Tax may be imposed under paragraph 1 even if the performer would have been exempt
from tax under Article 14 or 15. On the other hand, if the performer would be exempt from host-
State tax under Article 17, but would be taxable under either Article 14 or 15, tax may be
imposed under either of those Articles. Thus, for example, if a performer derives remuneration
from his activities in an independent capacity, and the performer does not have a permanent
establishment in the host State, he may be taxed by the host State in accordance with Article 17
if his remuneration equals or exceeds $5,000 annually, despite the fact that he generally would
be exempt from host State taxation under Article 14 or 15. However, a performer who receives
less than the $5,000 threshold amount and therefore is not taxable under Article 17 nevertheless
may be subject to tax in the host State under Article 14 or 15 if the tests for host-State taxability
under the relevant Article are met. For example, if an entertainer who is an independent
contractor earns $14,000 of income in a State for the calendar year, but the income is attributable
to his fixed base in the host State, that State may tax his income under Article 14 or 15.
As explained in paragraph 9 of the Commentary to Article 17 of the OECD Model,
Article 17 of the Convention applies to all income connected with a performance by the
entertainer, such as appearance fees, award or prize money, and a share of the gate receipts.
Income derived from a Contracting State by a performer who is a resident of the other
Contracting State from other than actual performance, such as royalties from record sales and
payments for product endorsements, is not covered by this Article, but by other articles of the
Convention, such as Article 12 (Royalties) or Article 7 (Business Profits)
ize money, and a share of the gate receipts.
Income derived from a Contracting State by a performer who is a resident of the other
Contracting State from other than actual performance, such as royalties from record sales and
payments for product endorsements, is not covered by this Article, but by other articles of the
Convention, such as Article 12 (Royalties) or Article 7 (Business Profits). For example, if an
entertainer receives royalty income from the sale of live recordings, the royalty income would be
subject to the provisions of Article 12, even if the performance was conducted in the source
State, although the entertainer could be taxed in the source State with respect to income from the
performance itself under Article 17 if the $5,000 threshold is met.
In determining whether income falls under Article 17 or another article, the controlling
factor will be whether the income in question is predominantly attributable to the performance
itself or to other activities or property rights. For instance, a fee paid to a performer for
endorsement of a performance in which the performer will participate would be considered to be
so closely associated with the performance itself that it normally would fall within Article 17.
Similarly, a sponsorship fee paid by a business in return for the right to attach its name to the
performance would be so closely associated with the performance that it would fall under Article
17 as well. As indicated in paragraph 9 of the Commentary to Article 17 of the OECD Model,
however, a cancellation fee would not be considered to fall within Article 17 but would be dealt
with under Article 14 or 15
onsorship fee paid by a business in return for the right to attach its name to the
performance would be so closely associated with the performance that it would fall under Article
17 as well. As indicated in paragraph 9 of the Commentary to Article 17 of the OECD Model,
however, a cancellation fee would not be considered to fall within Article 17 but would be dealt
with under Article 14 or 15.
As indicated in paragraph 4 of the Commentary to Article 17 of the OECD Model, where
an individual fulfills a dual role as performer and non-performer (such as a player-coach or an
actor-director), but his role in one of the two capacities is negligible, the predominant character
of the individual's activities should control the characterization of those activities. In other cases
59
there should be an apportionment between the performance-related compensation and other
compensation.
Consistent with Articles 14 and 15, Article 17 also applies regardless of the timing of
actual payment for services. Thus, a bonus paid to a resident of a Contracting State with respect
to a performance in the other Contracting State during a particular taxable year would be subject
to Article 17 for that year even if it was paid after the close of the year. The determination as to
whether the $5,000 threshold has been met is determined separately with respect to each year of
payment. Accordingly, if an actor who is a resident of one Contracting State receives residual
payments over time with respect to a movie that was filmed in the other Contracting State, the
payments do not have to be aggregated from one year to another to determine whether the total
payments have finally equaled or exceeded $5,000. Otherwise, residual payments received many
years later could retroactively subject all earlier payments to tax by the other Contracting State
eives residual
payments over time with respect to a movie that was filmed in the other Contracting State, the
payments do not have to be aggregated from one year to another to determine whether the total
payments have finally equaled or exceeded $5,000. Otherwise, residual payments received many
years later could retroactively subject all earlier payments to tax by the other Contracting State.
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2 is intended to address the potential for circumvention of the rule in paragraph
1 when a performer's income does not accrue directly to the performer himself, but to another
person. Foreign performers frequently perform in the United States as employees of, or under
contract with, a company or other person.
The relationship may truly be one of employee and employer, with no circumvention of
paragraph 1 either intended or realized. On the other hand, the “employer” may, for example, be
a company established and owned by the performer, which is merely acting as the nominal
income recipient in respect of the remuneration for the performance (a “star company”). The
performer may act as an “employee,” receive a modest salary, and arrange to receive the
remainder of the income from his performance from the company in another form or at a later
time. In such case, absent the provisions of paragraph 2, the income arguably could escape host-
State tax because the company earns business profits but has no permanent establishment in that
country. The performer may largely or entirely escape host-State tax by receiving only a small
salary, perhaps small enough to place him below the dollar threshold in paragraph 1. The
performer might arrange to receive further payments in a later year, when he is not subject to
host-State tax, perhaps as dividends or liquidating distributions
rofits but has no permanent establishment in that
country. The performer may largely or entirely escape host-State tax by receiving only a small
salary, perhaps small enough to place him below the dollar threshold in paragraph 1. The
performer might arrange to receive further payments in a later year, when he is not subject to
host-State tax, perhaps as dividends or liquidating distributions.
Paragraph 2 seeks to prevent this type of abuse while at the same time protecting the
taxpayers’ rights to the benefits of the Convention when there is a legitimate employee-employer
relationship between the performer and the person providing his services. Under paragraph 2,
when the income accrues to a person other than the performer, and the performer or any related
persons participate, directly or indirectly, in the receipts or profits of that other person, the
income may be taxed in the Contracting State where the performer’s services are exercised,
without regard to the provisions of the Convention concerning business profits (Article 7) or
independent personal services income (Article 14).
In cases where paragraph 2 is applicable, the income of the “employer” may be subject to
tax in the host State even if it has no permanent establishment or fixed base in the host State.
60
Taxation under paragraph 2 is on the person providing the services of the performer. This
paragraph does not affect the rules of paragraph 1, which apply to the performer himself. The
income taxable by virtue of paragraph 2 is reduced to the extent of salary payments to the
performer, which fall under paragraph 1.
For purposes of paragraph 2, income is deemed to accrue to another person (i.e., the
person providing the services of the performer) if that other person has control over, or the right
to receive, gross income in respect of the services of the performer
. The
income taxable by virtue of paragraph 2 is reduced to the extent of salary payments to the
performer, which fall under paragraph 1.
For purposes of paragraph 2, income is deemed to accrue to another person (i.e., the
person providing the services of the performer) if that other person has control over, or the right
to receive, gross income in respect of the services of the performer. Direct or indirect
participation in the profits of a person may include, but is not limited to, the accrual or receipt of
deferred remuneration, bonuses, fees, dividends, partnership income or other distributions.
Paragraph 2 does not apply if it is established that neither the performer nor any persons
related to the performer participate directly or indirectly in the receipts or profits of the person
providing the services of the performer. Assume, for example, that a circus owned by a U.S.
corporation performs in the other Contracting State, and promoters of the performance in the
other State pay the circus, which, in turn, pays salaries to the circus performers. The circus is
determined to have no permanent establishment in that State. Since the circus performers do not
participate in the profits of the circus, but merely receive their salaries out of the circus’ gross
receipts, the circus is protected by Article 7 and its income is not subject to host-country tax.
Whether the salaries of the circus performers are subject to host-country tax under this Article
depends on whether they exceed the $5,000 threshold in paragraph 1.
Pursuant to Article 1 (General Scope) the Convention only applies to persons who are
residents of one of the Contracting States. Thus, income of a star company that is not a resident
of one of the Contracting States would not be eligible for benefits of the Convention.
Relationship to other Articles
This Article is subject to the provisions of the saving clause of paragraph 4 of the
Protocol
ant to Article 1 (General Scope) the Convention only applies to persons who are
residents of one of the Contracting States. Thus, income of a star company that is not a resident
of one of the Contracting States would not be eligible for benefits of the Convention.
Relationship to other Articles
This Article is subject to the provisions of the saving clause of paragraph 4 of the
Protocol. Thus, if an entertainer or a sportsman who is resident of Chile is a citizen of the United
States, the United States may tax all of his income from performances in the United States
without regard to the provisions of this Article (subject to the special foreign tax credit
provisions of paragraph 3 of Article 23 (Relief from Double Taxation)). In addition, benefits of
this Article are subject to the provisions of Article 24 (Limitation on Benefits).
ARTICLE 18 (PENSIONS, SOCIAL SECURITY, ALIMONY AND CHILD SUPPORT)
This Article deals with the taxation of pension payments (both private and government),
social security benefits, contributions to pension funds, and alimony and child support payments.
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1 deals with the taxation of private (i.e., non-government service) pension
payments and other similar remuneration in consideration of past employment that are derived
from sources within one Contracting State and beneficially owned by a resident of the other
61
Contracting State. The term “pension payments and other similar remuneration” includes both
periodic and single sum payments. The taxation of annuity payments that are not in
consideration of past employment is dealt with in Article 21 (Other Income) of the Convention.
Subparagraph 1(a) provides that pension payments and other similar remuneration that
are derived from sources within one Contracting State and beneficially owned by a resident of
the other Contracting State are taxable in both Contracting States
The taxation of annuity payments that are not in
consideration of past employment is dealt with in Article 21 (Other Income) of the Convention.
Subparagraph 1(a) provides that pension payments and other similar remuneration that
are derived from sources within one Contracting State and beneficially owned by a resident of
the other Contracting State are taxable in both Contracting States. However, the tax imposed by
the source State may not exceed 15 percent of the gross amount of such payment.
Subparagraph 1(b) contains an exception to the State of residence’s right to tax pension
payments and other similar remuneration under subparagraph 1(a). Under subparagraph 1(b), the
State of residence must exempt from tax any amount of such payment that would be exempt
from tax in the Contracting State in which the pension plan is established if the recipient were a
resident of that State. Thus, for example, a distribution from certain individual retirement
accounts (“IRAs”), such as a U.S. “Roth IRA” to a resident of Chile would be exempt from tax
in Chile to the same extent the distribution would be exempt from tax in the United States if it
were distributed to a U.S. resident. The same is true with respect to distributions from a
traditional IRA to the extent that the distribution represents a return of non-deductible
contributions. Similarly, if distributions from a traditional IRA were not subject to U.S. tax
because they were “rolled over” to another U.S. IRA, then the distributions would be exempt
from tax in Chile.
Paragraph 1 is intended to cover payments made by qualified private retirement plans
ions from a
traditional IRA to the extent that the distribution represents a return of non-deductible
contributions. Similarly, if distributions from a traditional IRA were not subject to U.S. tax
because they were “rolled over” to another U.S. IRA, then the distributions would be exempt
from tax in Chile.
Paragraph 1 is intended to cover payments made by qualified private retirement plans. In
the United States, the plans covered by paragraph 1 include qualified plans under Code section
401(a), individual retirement plans (including individual retirement plans that are part of a
simplified employee pension plan that satisfies Code section 408(k), individual retirement
accounts, and Code section 408(p) accounts), Code section 403(a) qualified annuity plans, and
Code section 403(b) plans. Distributions from Code section 457 plans may also fall under
paragraph 1 if they are not paid with respect to government services. The competent authorities
may agree that distributions from other plans that generally meet criteria similar to those
applicable to the listed plans also qualify for the benefits of paragraph 1. Payments in
consideration of past employment in the private sector that are not eligible for the benefits of
paragraph 1 generally are covered by Article 15 (Dependent Personal Services).
Pensions in respect of government service and social security benefits are not covered by
paragraph 1. Pensions in respect of government service are generally covered by paragraph 2,
while social security benefits are covered by paragraph 3.
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2 deals with the taxation of pensions paid from the public funds of a
Contracting State, or a political subdivision or a local authority thereof, to an individual in
respect of services rendered to that State or subdivision or authority. Subparagraph 2(a) provides
that such pensions are taxable only in that State. Subparagraph 2(b) provides an exception under
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2 deals with the taxation of pensions paid from the public funds of a
Contracting State, or a political subdivision or a local authority thereof, to an individual in
respect of services rendered to that State or subdivision or authority. Subparagraph 2(a) provides
that such pensions are taxable only in that State. Subparagraph 2(b) provides an exception under
62
which such pensions are taxable only in the other State if the individual is a resident of, and a
national of, that other State.
Pensions paid to retired civilian and military employees of a Government of either State
are intended to be covered under paragraph 2. When benefits paid by a State in respect of
services rendered to that State or a subdivision or local authority are in the form of social
security benefits, however, those payments are covered by paragraph 3. As a general matter, the
result will be the same whether paragraph 2 or 3 applies, since both pensions in respect of
government service and social security benefits are taxable exclusively by the source State. The
result will differ only when the payment is made to a national and resident of the other
Contracting State, who is not also a citizen of the paying State (or, where the United States is the
paying State, a lawful permanent resident of the United States). In such a case, social security
benefits continue to be taxable at source while government pensions become taxable only in the
residence State.
In the case of the United States, paragraph 2 generally covers payments from Code
section 457(g), 401(a), 403(a), and 403(b) plans established for U.S. government employees, as
well as payments from the Thrift Savings Fund (Code section 7701(j)).
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3 deals with the taxation of social security benefits
government pensions become taxable only in the
residence State.
In the case of the United States, paragraph 2 generally covers payments from Code
section 457(g), 401(a), 403(a), and 403(b) plans established for U.S. government employees, as
well as payments from the Thrift Savings Fund (Code section 7701(j)).
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3 deals with the taxation of social security benefits. This paragraph provides
that, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2, payments made by one of the Con-
tracting States under the provisions of its social security or similar legislation to a resident of the
other Contracting State or to a citizen of the United States will be taxable only in the Contracting
State making the payment. The reference to U.S. citizens is necessary to ensure that a social
security payment by Chile to a U.S. citizen who is not resident in the United States will not be
taxable by the United States.
Paragraph 3 applies to social security benefits, regardless of whether the beneficiary
contributed to the system as a private sector or Government employee. Payments made under
provisions of the social security or similar legislation of a Contracting State include payments
made pursuant to a pension plan or fund created under the social security system of that State.
Paragraph 18 of the Protocol provides that in the case of Chile, the social security system
referred to in paragraph 3 of Article 18 is any pension scheme or fund administered by the
Instituto de Prevision Social (formerly Instituto de NormalizaciĂłn Previsional) and the social
security system created by Decree Law 3500 (DL 3500). In the case of the United States, the
phrase “similar legislation” is intended to refer to U.S. Tier 1 Railroad Retirement benefits
social security system
referred to in paragraph 3 of Article 18 is any pension scheme or fund administered by the
Instituto de Prevision Social (formerly Instituto de NormalizaciĂłn Previsional) and the social
security system created by Decree Law 3500 (DL 3500). In the case of the United States, the
phrase “similar legislation” is intended to refer to U.S. Tier 1 Railroad Retirement benefits.
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4 provides that, if a resident of a Contracting State is a beneficiary of a pension
plan established in the other Contracting State that is generally exempt from income taxation in
that other State and operated to provide pension or retirement benefits, neither State will tax the
income earned but not distributed by the plan until a payment or other similar remuneration is
63
made from the plan. Thus, for example, if a U.S. citizen contributes to a U.S. qualified plan
while working in the United States and then establishes residence in Chile, this paragraph
ensures that neither the United States nor Chile will tax currently the plan’s earnings and
accretions with respect to that individual. Only at the time and to the extent that a payment or
other similar remuneration is made from the plan (and not transferred to another pension fund in
the United States), may the payment be subject to tax subject to the provisions of paragraph 1 of
Article 18. Thus, if a distribution from a pension plan established in a Contracting State is not
currently taxable in that State because it is rolled over into another pension plan in that State,
such distribution shall also not be subject to tax in the other Contracting State.
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5 provides certain benefits with respect to contributions to a pension fund in
the case of a short-term assignment where an individual participates in a pension fund in one
State (the “home State”) and performs services (whether or not as an employee) for a limited
period of time in the other State (the “host State”)
e subject to tax in the other Contracting State.
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5 provides certain benefits with respect to contributions to a pension fund in
the case of a short-term assignment where an individual participates in a pension fund in one
State (the “home State”) and performs services (whether or not as an employee) for a limited
period of time in the other State (the “host State”). It is not necessary for an individual to be a
resident of the host State in order to claim the benefits of paragraph 5 (as long as the individual
does not become a citizen or permanent resident of the host State). However, benefits are
available under paragraph 5 only for so long as the individual performs services in a period not
exceeding an aggregate of 60 months.
If the requirements of paragraph 5 are satisfied, contributions paid by, or on behalf of, the
individual with respect to the services performed in the host State to a pension fund that is
generally exempt from income tax in the home State and operated primarily to provide pension
or retirement benefits in the home State (whether or not sponsored by an employer) will be
treated in the same way for tax purposes in the host State as a contribution paid to a pension plan
that is generally exempt from income tax in the host State and operated primarily to provide
pension or retirement benefits in the host State. Thus, for example, if a participant in a U.S.
qualified plan goes to work temporarily in Chile, contributions to the U.S. qualified plan will be
treated for tax purposes in Chile as contributions to a pension plan that is generally exempt in
Chile and operated primarily to provide pension or retirement benefits in Chile
ed primarily to provide
pension or retirement benefits in the host State. Thus, for example, if a participant in a U.S.
qualified plan goes to work temporarily in Chile, contributions to the U.S. qualified plan will be
treated for tax purposes in Chile as contributions to a pension plan that is generally exempt in
Chile and operated primarily to provide pension or retirement benefits in Chile.
Under subparagraph 5(a), the individual must have been already contributing on a regular
basis to the pension plan, or to another similar plan for which the first-mentioned plan was
substituted, for a period ending immediately before the individual became a resident or is
temporarily present in the host State. The rule regarding substituted plans would be satisfied, for
example, if the employer has been acquired by a company that replaces the existing plan with its
own plan, transferring membership in the old plan over into the new plan.
Under subparagraph 5(b), the competent authority of the host State must determine that
the home State plan to which the contribution is made generally corresponds to a pension plan
recognized for tax purposes by the host State. For this purpose, paragraph 19 of the Protocol
provides that the Chilean pension plans eligible for the benefits of paragraph 5 of Article 18
include the following and any identical or substantially similar plan that is established pursuant
to legislation introduced after the date of signature of the Protocol: any pension scheme or fund
on plan
recognized for tax purposes by the host State. For this purpose, paragraph 19 of the Protocol
provides that the Chilean pension plans eligible for the benefits of paragraph 5 of Article 18
include the following and any identical or substantially similar plan that is established pursuant
to legislation introduced after the date of signature of the Protocol: any pension scheme or fund
64
administered by the Instituto de Prevision Social (formerly Instituto de NormalizaciĂłn
Previsional) and the social security system created by Decree Law 3500 (DL 3500).
Paragraph 19 of the Protocol also provides that the U.S. plans eligible for the benefits of
paragraph 5 of Article 18 include the following and any identical or substantially similar plan
that is established pursuant to legislation introduced after the date of signature of the Protocol:
qualified plans under Code section 401(a) (including Code section 401(k) arrangements),
individual retirement plans (including individual retirement plans that are part of a simplified
employee pension plan that satisfies section 408(k), individual retirement accounts, and Code
section 408(p) simple retirement accounts), Code section 403(a) qualified annuity plans, Code
section 403(b) plans, Code section 457(g) trusts providing benefits under Code section 457(b)
plans, and the Thrift Savings Fund (Code section 7701(j)).
If a particular plan in one Contracting State is of a type specified in paragraph 19 of the
Protocol, it will not be necessary for taxpayers to obtain a determination from the competent
authority of the other Contracting State that the plan generally corresponds to a pension or
retirement plan established in and recognized for tax purposes in that State
vings Fund (Code section 7701(j)).
If a particular plan in one Contracting State is of a type specified in paragraph 19 of the
Protocol, it will not be necessary for taxpayers to obtain a determination from the competent
authority of the other Contracting State that the plan generally corresponds to a pension or
retirement plan established in and recognized for tax purposes in that State. A taxpayer who
believes a particular plan in one Contracting State that is not described in paragraph 19 of the
Protocol nevertheless satisfies the requirement of paragraph 5 of Article 18 may request a
determination from the competent authority of the other Contracting State that the plan generally
corresponds to a pension plan recognized for tax purposes by that State. In the case of the
United States, such a determination must be requested under Revenue Procedure 2006-54, 2006-
2 C.B. 1035 (or any applicable analogous or successor guidance).
Paragraph 5 applies only to the extent of the relief allowed by the host State to residents
of that State for contributions to, or benefits accrued under, a pension plan established in the host
State. Therefore, where the United States is the host State, the amount of contributions that may
be excluded from an employee’s income under this paragraph for U.S. tax purposes is limited to
the U.S. dollar amount specified in Code section 415 or the U.S. dollar amount specified in
section 402(g) to the extent contributions are made from the employee’s compensation. For this
purpose, the dollar limit specified in section 402(g)(1) means the amount applicable under
section 402(g)(1) (including the age 50 catch-up amount in section 402(g)(1)(C)) or, if
applicable, the parallel dollar limit applicable under section 457(e)(15) plus the age 50 catch-up
amount under section 414(v)(2)(B)(i) for a section 457(g) trust.
Paragraph 5 does not address the treatment of employer contributions.
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6 deals with alimony and child support payments
ion 402(g)(1) (including the age 50 catch-up amount in section 402(g)(1)(C)) or, if
applicable, the parallel dollar limit applicable under section 457(e)(15) plus the age 50 catch-up
amount under section 414(v)(2)(B)(i) for a section 457(g) trust.
Paragraph 5 does not address the treatment of employer contributions.
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6 deals with alimony and child support payments. Periodic payments made
pursuant to a written separation agreement or a decree of divorce, separate maintenance or
compulsory support, including payments for the support of a child, paid by a resident of a
Contracting State to a resident of the other Contracting State generally are taxable in neither
Contracting State. However, if the payer is entitled to relief from tax for such payments in the
first-mentioned State, such payments will be taxable only in the other State.
65
Relationship to other Articles
Under subparagraph 4(a) of the Protocol, paragraphs 1(b), 3, 4 and 6 of Article 18 are
excepted from the saving clause of paragraph 4 of the Protocol. Thus, the United States will not
tax U.S. citizens and residents on the income described in those paragraphs even if such amounts
otherwise would be subject to tax under U.S. law.
Under subparagraph 4(b) of the Protocol, paragraphs 2 and 5 of Article 18 are excepted
from the saving clause but only with respect to individuals who are neither citizens of the
Contracting State conferring the benefits nor persons who have been admitted for permanent
residence in that State (i.e., in the United States, “green card” holders). Accordingly, for
example, pension payments from the public funds of Chile to a U.S. permanent resident or
citizen who is a Chilean national and resident (under paragraph 2 of Article 4) may be taxed by
the United States pursuant to paragraph 4 of the Protocol even though such payments would be
taxable only by Chile under paragraph 2 of Article 18
, in the United States, “green card” holders). Accordingly, for
example, pension payments from the public funds of Chile to a U.S. permanent resident or
citizen who is a Chilean national and resident (under paragraph 2 of Article 4) may be taxed by
the United States pursuant to paragraph 4 of the Protocol even though such payments would be
taxable only by Chile under paragraph 2 of Article 18. Similarly, if the United States is the host
State for purposes of paragraph 5 of Article 18, a person who becomes a U.S. permanent resident
or citizen will not be entitled to a deduction or exclusion for contributions to a pension plan
established in Chile notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 5 of Article 18.
ARTICLE 19 (GOVERNMENT SERVICE)
Paragraph 1
Subparagraphs 1(a) and 1(b) deal with the taxation of government compensation other
than pensions which are addressed by paragraph 2 of Article 18 (Pensions, Social Security,
Alimony and Child Support). Subparagraph 1(a) provides that salaries, wages, and other
remuneration, other than a pension, paid to any individual who rendered services to a
Contracting State, political subdivision or local authority are taxable only in that State. Under
subparagraph 1(b), such payments are, however, taxable exclusively in the other State (the host
State) if the services are rendered in the host State and the individual is a resident of the host
State who is either a national of that State or did not become a resident of that State solely for
purposes of rendering the services. The paragraph applies to anyone performing services of a
governmental nature for a government, whether as a government employee, an independent
contractor, or an employee of an independent contractor
the host State and the individual is a resident of the host
State who is either a national of that State or did not become a resident of that State solely for
purposes of rendering the services. The paragraph applies to anyone performing services of a
governmental nature for a government, whether as a government employee, an independent
contractor, or an employee of an independent contractor.
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2 provides that the remuneration described in paragraph 1 will be subject to the
rules of Articles 15 (Dependent Personal Services), 16 (Directors’ Fees), and 17 (Artistes and
Sportsmen) if the services rendered by an individual are in connection with a business conducted
by a government.
Relationship to other Articles
66
Under subparagraph 4(b) of the Protocol, the saving clause does not apply to the benefits
conferred by one of the States under Article 19 if the recipient of the benefits is neither a citizen
of that State nor a person who has been admitted for permanent residence there (i.e., in the
United States, a “green card” holder). Thus, a resident of the United States who in the course of
performing functions of a governmental nature becomes a resident of Chile (but not a permanent
resident), would be entitled to the benefits of this Article.
ARTICLE 20 (STUDENTS AND TRAINEES)
This Article provides rules for host-State taxation of visiting students, apprentices, and
business trainees. Persons who meet the tests of the Article will be exempt from tax in the State
that they are visiting with respect to designated classes of income. Several conditions must be
satisfied in order for an individual to be entitled to the benefits of this Article.
First, the visitor must have been, either at the time of his arrival in the host State or
immediately before, a resident of the other Contracting State
he tests of the Article will be exempt from tax in the State
that they are visiting with respect to designated classes of income. Several conditions must be
satisfied in order for an individual to be entitled to the benefits of this Article.
First, the visitor must have been, either at the time of his arrival in the host State or
immediately before, a resident of the other Contracting State.
Second, the purpose of the visit must be the full-time education at a recognized
educational institution such as a university, college or school, or full-time training of the visitor.
Thus, if the visitor comes principally to work in the host State but also is a part-time student, he
would not be entitled to the benefits of this Article, even with respect to any payments he may
receive from abroad for his maintenance, education or training, and regardless of whether or not
he is in a degree program. Whether a student is to be considered full-time will be determined by
the rules of the educational institution at which he is studying.
The host-State exemption applies to payments that are received by the student, apprentice
or business trainee for the purposes of his maintenance, education or training and that arise or are
remitted from outside the host State. A payment will be considered to arise outside the host State
if the payer is located outside the host State. Thus, if an employer from one of the Contracting
States sends an employee to the other Contracting State for full-time training, the payments the
trainee receives from abroad from his employer for his maintenance or training while he is
present in the host State will be exempt from tax in the host State. Where appropriate, substance
prevails over form in determining the identity of the payer. Thus, for example, payments made
directly or indirectly by a U.S
mployee to the other Contracting State for full-time training, the payments the
trainee receives from abroad from his employer for his maintenance or training while he is
present in the host State will be exempt from tax in the host State. Where appropriate, substance
prevails over form in determining the identity of the payer. Thus, for example, payments made
directly or indirectly by a U.S. person with whom the visitor is training, but which have been
routed through a source outside the United States (e.g., a foreign subsidiary), are not treated as
arising outside the United States for this purpose.
In the case of an apprentice or business trainee, the benefits of the Article will extend
only for a period of not exceeding two years from the date the visitor first arrives in the host
State for the purpose of training. If, however, a trainee remains in the host country for a third
year, thus losing the benefits of the Article, he would not retroactively lose the benefits of the
Article for the first two years.
Relationship to other Articles
67
The saving clause of paragraph 4 of the Protocol does not apply to this Article with
respect to an individual who is neither a citizen of the host State nor has been admitted for
permanent residence there. The saving clause, however, does apply with respect to citizens and
permanent residents of the host State. Thus, a U.S. citizen who is a resident of Chile and who
visits the United States as a full-time student at an accredited university will not be exempt from
U.S. tax on remittances from abroad that otherwise constitute U.S. taxable income. A person,
however, who is not a U.S. citizen, and who visits the United States as a student and remains
long enough to become a resident under U.S. law, but does not become a permanent resident
(i.e., does not acquire a green card), will be entitled to the full benefits of the Article
ty will not be exempt from
U.S. tax on remittances from abroad that otherwise constitute U.S. taxable income. A person,
however, who is not a U.S. citizen, and who visits the United States as a student and remains
long enough to become a resident under U.S. law, but does not become a permanent resident
(i.e., does not acquire a green card), will be entitled to the full benefits of the Article.
ARTICLE 21 (OTHER INCOME)
Article 21 assigns taxing jurisdiction over income not dealt with in the other Articles
(Articles 6 through 20) of the Convention. In order for an item of income to be “dealt with” in
another Article it must be the type of income described in the article and, in most cases, it must
have its source in a Contracting State. For example, all royalty income that arises in a
Contracting State and that is beneficially owned by a resident of the other Contracting State is
“dealt with” in Article 12 (Royalties). However, profits derived in the conduct of a business are
“dealt with” in Article 7 (Business Profits) whether or not they have their source in one of the
Contracting States.
Examples of items of income covered by Article 21 include income from gambling,
punitive (but not compensatory) damages and covenants not to compete. The article would also
apply to income from a variety of financial transactions, where such income does not arise in the
course of the conduct of a trade or business. For example, income from notional principal
contracts and other derivatives would fall within Article 21 if derived by persons not engaged in
the trade or business of dealing in such instruments, unless such instruments were being used to
hedge risks arising in a trade or business. It would also apply to securities lending fees derived
by an institutional investor. Further, in most cases guarantee fees paid within an intercompany
group would be covered by Article 21, unless the guarantor were engaged in the business of
providing such guarantees to unrelated parties
such instruments, unless such instruments were being used to
hedge risks arising in a trade or business. It would also apply to securities lending fees derived
by an institutional investor. Further, in most cases guarantee fees paid within an intercompany
group would be covered by Article 21, unless the guarantor were engaged in the business of
providing such guarantees to unrelated parties.
Article 21 also applies to items of income that are not dealt with in the other articles
because of their source or some other characteristic. For example, Article 11 (Interest) addresses
only the taxation of interest arising in a Contracting State. Interest arising in a third State that is
not attributable to a permanent establishment, therefore, is subject to Article 21.
Distributions from partnerships are not generally dealt with under Article 21 because
partnership distributions generally do not constitute income. Under the Code, partners include in
income their distributive share of partnership income annually, and partnership distributions
themselves generally do not give rise to income. This would also be the case under U.S. law
with respect to distributions from trusts. Trust income and distributions that, under the Code,
have the character of the associated distributable net income would generally be covered by
another article of the Convention. See Code section 641, et seq.
68
Paragraph 1
The general rule of Article 21 is contained in paragraph 1. Items of income not dealt with
in other Articles that are earned by a resident of a Contracting State will be taxable only in the
State of residence. This right of taxation applies whether or not the residence State exercises its
right to tax the income covered by the Article. The residence taxation provided by paragraph 1
applies only when a resident of a Contracting State is the beneficial owner of the income
dealt with
in other Articles that are earned by a resident of a Contracting State will be taxable only in the
State of residence. This right of taxation applies whether or not the residence State exercises its
right to tax the income covered by the Article. The residence taxation provided by paragraph 1
applies only when a resident of a Contracting State is the beneficial owner of the income. This is
understood from the phrase “income of a resident of a Contracting State.” Thus, source taxation
of income not dealt with in other articles of the Convention is not limited by paragraph 1 if it is
nominally paid to a resident of the other Contracting State, but is beneficially owned by a
resident of a third State. In addition, as discussed in greater detail below, where income not dealt
with in other Articles of the Convention arises in the other Contracting State, paragraphs 2 and 3
permit source-State taxation.
Paragraph 2
This paragraph provides an exception to the general rule of paragraph 1 for income, other
than income from immovable property as defined in paragraph 2 of Article 6 (Income from Real
Property (Immovable Property)), that is effectively connected to a permanent establishment or
fixed base maintained in a Contracting State by a resident of the other Contracting State. The
taxation of such income is governed by the provisions of Article 7 (Business Profits) or 14
(Independent Personal Services), as the case may be. Therefore, for example, income arising
outside the United States that is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained in the
United States by a resident of Chile generally would be taxable by the United States under the
provisions of Article 7. This would be true even if the income is sourced in a third State.
Paragraph 3
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2, income of a resident of one of the
Contracting States not dealt with in other articles and arising in the other State may also be taxed
in that other State
resident of Chile generally would be taxable by the United States under the
provisions of Article 7. This would be true even if the income is sourced in a third State.
Paragraph 3
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2, income of a resident of one of the
Contracting States not dealt with in other articles and arising in the other State may also be taxed
in that other State.
Relationship to Other Articles
This Article is subject to the saving clause of paragraph 4 of the Protocol. Thus, the
United States may tax the income of a resident of Chile that is not dealt with elsewhere in the
Convention, if that resident is a citizen of the United States. The Article is also subject to the
provisions of Article 24 (Limitation on Benefits).
ARTICLE 22 (CAPITAL)
This Article specifies the circumstances in which a Contracting State may impose tax on
capital owned by a resident of the other Contracting State. At the time of the signing of the
Convention, neither the United States nor Chile imposed taxes on capital. Nevertheless,
the Article is drafted in a reciprocal manner. The Article was included at Chile’s request.
69
The Article provides the general rule in paragraph 4 that capital owned by a resident of a
Contracting State may be taxed only by that Contracting State. Thus, in general, the source State
cannot tax a resident of the other State on capital owned by that resident. Exceptions to this
general rule are provided in paragraphs 1 and 2.
Paragraphs 1 and 2
Paragraph 1 provides that capital represented by real property (immovable property) (as
defined in Article 6 (Income from Real Property (Immovable Property)) which is owned by a
resident of a Contracting State and located in the other State may be taxed by that other State
pital owned by that resident. Exceptions to this
general rule are provided in paragraphs 1 and 2.
Paragraphs 1 and 2
Paragraph 1 provides that capital represented by real property (immovable property) (as
defined in Article 6 (Income from Real Property (Immovable Property)) which is owned by a
resident of a Contracting State and located in the other State may be taxed by that other State.
Under paragraph 2, the source State may tax capital which is represented by personal property
(movable property) which is part of the business property of a permanent establishment
maintained in that State by an enterprise of the other State or which pertains to a fixed base
maintained in the source State by a resident of the other State.
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3 deals with capital represented by ships, aircraft and containers owned by a
resident of a Contracting State and operated in international traffic, and by personal property
(movable property) pertaining to the operation of such ships, aircraft or containers. Under the
paragraph, such capital is taxable only in the residence State. Thus, for example, capital
represented by ships owned by a resident of the United States and operated in international
traffic will be exempt from capital tax in Chile.
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4 provides that all other elements of capital of a resident of a Contracting State
shall be taxable only in that State.
ARTICLE 23 (RELIEF FROM DOUBLE TAXATION)
This Article describes the manner in which each Contracting State undertakes to relieve
double taxation. The United States uses the foreign tax credit method under its domestic law,
and by treaty.
Paragraph 1
The United States agrees, in paragraph 1, to allow to its citizens and residents a credit
against U.S. tax for income taxes paid or accrued to Chile. For this purpose, paragraph 1
provides that the taxes referred to in subparagraph 3(b) and paragraph 4 of Article 2 (Taxes
Covered), excluding taxes on capital, are considered income taxes
der its domestic law,
and by treaty.
Paragraph 1
The United States agrees, in paragraph 1, to allow to its citizens and residents a credit
against U.S. tax for income taxes paid or accrued to Chile. For this purpose, paragraph 1
provides that the taxes referred to in subparagraph 3(b) and paragraph 4 of Article 2 (Taxes
Covered), excluding taxes on capital, are considered income taxes.
Subparagraph 1(b) provides for a deemed-paid credit, consistent with Code section 902,
to a U.S. corporation in respect of dividends received from a corporation resident in Chile of
70
which the U.S. corporation owns at least 10 percent of the voting stock. This credit is for the tax
paid by the corporation to Chile on the profits out of which the dividends are considered paid.
The credits allowed under paragraph 1 are allowed in accordance with the provisions and
subject to the limitations of U.S. law, as that law may be amended over time, so long as the
general principle of the Article, that is, the allowance of a credit, is retained. Thus, although the
Convention provides for a foreign tax credit, the terms of the credit are generally determined by
the U.S. domestic law in effect for the taxable year for which the credit is allowed. See, e.g.,
Code sections 901-909 and the regulations under those sections. For example, a foreign levy is
not a tax to the extent a person subject to the levy receives (or will receive), directly or indirectly,
a specific economic benefit from the foreign country in exchange for payment pursuant to the
levy. See Treas. Reg. § 1.901-2(a)(2). In addition, the credit generally is limited to the amount
of U.S. tax due with respect to net foreign source income within the relevant foreign tax credit
limitation category (see Code section 904(a) and (d)), and the dollar amount of the credit is
determined in accordance with U.S. currency translation rules (see, e.g., Code section 986).
Similarly, U.S
y. See Treas. Reg. § 1.901-2(a)(2). In addition, the credit generally is limited to the amount
of U.S. tax due with respect to net foreign source income within the relevant foreign tax credit
limitation category (see Code section 904(a) and (d)), and the dollar amount of the credit is
determined in accordance with U.S. currency translation rules (see, e.g., Code section 986).
Similarly, U.S. law applies to determine carryover periods for excess credits and other inter-year
adjustments.
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2 provides that Chile will provide relief from double taxation through the
credit method. Chile agrees in paragraph 2, in accordance with and subject to the provisions of
the law of Chile, to allow a credit against Chilean tax for income taxes payable on income from
sources outside Chile.
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3 provides special rules for the tax treatment in both States of certain types of
income derived from U.S. sources by U.S. citizens who are residents of Chile. Since U.S.
citizens, regardless of residence, are subject to United States tax at ordinary progressive rates on
their worldwide income, the U.S. tax on the U.S. source income of a U.S. citizen resident in
Chile may exceed the U.S. tax that may be imposed under the Convention on an item of U.S.
source income derived by a resident of Chile who is not a U.S. citizen. The provisions of
paragraph 3 ensure that Chile does not bear the cost of U.S. taxation of its citizens who are
residents of Chile.
Subparagraph 3(a) provides, with respect to items of income from sources within the
United States, special credit rules for Chile. These rules apply to items of U.S.-source income
that would be either exempt from U.S. tax or subject to reduced rates of U.S. tax under the
provisions of the Convention if they had been received by a resident of Chile who is not a U.S.
citizen. The tax credit allowed under paragraph 3 with respect to such items need not exceed the
U.S
thin the
United States, special credit rules for Chile. These rules apply to items of U.S.-source income
that would be either exempt from U.S. tax or subject to reduced rates of U.S. tax under the
provisions of the Convention if they had been received by a resident of Chile who is not a U.S.
citizen. The tax credit allowed under paragraph 3 with respect to such items need not exceed the
U.S. tax that may be imposed under the Convention, other than tax imposed solely by reason of
the U.S. citizenship of the taxpayer under the provisions of the saving clause of paragraph 4 of
the Protocol.
71
For example, if a U.S. citizen resident in Chile receives a payment of royalties described
in subparagraph 3(b) of Article 12 (Royalties) from sources within the United States, the foreign
tax credit granted by Chile would be limited to 10 percent of the gross amount of the royalties –
the U.S. tax that may be imposed under subparagraph 2(b) of Article 12 – even if the shareholder
is subject to U.S. net income tax because of his U.S. citizenship.
Subparagraph 3(b) of Article 23 eliminates the potential for double taxation that can arise
because subparagraph 3(a) provides that Chile need not provide full relief for the U.S. tax
imposed on its citizens resident in Chile. Subparagraph 3(b) provides that the United States will
credit the income tax paid or accrued to Chile, after the application of subparagraph 3(a). It
further provides that in allowing the credit, the United States will not reduce its tax below the
amount that is taken into account in Chile in applying subparagraph 3(a).
Since the income described in subparagraph 3(a) generally will be U.S. source income,
special rules are required to re-source some of the income to Chile in order for the United States
to be able to credit the tax paid to Chile
er provides that in allowing the credit, the United States will not reduce its tax below the
amount that is taken into account in Chile in applying subparagraph 3(a).
Since the income described in subparagraph 3(a) generally will be U.S. source income,
special rules are required to re-source some of the income to Chile in order for the United States
to be able to credit the tax paid to Chile. This re-sourcing is provided for in subparagraph 3(c),
which deems the items of income referred to in subparagraph 3(a) to be from foreign sources to
the extent necessary to avoid double taxation under paragraph 3(b). Paragraph 3 of Article 26
(Mutual Agreement Procedure) provides a mechanism by which the competent authorities can
resolve any disputes regarding whether income is from sources within the United States.
The following two examples illustrate the application of paragraph 3 in the case of U.S.-
source royalties described in subparagraph 3(b) of Article 12 (Royalties) received by a U.S.
citizen resident in Chile. In both examples, the U.S. rate of tax on residents of Chile, under
subparagraph 2(b) of Article 12, is 10 percent. In both examples, the U.S. income tax rate on the
U.S. citizen is 35 percent. In example 1, the rate of income tax imposed in Chile on its resident
(the U.S. citizen) is 25 percent (below the U.S. rate), and in example 2, the rate imposed on its
resident is 40 percent (above the U.S. rate).
Example 1
Example 2
Subparagraph (a)
U.S.-source royalty payment
$100.00
$100.00
Notional U.S. withholding tax (Article 12(2)(b))
10.00
10.00
Taxable income in Chile
100.00
100.00
Chilean tax before credit
25.00
40.00
Less: tax credit for notional U.S. withholding tax
10.00
10.00
Net post-credit tax paid to Chile
15.00
30.00
Subparagraphs (b) and (c)
U.S. pre-tax income
$100.00
$100.00
U.S. pre-credit citizenship tax
35.00
35.00
Notional U.S
10.00
10.00
Taxable income in Chile
100.00
100.00
Chilean tax before credit
25.00
40.00
Less: tax credit for notional U.S. withholding tax
10.00
10.00
Net post-credit tax paid to Chile
15.00
30.00
Subparagraphs (b) and (c)
U.S. pre-tax income
$100.00
$100.00
U.S. pre-credit citizenship tax
35.00
35.00
Notional U.S. withholding tax
10.00
10.00
U.S. tax eligible to be offset by credit
25.00
25.00
72
Tax paid to Chile
15.00
30.00
Income re-sourced from U.S. to foreign source (see below) 42.86
71.43
U.S. pre-credit tax on re-sourced income
15.00
25.00
U.S. credit for tax paid to Chile
15.00
25.00
Net post-credit U.S. tax
10.00
0.00
Total U.S. tax
20.00
10.00
In both examples, in the application of subparagraph 3(a), Chile credits a 10 percent U.S.
tax against its residence tax on the U.S. citizen. In the first example, the net tax paid to Chile
after the foreign tax credit is $15.00; in the second example, it is $30.00. In the application of
subparagraphs 3(b) and 3(c), from the U.S. tax due before credit of $35.00, the United States
subtracts the amount of the U.S. source tax of $10.00, against which no U.S. foreign tax credit is
allowed. This subtraction ensures that the United States collects the tax that it is due under the
Convention as the State of source.
In both examples, given the 35 percent U.S. tax rate, the maximum amount of U.S. tax
against which credit for the tax paid to Chile may be claimed is $25 ($35 U.S. tax minus $10
U.S. withholding tax). Initially, all of the income in both examples was from sources within the
United States. For a U.S. foreign tax credit to be allowed for the full amount of the tax paid to
Chile, an appropriate amount of the income must be treated as foreign-source income under
subparagraph 3(c)
gainst which credit for the tax paid to Chile may be claimed is $25 ($35 U.S. tax minus $10
U.S. withholding tax). Initially, all of the income in both examples was from sources within the
United States. For a U.S. foreign tax credit to be allowed for the full amount of the tax paid to
Chile, an appropriate amount of the income must be treated as foreign-source income under
subparagraph 3(c).
The amount that must be re-sourced depends on the amount of tax for which the U.S.
citizen is claiming a U.S. foreign tax credit. In example 1, the tax paid to Chile was $15. For this
amount to be creditable against U.S. tax, $42.86 ($15 tax divided by 35 percent U.S. tax rate)
must be re-sourced as foreign-source income. When the tax is credited against the $15 of U.S.
tax on this re-sourced income, there is a net U.S. tax of $10 due after credit ($25 U.S. tax eligible
to be offset by credit, minus $15 tax paid to Chile). Thus, in example 1, there is a total of $20 in
U.S. tax ($10 U.S. withholding tax plus $10 residual U.S. tax).
In example 2, the tax paid to Chile was $30, but, because the United States subtracts the
U.S. withholding tax of $10 from the total U.S. tax of $35, only $25 of U.S. taxes may be offset
by taxes paid to Chile. Accordingly, the amount that must be re-sourced to Chile is limited to the
amount necessary to ensure a U.S. foreign tax credit for $25 of tax paid to Chile, or $71.43 ($25
tax paid to the other Contracting State divided by 35 percent U.S. tax rate). When the tax paid to
Chile is credited against the U.S. tax on this re-sourced income, there is no residual U.S. tax ($25
U.S. tax minus $30 tax paid to Chile, subject to the U.S. limit of $25). Thus, in example 2, there
is a total of $10 in U.S. tax ($10 U.S. withholding tax plus $0 residual U.S. tax). Because the tax
paid to Chile was $30 and the U.S. tax eligible to be offset by credit was $25, there is $5 of
excess foreign tax credit available for carryover
sourced income, there is no residual U.S. tax ($25
U.S. tax minus $30 tax paid to Chile, subject to the U.S. limit of $25). Thus, in example 2, there
is a total of $10 in U.S. tax ($10 U.S. withholding tax plus $0 residual U.S. tax). Because the tax
paid to Chile was $30 and the U.S. tax eligible to be offset by credit was $25, there is $5 of
excess foreign tax credit available for carryover.
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4 provides that where in accordance with the Convention income derived or
capital owned by a resident of a Contracting State is exempt from tax in that State, such State
73
may nevertheless take into account the exempted income or capital in calculating the amount of
tax on the remaining income or capital of such person. This rule provides for “exemption with
progression.”
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5 provides that certain items of gross income that would be otherwise treated
as from sources within a Contracting State will be treated as income from sources within the
other Contracting State for the purposes of allowing relief of double taxation pursuant to Article
23. Paragraph 5 is intended to ensure that a resident of a Contracting State can obtain an
appropriate amount of foreign tax credit for income taxes paid to the other Contracting State
when the Convention assigns to such other State primary taxing rights over an item of gross
income.
Accordingly, for example, if the Convention allows Chile to tax an item of gross income
(as defined under U.S. law) derived by a resident of the United States, the United States will treat
that item of gross income as gross income from sources within Chile for U.S. foreign tax credit
purposes. In the case of a U.S.-owned foreign corporation, however, section 904(h)(10) may
apply for purposes of determining the U.S. foreign tax credit with respect to income subject to
this re-sourcing rule. Section 904(h)(10) generally applies the foreign tax credit limitation
separately to re-sourced income
gross income as gross income from sources within Chile for U.S. foreign tax credit
purposes. In the case of a U.S.-owned foreign corporation, however, section 904(h)(10) may
apply for purposes of determining the U.S. foreign tax credit with respect to income subject to
this re-sourcing rule. Section 904(h)(10) generally applies the foreign tax credit limitation
separately to re-sourced income. See also Code sections 865(h) and 904(d)(6). Because
paragraph 5 applies to items of gross income, not net income, U.S. expense allocation and
apportionment rules, see, e.g., Treas. Reg. sections 1.861-9 and -9T, continue to apply to income
re-sourced under paragraph 5.
Relationship to other Articles
Article 23 is not subject to the saving clause of paragraph 4 of the Protocol. Thus, the
United States will allow a credit to its citizens and residents in accordance with the Article, even
if such credit were to provide a benefit not available under the Code (such as the re-sourcing
provided by subparagraph 3(c) and paragraph 5).
ARTICLE 24 (LIMITATION ON BENEFITS)
Article 24 contains anti-treaty-shopping provisions that are intended to prevent residents
of third countries from benefiting from what is intended to be a reciprocal agreement between
two countries. In general, the provision does not rely on a determination of purpose or intention
but instead sets forth a series of objective tests. A resident of a Contracting State that satisfies
one of the tests will receive benefits regardless of its motivations in choosing its particular
business structure.
The structure of the Article is as follows: Paragraph 1 states the general rule that
residents are entitled to benefits otherwise accorded to residents only to the extent provided in
the Article. Paragraph 2 lists a series of attributes of a resident of a Contracting State, the
of the tests will receive benefits regardless of its motivations in choosing its particular
business structure.
The structure of the Article is as follows: Paragraph 1 states the general rule that
residents are entitled to benefits otherwise accorded to residents only to the extent provided in
the Article. Paragraph 2 lists a series of attributes of a resident of a Contracting State, the
74
presence of any one of which will entitle that person to all the benefits of the Convention.
Paragraph 3 provides that, regardless of whether a person qualifies for benefits under paragraph
2, benefits may be granted to that person with regard to certain income earned in the conduct of
an active trade or business. Paragraph 4 provides that benefits also may be granted if the
competent authority of the State from which benefits are claimed determines that it is
appropriate to provide benefits in that case. Paragraph 5 provides special rules for so-called
“triangular cases” notwithstanding paragraphs 1 through 4 of the Article. Paragraph 6 defines
certain terms used in the Article.
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1 provides that, except as otherwise provided, a resident of a Contracting State
will be entitled to the benefits otherwise accorded to residents of a Contracting State under the
Convention only to the extent provided in the Article. The benefits otherwise accorded to
residents under the Convention include all limitations on source-based taxation under Articles 6
through 22, the treaty-based relief from double taxation provided by Article 23 (Relief from
Double Taxation), and the protection afforded to residents of a Contracting State under Article
25 (Non-Discrimination). Some provisions do not require that a person be a resident in order to
enjoy the benefits of those provisions
ntion include all limitations on source-based taxation under Articles 6
through 22, the treaty-based relief from double taxation provided by Article 23 (Relief from
Double Taxation), and the protection afforded to residents of a Contracting State under Article
25 (Non-Discrimination). Some provisions do not require that a person be a resident in order to
enjoy the benefits of those provisions. Article 26 (Mutual Agreement Procedure) is not limited
to residents of the Contracting States, and Article 28 (Members of Diplomatic Missions and
Consular Posts) applies to diplomatic agents or consular officials regardless of residence. Article
24 accordingly does not limit the availability of treaty benefits under these provisions.
Article 24 and the anti-abuse provisions of domestic law complement each other, as
Article 24 effectively determines whether an entity has a sufficient nexus to the Contracting State
to be treated as a resident for treaty purposes, while domestic anti-abuse provisions (e.g.,
business purpose, substance-over-form, step transaction or conduit principles) determine whether
a particular transaction should be recast in accordance with its substance. Thus, internal law
principles of the source Contracting State may be applied to identify the beneficial owner of an
item of income, and Article 24 then will be applied to the beneficial owner to determine if that
person is entitled to the benefits of the Convention with respect to such income.
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2 has six subparagraphs, each of which describes a category of residents that
are entitled to all benefits of the Convention.
It is intended that the provisions of paragraph 2 will be self-executing. Unlike the
provisions of paragraph 4, discussed below, claiming benefits under paragraph 2 does not require
advance competent authority ruling or approval
income.
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2 has six subparagraphs, each of which describes a category of residents that
are entitled to all benefits of the Convention.
It is intended that the provisions of paragraph 2 will be self-executing. Unlike the
provisions of paragraph 4, discussed below, claiming benefits under paragraph 2 does not require
advance competent authority ruling or approval. The tax authorities may, of course, on review,
determine that the taxpayer has improperly interpreted the paragraph and is not entitled to the
benefits claimed.
Individuals -- Subparagraph 2(a)
75
Subparagraph 2(a) provides that individual residents of a Contracting State will be
entitled to all treaty benefits. If such an individual receives income as a nominee on behalf of a
third country resident, benefits may be denied under the respective articles of the Convention by
the requirement that the beneficial owner of the income be a resident of a Contracting State.
Governments -- Subparagraph 2(b)
Subparagraph 2(b) provides that the Contracting States and any political subdivision or
local authority or any agency or instrumentality thereof will be entitled to all benefits of the
Convention.
Publicly-Traded Corporations -- Subparagraph 2(c)(i)
Subparagraph 2(c) applies to two categories of companies: publicly traded companies
and subsidiaries of publicly traded companies. A company resident in a Contracting State is
entitled to all the benefits of the Convention under subparagraph 2(c)(i) if the principal class of
its shares, and any disproportionate class of shares, is regularly traded on one or more recognized
stock exchanges, and the company satisfies at least one of the following additional requirements:
the company’s principal class of shares is primarily traded on one or more recognized stock
exchanges located in the Contracting State of which the company is a resident; or the company’s
primary place of management and control is in its State of residence
gularly traded on one or more recognized
stock exchanges, and the company satisfies at least one of the following additional requirements:
the company’s principal class of shares is primarily traded on one or more recognized stock
exchanges located in the Contracting State of which the company is a resident; or the company’s
primary place of management and control is in its State of residence.
The term “recognized stock exchange” is defined in subparagraph (a) of paragraph 6. It
includes (i) the NASDAQ System and any stock exchange registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission as a national securities exchange for purposes of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, (ii) the “Bolsa de Comercio,” “Bolsa Electrónica de Chile,” and “Bolsa de
Corredores,” and any stock exchange recognized by the “Superintendencia de Valores y
Seguros” according to Law No. 18.0845, and (iii) any other stock exchanges agreed upon by the
competent authorities of the Contracting States.
If a company has only one class of shares, it is only necessary to consider whether the
shares of that class meet the relevant trading requirements. If the company has more than one
class of shares, it is necessary as an initial matter to determine which class or classes constitute
the “principal class of shares.” The term “principal class of shares” is defined in subparagraph
6(b) to mean the ordinary or common shares of the company representing the majority of the
aggregate voting power and value of the company. If the company does not have a class of
ordinary or common shares representing the majority of the aggregate voting power and value of
the company, then the “principal class of shares” is that class or any combination of classes of
shares that represents, in the aggregate, a majority of the voting power and value of the company
majority of the
aggregate voting power and value of the company. If the company does not have a class of
ordinary or common shares representing the majority of the aggregate voting power and value of
the company, then the “principal class of shares” is that class or any combination of classes of
shares that represents, in the aggregate, a majority of the voting power and value of the company.
Although in a particular case involving a company with several classes of shares it is conceivable
that more than one group of classes could be identified that account for more than 50 percent of
the shares, it is only necessary for one such group to satisfy the requirements of this
subparagraph in order for the company to be entitled to benefits. Benefits would not be denied to
76
the company even if a second, non-qualifying, group of shares with more than half of the
company’s voting power and value could be identified.
A company whose principal class of shares is regularly traded on a recognized stock
exchange will nevertheless not qualify for benefits under subparagraph 2(c)(i) if it has a
disproportionate class of shares that is not regularly traded on a recognized stock exchange. The
term “disproportionate class of shares” is defined in subparagraph 7(c). A company has a
disproportionate class of shares if it has outstanding a class of shares which is subject to terms or
other arrangements that entitle the holder to a larger portion of the company’s income, profit, or
gain in the other Contracting State than that to which the holder would be entitled in the absence
of such terms or arrangements. Thus, for example, a company resident in Chile meets the test of
subparagraph 6(c) if it has outstanding a class of “tracking stock” that pays dividends based upon
a formula that approximates the company’s return on its assets employed in the United States.
The following example illustrates this result.
Example. CCo is a corporation resident in Chile
absence
of such terms or arrangements. Thus, for example, a company resident in Chile meets the test of
subparagraph 6(c) if it has outstanding a class of “tracking stock” that pays dividends based upon
a formula that approximates the company’s return on its assets employed in the United States.
The following example illustrates this result.
Example. CCo is a corporation resident in Chile. CCo has two classes of shares:
Common and Preferred. The Common shares are listed and regularly traded on the Bolsa de
Comercio, a recognized Chilean stock exchange. The Preferred shares have no voting rights and
are entitled to receive dividends equal in amount to interest payments that CCo receives from
unrelated borrowers in the United States. The Preferred shares are owned entirely by a single
investor that is a resident of a country with which the United States does not have a tax treaty.
The Common shares account for more than 50 percent of the value of CCo and for 100 percent
of the voting power. Because the owner of the Preferred shares is entitled to receive payments
corresponding to the U.S. source interest income earned by CCo, the Preferred shares are a
disproportionate class of shares. Because the Preferred shares are not regularly traded on a
recognized stock exchange, CCo will not qualify for benefits under subparagraph 2(c)(i).
The term “regularly traded” is not defined in the Convention. In accordance with
paragraph 2 of Article 3 (General Definitions), this term will be defined by reference to the
domestic tax laws of the State from which treaty benefits are sought. In the case of the United
States, this term is understood to have the meaning it has under Treas. Reg. § 1.884-
5(d)(4)(i)(B), relating to the branch tax provisions of the Code
” is not defined in the Convention. In accordance with
paragraph 2 of Article 3 (General Definitions), this term will be defined by reference to the
domestic tax laws of the State from which treaty benefits are sought. In the case of the United
States, this term is understood to have the meaning it has under Treas. Reg. § 1.884-
5(d)(4)(i)(B), relating to the branch tax provisions of the Code. Under these regulations, a class
of shares is considered to be “regularly traded” if two requirements are met: trades in the class
of shares are made in more than de minimis quantities on at least 60 days during the taxable year;
and the aggregate number of shares in the class traded during the year is at least 10 percent of the
average number of shares outstanding during the year. Treas. Reg. § 1.884-5(d)(4)(i)(A), (ii) and
(iii) will not be taken into account for purposes of defining the term “regularly traded” under the
Convention.
The regular trading requirement can be met by trading on any recognized exchange or
exchanges located in either State. Trading on one or more recognized stock exchanges may be
aggregated for purposes of this requirement. Thus, a U.S. company could satisfy the regularly
traded requirement through trading, in whole or in part, on a recognized stock exchange located
in Chile. Authorized but unissued shares are not considered for purposes of this test.
77
The term “primarily traded” is not defined in the Convention. In accordance with
paragraph 2 of Article 3, this term will have the meaning it has under the laws of the State
concerning the taxes to which the Convention applies, generally the source State. In the case of
the United States, this term is understood to have the meaning it has under Treas. Reg. § 1.884-
5(d)(3), relating to the branch tax provisions of the Code
ot defined in the Convention. In accordance with
paragraph 2 of Article 3, this term will have the meaning it has under the laws of the State
concerning the taxes to which the Convention applies, generally the source State. In the case of
the United States, this term is understood to have the meaning it has under Treas. Reg. § 1.884-
5(d)(3), relating to the branch tax provisions of the Code. Accordingly, stock of a corporation is
“primarily traded” if the number of shares in the company’s principal class of shares that are
traded during the taxable year on all recognized stock exchanges in the Contracting State of
which the company is a resident exceeds the number of shares in the company’s principal class
of shares that are traded during that year on established securities markets in any other single
foreign country.
A company whose principal class of shares is regularly traded on a recognized exchange but
cannot meet the primarily traded test may claim treaty benefits if its primary place of management
and control is in its country of residence. This test should be distinguished from the “place of
effective management” test which is used in the OECD Model and by many other countries to
establish residence. In some cases, the place of effective management test has been interpreted to
mean the place where the board of directors meets. By contrast, the primary place of management
and control test looks to where day-to-day responsibility for the management of the company (and its
subsidiaries) is exercised
nt” test which is used in the OECD Model and by many other countries to
establish residence. In some cases, the place of effective management test has been interpreted to
mean the place where the board of directors meets. By contrast, the primary place of management
and control test looks to where day-to-day responsibility for the management of the company (and its
subsidiaries) is exercised. The company’s primary place of management and control will be located
in the State in which the company is a resident only if the executive officers and senior management
employees exercise day-to-day responsibility for more of the strategic, financial and operational
policy decision making for the company (including direct and indirect subsidiaries) in that State than
in the other State or any third state, and the staff that support the management in making those
decisions are also based in that State. Thus, the test looks to the overall activities of the relevant
persons to see where those activities are conducted.
In most cases, it will be a necessary, but not a sufficient, condition that the headquarters of
the company (that is, the place at which the Chief Executive Officer and other top executives
normally are based) be located in the Contracting State of which the company is a resident.
To apply the test, it will be necessary to determine which persons are to be considered
“executive officers and senior management employees.” In most cases, it will not be necessary to
look beyond the executives who are members of the board of directors (the “inside directors”) in the
case of a U.S. company. That will not always be the case, however; in fact, the relevant persons may
be employees of subsidiaries if those persons make the strategic, financial and operational policy
decisions. Moreover, it would be necessary to take into account any special voting arrangements that
result in certain board members making certain decisions without the participation of other board
members
S. company. That will not always be the case, however; in fact, the relevant persons may
be employees of subsidiaries if those persons make the strategic, financial and operational policy
decisions. Moreover, it would be necessary to take into account any special voting arrangements that
result in certain board members making certain decisions without the participation of other board
members.
Subsidiaries of Publicly-Traded Corporations -- Subparagraph 2(c)(ii)
A company resident in a Contracting State is entitled to all the benefits of the
Convention under subparagraph 2(c)(ii) if five or fewer publicly traded companies described in
subparagraph 2(c)(i) are the direct or indirect owners of at least 50 percent of the aggregate vote
and value of the company’s shares (and at least 50 percent of any disproportionate class of
78
shares). If the publicly-traded companies are indirect owners, however, each of the
intermediate companies must be a resident of one of the Contracting States.
Thus, for example, a company that is a resident of Chile, all the shares of which are
owned by another company that is a resident of Chile, would qualify for benefits under
subparagraph 2(c) if the principal class of shares (and any disproportionate classes of shares) of
the parent company are regularly and primarily traded on a recognized stock exchange in Chile.
However, such a subsidiary would not qualify for benefits under clause (ii) if the publicly
traded parent company were a resident of a third state, for example, and not a resident of the
United States or Chile. Furthermore, if a parent company in Chile indirectly owned the bottom-
tier company through a chain of subsidiaries, each such subsidiary in the chain, as an
intermediate owner, must be a resident of the United States or Chile in order for the subsidiary
to meet the test in clause (ii)
rent company were a resident of a third state, for example, and not a resident of the
United States or Chile. Furthermore, if a parent company in Chile indirectly owned the bottom-
tier company through a chain of subsidiaries, each such subsidiary in the chain, as an
intermediate owner, must be a resident of the United States or Chile in order for the subsidiary
to meet the test in clause (ii).
Headquarters Companies -- Subparagraph 2(d)
Subparagraph 2(d) provides that a resident of one of the Contracting States is entitled to
all the benefits of the Convention if that person functions as a recognized headquarters company
for a multinational corporate group. The provisions of this paragraph are consistent with the
other U.S. tax treaties where this provision has been adopted. For this purpose, the multinational
corporate group includes all corporations that the headquarters company supervises and excludes
affiliated corporations not supervised by the headquarters company. The headquarters company
does not have to own shares in the companies that it supervises. In order to be considered a
headquarters company, the person must meet several requirements that are enumerated in
subparagraph 2(d). These requirements are discussed below.
Overall Supervision and Administration
Clause (i) of subparagraph 2(d) provides that the person must provide a substantial
portion of the overall supervision and administration of the group. This activity may include
group financing, but group financing may not be the principal activity of the person functioning
as the headquarters company. A person only will be considered to engage in supervision and
administration if it engages in a number of the following activities: group financing, pricing,
marketing, internal auditing, internal communications, and management. Other activities also
could be part of the function of supervision and administration
the principal activity of the person functioning
as the headquarters company. A person only will be considered to engage in supervision and
administration if it engages in a number of the following activities: group financing, pricing,
marketing, internal auditing, internal communications, and management. Other activities also
could be part of the function of supervision and administration.
In determining whether a “substantial portion” of the overall supervision and
administration of the group is provided by the headquarters company, its headquarters-related
activities must be substantial in relation to the same activities for the same group performed by
other entities. Clause (i) does not require that the group that is supervised include persons in
the other State. However, it is anticipated that in most cases the group will include such persons,
due to the requirement in subparagraph 2(d)(vii), discussed below, that the income derived in the
other Contracting State by the headquarters company be derived in connection with or be
incidental to an active trade or business supervised by the headquarters company.
79
Active Trade or Business
Clause (ii) of subparagraph 2(d) is the first of several requirements intended to ensure
that the relevant group is truly “multinational.” This subparagraph provides that the corporate
group supervised by the headquarters company must consist of corporations resident in, and
engaged in active trades or businesses in, at least five countries. Furthermore, at least five
countries must each contribute substantially to the income generated by the group, as the rule
requires that the business activities carried on in each of the five countries (or groupings of
countries) generate at least 10 percent of the gross income of the group
ist of corporations resident in, and
engaged in active trades or businesses in, at least five countries. Furthermore, at least five
countries must each contribute substantially to the income generated by the group, as the rule
requires that the business activities carried on in each of the five countries (or groupings of
countries) generate at least 10 percent of the gross income of the group. For purposes of the 10
percent gross income requirement, the income from multiple countries may be aggregated into
non-overlapping groupings, as long as there are at least five individual countries or groupings
that each satisfies the 10 percent requirement. If the gross income requirement under this
subparagraph is not met for a taxable year, the taxpayer may satisfy this requirement by applying
the 10 percent gross income test to the average of the gross incomes for the four years preceding
the taxable year.
Example. CHQ is a corporation resident in Chile. CHQ functions as a headquarters
company for a group of companies. These companies are resident in the United States, Canada,
New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Indonesia. The
gross income generated by each of these companies for 2012 and 2013 is as follows:
Country
2012
2013
United States
$40
$45
Canada
$25
$15
New Zealand
$10
$20
United Kingdom
$30
$35
Malaysia
$10
$12
Philippines
$7
$10
Singapore
$10
$8
Indonesia
$5
$10
Total
$137
$155
For 2012, 10 percent of the gross income of this group is equal to $13.70. Only the
United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom satisfy this requirement for that year. The other
countries may be aggregated to meet this requirement. Because New Zealand and Malaysia have
a total gross income of $20, and the Philippines, Singapore, and Indonesia have a total gross
income of $22, these two groupings of countries may be treated as the fourth and fifth members
of the group for purposes of clause (ii)
and the United Kingdom satisfy this requirement for that year. The other
countries may be aggregated to meet this requirement. Because New Zealand and Malaysia have
a total gross income of $20, and the Philippines, Singapore, and Indonesia have a total gross
income of $22, these two groupings of countries may be treated as the fourth and fifth members
of the group for purposes of clause (ii).
In the following year, 10 percent of the gross income is $15.50. Only the United States,
New Zealand, and the United Kingdom satisfy this requirement. Because Canada and Malaysia
have a total gross income of $27, and the Philippines, Singapore, and Indonesia have a total
gross income of $28, these two groupings of countries may be treated as the fourth and fifth
members of the group for purposes of clause (ii). The fact that Canada replaced New Zealand in
80
a group is not relevant for this purpose. The composition of the grouping may change from year
to year.
Single Country Limitation
Clause (iii) of subparagraph 2(d) provides that the business activities carried on in any
one country other than the headquarters company’s State of residence must generate less than 50
percent of the gross income of the group. If the gross income requirement under this
subparagraph is not met for a taxable year, the taxpayer may satisfy this requirement by applying
the 50 percent gross income test to the average of the gross incomes for the four years preceding
the taxable year. The following example illustrates the application of this clause.
Example. CHQ is a corporation resident in Chile. CHQ functions as a headquarters
company for a group of companies. CHQ derives dividend income from a United States
subsidiary in the 2008 taxable year. The state of residence of each of these companies, the situs
of their activities and the amounts of gross income attributable to each for the years 2012 through
2016 are set forth below.
Country
Situs
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
United States
U.S
ns as a headquarters
company for a group of companies. CHQ derives dividend income from a United States
subsidiary in the 2008 taxable year. The state of residence of each of these companies, the situs
of their activities and the amounts of gross income attributable to each for the years 2012 through
2016 are set forth below.
Country
Situs
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
United States
U.S.
$100
$100
$95
$90
$85
Mexico
U.S.
$10
$8
$5
$0
$0
Canada
U.S.
$20
$18
$16
$15
$12
United Kingdom
U.K
$30
$32
$30
$28
$27
New Zealand
N.Z.
$35
$42
$38
$36
$35
Japan
Japan
$35
$32
$30
$30
$28
Singapore
Singapore
$30
$25
$24
$22
$20
Total
$260
$257
$238
$221
$207
Because the United States’ total gross income of $130 in 2012 is not less than 50 percent
of the gross income of the group, clause (iii) is not satisfied with respect to dividends derived in
2012. However, the United States’ average gross income for the preceding four years may be
used in lieu of the preceding year’s average. The United States’ average gross income for the
years 2008-11 is $111.00 ($444/4). The group’s total average gross income for these years is
$230.75 ($923/4). Because $111 represents 48.1 percent of the group’s average gross income for
the years 2008 through 2011, the requirement under clause (iii) is satisfied.
Other State Gross Income Limitation
Clause (iv) of subparagraph 2(d) provides that no more than 25 percent of the
headquarters company’s gross income may be derived from the other Contracting State. Thus, if
the headquarters company’s gross income for the taxable year is $200, no more than $50 of this
amount may be derived from the other Contracting State. If the gross income requirement under
this subparagraph is not met for a taxable year, the taxpayer may satisfy this requirement by
5 percent of the
headquarters company’s gross income may be derived from the other Contracting State. Thus, if
the headquarters company’s gross income for the taxable year is $200, no more than $50 of this
amount may be derived from the other Contracting State. If the gross income requirement under
this subparagraph is not met for a taxable year, the taxpayer may satisfy this requirement by
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applying the 25 percent gross income test to the average of the gross incomes for the four years
preceding the taxable year.
Independent Discretionary Authority
Clause (v) of subparagraph 2(d) requires that the headquarters company have and
exercise independent discretionary authority to carry out the functions referred to in clause (i).
Thus, if the headquarters company was nominally responsible for group financing, pricing,
marketing and other management functions, but merely implemented instructions received from
another entity, the headquarters company would not be considered to have and exercise
independent discretionary authority with respect to these functions. This determination is made
individually for each function. For instance, a headquarters company could be nominally
responsible for group financing, pricing, marketing and internal auditing functions, but another
entity could be actually directing the headquarters company as to the group financing function.
In such a case, the headquarters company would not be deemed to have independent
discretionary authority for group financing, but it might have such authority for the other
functions. Functions for which the headquarters company does not have and exercise
independent discretionary authority are considered to be conducted by an entity other than the
headquarters company for purposes of clause (i).
Income Taxation Rules
Clause (vi) of subparagraph 2(d) requires that the headquarters company be subject to the
generally applicable income taxation rules in its country of residence
or which the headquarters company does not have and exercise
independent discretionary authority are considered to be conducted by an entity other than the
headquarters company for purposes of clause (i).
Income Taxation Rules
Clause (vi) of subparagraph 2(d) requires that the headquarters company be subject to the
generally applicable income taxation rules in its country of residence. This reference should be
understood to mean that the company must be subject to the income taxation rules to which a
company engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business would be subject. Thus, if one of
the Contracting States has or introduces special taxation legislation that imposes a lower rate of
income tax on headquarters companies than is imposed on companies engaged in the active
conduct of a trade or business, or provides for an artificially low taxable base for such
companies, a headquarters company subject to these rules is not entitled to the benefits of the
Convention under subparagraph 2(d).
In Connection With or Incidental to Trade or Business
Clause (vii) of subparagraph 2(d) requires that the income derived in the other
Contracting State be derived in connection with or be incidental to the active business activities
referred to in clause (ii). This determination is made under the principles set forth in paragraph
3. For instance, assume that a Chilean company satisfies the other requirements in subparagraph
2(d) and acts as a headquarters company for a group that includes a U.S. corporation. If the
group is engaged in the design and manufacture of computer software, but the U.S. corporation is
also engaged in the design and manufacture of photocopying machines, the income that the
Chilean company derives from the United States would have to be derived in connection with or
be incidental to the income generated by the computer business in order to be entitled to the
benefits of the Convention under subparagraph 2(d). Interest income received from the U.S
but the U.S. corporation is
also engaged in the design and manufacture of photocopying machines, the income that the
Chilean company derives from the United States would have to be derived in connection with or
be incidental to the income generated by the computer business in order to be entitled to the
benefits of the Convention under subparagraph 2(d). Interest income received from the U.S.
corporation also would be entitled to the benefits of the Convention under this subparagraph as
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long as the interest was attributable to the computer business supervised by the headquarters
company. Interest income derived from an unrelated party would normally not, however, satisfy
the requirements of this clause.
Tax Exempt Organizations – Subparagraph 2(e)
Subparagraph 2(e) provides rules by which tax exempt organizations will be entitled to
all the benefits of the Convention. Entities qualifying under this rule are those that are generally
exempt from tax in their State of residence and that are organized and operated exclusively to fulfill
religious, charitable, scientific, artistic, cultural, or educational purposes.
Pension Funds – Subparagraph 2(f)
A pension fund will qualify for benefits under subparagraph 2(f), if in the case of a
person described in subclause (A) of clause (ii) of subparagraph (j) of paragraph 1 of Article 3
(General Definitions), more than 50 percent of the beneficiaries, members or participants of the
pension fund are individuals resident in either Contracting State. For purposes of this provision,
the term “beneficiaries” should be understood to refer to the persons receiving benefits from the
organization.
Ownership/Base Erosion -- Subparagraph 2(g)
Subparagraph 2(g) provides an additional method to qualify for treaty benefits that
applies to any form of legal entity that is a resident of a Contracting State. The test provided in
this subparagraph, the so-called ownership and base erosion test, is a two-part test
understood to refer to the persons receiving benefits from the
organization.
Ownership/Base Erosion -- Subparagraph 2(g)
Subparagraph 2(g) provides an additional method to qualify for treaty benefits that
applies to any form of legal entity that is a resident of a Contracting State. The test provided in
this subparagraph, the so-called ownership and base erosion test, is a two-part test. Both prongs
of the test must be satisfied for the resident to be entitled to treaty benefits under subparagraph
2(g).
The ownership prong of the test, under clause (i), requires that shares or other beneficial
interests representing at least 50 percent of the aggregate voting power and value (and at least 50
percent of any disproportionate class of shares) of the person be owned, directly or indirectly, on
at least half the days of the person’s taxable year by persons who are residents of the Contracting
State of which that person is a resident and that are themselves entitled to treaty benefits under
subparagraph 2(a), 2(b), 2(c)(i), 2(e) or 2(f). In the case of indirect owners, each of the
intermediate owners must be a resident of that Contracting State.
Trusts may be entitled to benefits under this provision if they are treated as residents
under Article 4 (Residence) and they otherwise satisfy the requirements of this subparagraph.
For purposes of this subparagraph, the beneficial interests in a trust will be considered to be
owned by its beneficiaries in proportion to each beneficiary’s actuarial interest in the trust. The
interest of a remainder beneficiary will be equal to 100 percent less the aggregate percentages
held by income beneficiaries. A beneficiary’s interest in a trust will not be considered to be
owned by a person entitled to benefits under the other provisions of paragraph 2 if it is not
possible to determine the beneficiary's actuarial interest
beneficiary’s actuarial interest in the trust. The
interest of a remainder beneficiary will be equal to 100 percent less the aggregate percentages
held by income beneficiaries. A beneficiary’s interest in a trust will not be considered to be
owned by a person entitled to benefits under the other provisions of paragraph 2 if it is not
possible to determine the beneficiary's actuarial interest. Consequently, if it is not possible to
determine the actuarial interest of the beneficiaries in a trust, the ownership test under clause (i)
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cannot be satisfied, unless all possible beneficiaries are persons entitled to benefits under
subparagraph 2(a), 2(b), 2(c)(i), 2(e) or 2(f).
The base erosion prong of clause (ii) of subparagraph 2(g) is satisfied with respect to a
person if less than 50 percent of the person’s gross income for the taxable year, as determined
under the tax law in the person’s State of residence, is paid or accrued, directly or indirectly, to
persons who are not residents of either Contracting State entitled to benefits under subparagraph
2(a), 2(b), 2(c)(i), 2(e) or 2(f), in the form of payments deductible for tax purposes in the payor’s
State of residence. These amounts do not include arm’s-length payments in the ordinary course
of business for services or tangible property. To the extent they are deductible from the taxable
base, trust distributions are deductible payments. However, depreciation and amortization
deductions, which do not represent payments or accruals to other persons, are disregarded for
this purpose.
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3 sets forth an alternative test under which a resident of a Contracting State
may receive treaty benefits with respect to certain items of income that are connected to an
active trade or business conducted in its State of residence. A resident of a Contracting State
may qualify for benefits under paragraph 3 even though it does not qualify under paragraph 2
purpose.
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3 sets forth an alternative test under which a resident of a Contracting State
may receive treaty benefits with respect to certain items of income that are connected to an
active trade or business conducted in its State of residence. A resident of a Contracting State
may qualify for benefits under paragraph 3 even though it does not qualify under paragraph 2.
Subparagraph 3(a) sets forth the general rule that a resident of a Contracting State
engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business in that State may obtain the benefits of the
Convention with respect to an item of income derived in the other Contracting State. The item
of income, however, must be derived in connection with or incidental to that trade or business.
The term “trade or business” is not defined in the Convention. Pursuant to paragraph 2
of Article 3 (General Definitions), when determining whether a resident of Chile is entitled to
the benefits of the Convention under paragraph 3 of this Article with respect to an item of
income derived from sources within the United States, the United States will ascribe to this
term the meaning that it has under the law of the United States. Accordingly, the U.S.
competent authority will refer to the regulations issued under section 367(a) for the definition
of the term “trade or business.” In general, therefore, a trade or business will be considered to
be a specific unified group of activities that constitutes or could constitute an independent
economic enterprise carried on for profit. Furthermore, a corporation generally will be
considered to carry on a trade or business only if the officers and employees of the corporation
conduct substantial managerial and operational activities.
The business of making or managing investments for the resident’s own account will be
considered to be a trade or business only when part of banking, insurance or securities activities
conducted by a bank, insurance company or registered securities dealer
arry on a trade or business only if the officers and employees of the corporation
conduct substantial managerial and operational activities.
The business of making or managing investments for the resident’s own account will be
considered to be a trade or business only when part of banking, insurance or securities activities
conducted by a bank, insurance company or registered securities dealer. Such activities
conducted by a person other than a bank, insurance company, or registered securities dealer will
not be considered to be the conduct of an active trade or business, nor would they be considered
to be the conduct of an active trade or business if conducted by a bank, insurance company or
registered securities dealer but not as part of the company’s banking, insurance, or dealer
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business. Because a headquarters operation is in the business of managing investments, a
company that functions solely as a headquarters company will not be considered to be engaged
in an active trade or business for purposes of paragraph 3.
An item of income is derived in connection with a trade or business if the income-
producing activity in the State of source is a line of business that “forms a part of” or is
“complementary” to the trade or business conducted in the State of residence by the income
recipient.
A business activity generally will be considered to form part of a business activity
conducted in the State of source if the two activities involve the design, manufacture or sale of
the same products or type of products, or the provision of similar services. The line of business
in the State of residence may be upstream, downstream, or parallel to the activity conducted in
the State of source. Thus, the line of business may provide inputs for a manufacturing process
that occurs in the State of source, may sell the output of that manufacturing process, or simply
may sell the same sorts of products that are being sold by the trade or business carried on in the
State of source
State of residence may be upstream, downstream, or parallel to the activity conducted in
the State of source. Thus, the line of business may provide inputs for a manufacturing process
that occurs in the State of source, may sell the output of that manufacturing process, or simply
may sell the same sorts of products that are being sold by the trade or business carried on in the
State of source.
Example 1. USCo is a corporation resident in the United States. USCo is engaged in an
active manufacturing business in the United States. USCo owns 100 percent of the shares of
CCo, a corporation resident in Chile. CCo distributes USCo products in Chile. Since the
business activities conducted by the two corporations involve the same products, CCo’s
distribution business is considered to form a part of USCo's manufacturing business.
Example 2. The facts are the same as in Example 1, except that USCo does not
manufacture. Rather, USCo operates a large research and development facility in the United
States that licenses intellectual property to affiliates worldwide, including CCo. CCo and other
USCo affiliates then manufacture and market the USCo-designed products in their respective
markets. Since the activities conducted by CCo and USCo involve the same product lines, these
activities are considered to form a part of the same trade or business.
For two activities to be considered to be “complementary,” the activities need not relate
to the same types of products or services, but they should be part of the same overall industry
and be related in the sense that the success or failure of one activity will tend to result in success
or failure for the other. Where more than one trade or business is conducted in the State of
source and only one of the trades or businesses forms a part of or is complementary to a trade or
business conducted in the State of residence, it is necessary to identify the trade or business to
which an item of income is attributable
success or failure of one activity will tend to result in success
or failure for the other. Where more than one trade or business is conducted in the State of
source and only one of the trades or businesses forms a part of or is complementary to a trade or
business conducted in the State of residence, it is necessary to identify the trade or business to
which an item of income is attributable. Royalties generally will be considered to be derived in
connection with the trade or business to which the underlying intangible property is attributable.
Dividends will be deemed to be derived first out of earnings and profits of the treaty-benefited
trade or business, and then out of other earnings and profits. Interest income may be allocated
under any reasonable method consistently applied. A method that conforms to U.S. principles
for expense allocation will be considered a reasonable method.
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Example 3. Americair is a corporation resident in the United States that operates an
international airline. CSub is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Americair resident in Chile. CSub
operates a chain of hotels in Chile that are located near airports served by Americair flights.
Americair frequently sells tour packages that include air travel to Chile and lodging at CSub
hotels. Although both companies are engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business, the
businesses of operating a chain of hotels and operating an airline are distinct trades or businesses.
Therefore CSub’s business does not form a part of Americair's business. However, CSub’s
business is considered to be complementary to Americair’s business because they are part of the
same overall industry (travel) and the links between their operations tend to make them
interdependent.
Example 4. The facts are the same as in Example 3, except that CSub owns an office
building in Chile instead of a hotel chain. No part of Americair’s business is conducted through
the office building
is considered to be complementary to Americair’s business because they are part of the
same overall industry (travel) and the links between their operations tend to make them
interdependent.
Example 4. The facts are the same as in Example 3, except that CSub owns an office
building in Chile instead of a hotel chain. No part of Americair’s business is conducted through
the office building. CSub’s business is not considered to form a part of or to be complementary
to Americair's business. They are engaged in distinct trades or businesses in separate industries,
and there is no economic dependence between the two operations.
Example 5. USFlower is a corporation resident in the United States. USFlower produces
and sells flowers in the United States and other countries. USFlower owns all the shares of
CHolding, a corporation resident in Chile. CHolding is a holding company that is not engaged in
a trade or business. CHolding owns all the shares of three corporations that are resident in Chile:
CFlower, CLawn, and CFish. CFlower distributes USFlower flowers under the USFlower
trademark in Chile. CLawn markets a line of lawn care products in Chile under the USFlower
trademark. In addition to being sold under the same trademark, CLawn and CFlower products
are sold in the same stores and sales of each company's products tend to generate increased sales
of the other's products. CFish imports fish from the United States and distributes it to fish
wholesalers in Chile. For purposes of paragraph 3, the business of CFlower forms a part of the
business of USFlower, the business of CLawn is complementary to the business of USFlower,
and the business of CFish is neither part of nor complementary to that of USFlower.
An item of income derived from the State of source is “incidental to” the trade or
business carried on in the State of residence if production of the item facilitates the conduct of
the trade or business in the State of residence
of USFlower, the business of CLawn is complementary to the business of USFlower,
and the business of CFish is neither part of nor complementary to that of USFlower.
An item of income derived from the State of source is “incidental to” the trade or
business carried on in the State of residence if production of the item facilitates the conduct of
the trade or business in the State of residence. An example of incidental income is the
temporary investment of working capital of a person in the State of residence in securities
issued by persons in the State of source.
Subparagraph 3(b) states a further condition to the general rule in subparagraph 3(a) in
cases where the trade or business generating the item of income in question is carried on either
by the person deriving the income or by any associated enterprises. Subparagraph 3(b) states
that the trade or business carried on in the State of residence, under these circumstances, must
be substantial in relation to the activity in the State of source. The substantiality requirement is
intended to prevent a narrow case of treaty-shopping abuses in which a company attempts to
qualify for benefits by engaging in de minimis connected business activities in the treaty
country in which it is resident (i.e., activities that have little economic cost or effect with respect
to the company business as a whole).
86
The determination of substantiality is made based upon all the facts and circumstances
and takes into account the comparative sizes of the trades or businesses in each Contracting
State, the nature of the activities performed in each Contracting State, and the relative
contributions made to that trade or business in each Contracting State.
The determination in subparagraph 3(b) is also made separately for each item of income
derived from the State of source. It therefore is possible that a person would be entitled to the
benefits of the Convention with respect to one item of income but not with respect to another
in each Contracting State, and the relative
contributions made to that trade or business in each Contracting State.
The determination in subparagraph 3(b) is also made separately for each item of income
derived from the State of source. It therefore is possible that a person would be entitled to the
benefits of the Convention with respect to one item of income but not with respect to another. If
a resident of a Contracting State is entitled to treaty benefits with respect to a particular item of
income under paragraph 3, the resident is entitled to all benefits of the Convention insofar as
they affect the taxation of that item of income in the State of source.
The application of the substantiality requirement only to income from related parties
focuses only on potential abuse cases, and does not hamper certain other kinds of non-abusive
activities, even though the income recipient resident in a Contracting State may be very small in
relation to the entity generating income in the other Contracting State. For example, if a small
U.S. research firm develops a process that it licenses to a very large, unrelated, pharmaceutical
manufacturer in Chile, the size of the U.S. research firm would not have to be tested against the
size of the manufacturer. Similarly, a small U.S. bank that makes a loan to a very large unrelated
company operating a business in Chile would not have to pass a substantiality test to receive
treaty benefits under paragraph 3.
Subparagraph 3(c) provides special attribution rules for purposes of applying the
substantive rules of subparagraphs 3(a) and 3(b). Thus, these rules apply for purposes of
determining whether a person meets the requirement in subparagraph 3(a) that it be engaged in
the active conduct of a trade or business and that the item of income is derived in connection
with that active trade or business, and for making the comparison required by the
“substantiality” requirement in subparagraph 3(b)
es of subparagraphs 3(a) and 3(b). Thus, these rules apply for purposes of
determining whether a person meets the requirement in subparagraph 3(a) that it be engaged in
the active conduct of a trade or business and that the item of income is derived in connection
with that active trade or business, and for making the comparison required by the
“substantiality” requirement in subparagraph 3(b). Subparagraph (c) attributes to a person
activities conducted by persons “connected” to such person. A person (“X”) is connected to
another person (“Y”) if X possesses 50 percent or more of the beneficial interest in Y (or if Y
possesses 50 percent or more of the beneficial interest in X). For this purpose, X is connected
to a company if X owns shares representing 50 percent or more of the aggregate voting power
and value of the company or 50 percent or more of the beneficial equity interest in the company.
X also is connected to Y if a third person possesses 50 percent or more of the beneficial interest
in both X and Y. For this purpose, if X or Y is a company, the threshold relationship with
respect to such company or companies is 50 percent or more of the aggregate voting power and
value or 50 percent or more of the beneficial equity interest. Finally, X is connected to Y if,
based upon all the facts and circumstances, X controls Y, Y controls X, or X and Y are
controlled by the same person or persons.
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4 provides that a resident of one of the States that is not entitled to the benefits
of the Convention as a result of paragraph 2 or 3 still may be granted benefits under the
Convention at the discretion of the competent authority of the State from which benefits are
nd circumstances, X controls Y, Y controls X, or X and Y are
controlled by the same person or persons.
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4 provides that a resident of one of the States that is not entitled to the benefits
of the Convention as a result of paragraph 2 or 3 still may be granted benefits under the
Convention at the discretion of the competent authority of the State from which benefits are
87
claimed. Under paragraph 4, that competent authority will determine whether the establishment,
acquisition or maintenance of the person seeking benefits under the Convention, or the conduct
of such person’s operations, has or had as one of its principal purposes the obtaining of benefits
under the Convention. Benefits will not be granted, however, solely because a company was
established prior to the effective date of a treaty or protocol. In that case a company would still
be required to establish to the satisfaction of the competent authority clear non-tax business
reasons for its formation in a Contracting State, or that the allowance of benefits would not
otherwise be contrary to the purposes of the treaty. Thus, persons that establish operations in one
of the States with a principal purpose of obtaining the benefits of the Convention ordinarily will
not be granted relief under paragraph 4.
The competent authority’s discretion is quite broad. It may grant all of the benefits of the
Convention to the taxpayer making the request, or it may grant only certain benefits. For
instance, it may grant benefits only with respect to a particular item of income in a manner
similar to paragraph 4. Further, the competent authority may establish conditions, such as setting
time limits on the duration of any relief granted.
For purposes of implementing paragraph 4, a taxpayer will be permitted to present his
case to the relevant competent authority for an advance determination based on the facts
benefits only with respect to a particular item of income in a manner
similar to paragraph 4. Further, the competent authority may establish conditions, such as setting
time limits on the duration of any relief granted.
For purposes of implementing paragraph 4, a taxpayer will be permitted to present his
case to the relevant competent authority for an advance determination based on the facts. In
these circumstances, it is also expected that, if the competent authority determines that benefits
are to be allowed, they will be allowed retroactively to the time of entry into force of the relevant
treaty provision or the establishment of the structure in question, whichever is later.
Finally, there may be cases in which a resident of a Contracting State may apply for
discretionary relief to the competent authority of his State of residence. This would arise, for
example, if the benefit the resident is claiming is provided by the residence State, and not by the
source State. So, for example, if a company that is a resident of the United States would like to
claim the benefit of the re-sourcing rule of paragraph 3 of Article 23, but it does not meet any of
the objective tests of this Article, it may apply to the U.S. competent authority for discretionary
relief.
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5 deals with the treatment of income in the context of a so-called “triangular
case.” An example of a triangular case would be a structure under which a resident of Chile
earns interest income from the United States. The resident of Chile, who is assumed to qualify
for benefits under one or more of the provisions of this Article, sets up a permanent
establishment in a third jurisdiction that imposes only a low rate of tax on the income of the
permanent establishment. The Chilean resident lends funds into the United States through the
permanent establishment. The permanent establishment, despite its third-jurisdiction location, is
an integral part of a Chilean resident
er one or more of the provisions of this Article, sets up a permanent
establishment in a third jurisdiction that imposes only a low rate of tax on the income of the
permanent establishment. The Chilean resident lends funds into the United States through the
permanent establishment. The permanent establishment, despite its third-jurisdiction location, is
an integral part of a Chilean resident. Therefore, the income that it earns on those loans, absent
the provisions of paragraph 5, is entitled to a reduced rate of withholding tax under the
Convention. Under a current Chilean income tax treaty with the host jurisdiction of the
permanent establishment, the income of the permanent establishment is exempt from Chilean tax
(alternatively, Chile may choose to exempt the income of the permanent establishment from
88
Chilean income tax by statute). In addition, the third jurisdiction may exempt the income of the
permanent establishment, for example by statute or ruling. Thus, the interest income is exempt
from U.S. tax, is subject to little tax in the host jurisdiction of the permanent establishment, and
is exempt from Chilean tax.
Paragraph 5 applies reciprocally. However, the United States does not exempt the profits
of a third-jurisdiction permanent establishment of a U.S. resident from U.S. tax, either by statute
or by treaty.
Paragraph 5 provides that the tax benefits that would otherwise apply under the
Convention will not apply to any item of income if the combined tax actually paid in the
residence State and the third state is less than 60 percent of the tax that would have been payable
in the residence State if the income were earned in that State by the enterprise and were not
attributable to the permanent establishment in the third state. In the case of dividends, interest
and royalties to which this paragraph applies, the withholding tax rates under the Convention are
replaced with a 15 percent withholding tax
less than 60 percent of the tax that would have been payable
in the residence State if the income were earned in that State by the enterprise and were not
attributable to the permanent establishment in the third state. In the case of dividends, interest
and royalties to which this paragraph applies, the withholding tax rates under the Convention are
replaced with a 15 percent withholding tax. Any other income to which the provisions of
paragraph 5 apply is subject to tax under the domestic law of the source State, notwithstanding
any other provisions of the Convention.
In general, the principles employed under Code section 954(b)(4) will be employed to
determine whether the profits are subject to an effective rate of taxation that is above the
specified threshold.
Notwithstanding the level of tax on interest and royalty income of the permanent
establishment, paragraph 5 will not apply under certain circumstances. In the case of royalties,
paragraph 5 will not apply if the royalties are received as compensation for the use of, or the
right to use, intangible property produced or developed by the permanent establishment itself. In
the case of any other income, paragraph 5 will not apply if that income is derived in connection
with, or is incidental to, the active conduct of a trade or business carried on by the permanent
establishment in the third state. The business of making, managing or simply holding
investments for the enterprise’s own account is not considered to be an active trade or business,
unless these are banking or securities activities carried on by a bank or registered securities
dealer.
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6 defines several key terms for purposes of Article 24. Each of the
defined terms is discussed above in the context in which it is used
ing, managing or simply holding
investments for the enterprise’s own account is not considered to be an active trade or business,
unless these are banking or securities activities carried on by a bank or registered securities
dealer.
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6 defines several key terms for purposes of Article 24. Each of the
defined terms is discussed above in the context in which it is used.
ARTICLE 25 (NON-DISCRIMINATION)
This Article ensures that nationals of a Contracting State, in the case of paragraph 1, and
residents of a Contracting State, in the case of paragraphs 2 through 4, will not be subject,
directly or indirectly, to discriminatory taxation in the other Contracting State. Not all
differences in tax treatment, either as between nationals of the two States, or between residents
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of the two States, are violations of the prohibition against discrimination. Rather, the non-
discrimination obligations of this Article apply only if the nationals or residents of the two States
are comparably situated.
Each of the relevant paragraphs of the Article provides that two persons that are
comparably situated must be treated similarly. Although the actual words differ from paragraph
to paragraph (e.g., paragraph 1 refers to two nationals “in the same circumstances,” paragraph 2
refers to two enterprises “carrying on the same activities” and paragraph 4 refers to two
companies that are “similar”), the common underlying premise is that if the difference in
treatment is directly related to a tax-relevant difference in the situations of the domestic and
foreign persons being compared, that difference is not to be treated as discriminatory (i.e., if one
person is taxable in a Contracting State on worldwide income and the other is not, or tax may be
collectible from one person at a later stage, but not from the other, distinctions in treatment
would be justified under paragraph 1)
a tax-relevant difference in the situations of the domestic and
foreign persons being compared, that difference is not to be treated as discriminatory (i.e., if one
person is taxable in a Contracting State on worldwide income and the other is not, or tax may be
collectible from one person at a later stage, but not from the other, distinctions in treatment
would be justified under paragraph 1). Other examples of such factors that can lead to non-
discriminatory differences in treatment are noted in the discussions of each paragraph.
The operative paragraphs of the Article also use different language to identify the kinds
of differences in taxation treatment that will be considered discriminatory. For example,
paragraphs 1 and 4 refer to any taxation that is more burdensome, while paragraph 2 specifies
that a tax “shall not be less favorably levied.” Regardless of these differences in language, only
differences in tax treatment that materially disadvantage the foreign person relative to the
domestic person are properly the subject of the Article.
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1 provides that a national of one Contracting State may not be subject to
taxation or connected requirements in the other Contracting State that are other or more
burdensome than the taxes and connected requirements imposed upon a national of that other
State in the same circumstances.
The term “national” in relation to a Contracting State is defined in subparagraph 1(i) of
Article 3 (General Definitions). The term includes both individuals and juridical persons.
A national of a Contracting State is afforded protection under this paragraph even if the national
is not a resident of either Contracting State. Thus, a U.S. citizen who is resident in a third
country is entitled under this paragraph to the same treatment in Chile as a national of Chile who
is in similar circumstances (i.e., presumably one who is resident in a third State)
uridical persons.
A national of a Contracting State is afforded protection under this paragraph even if the national
is not a resident of either Contracting State. Thus, a U.S. citizen who is resident in a third
country is entitled under this paragraph to the same treatment in Chile as a national of Chile who
is in similar circumstances (i.e., presumably one who is resident in a third State).
Paragraph 1 specifically states that a citizen or national of a Contracting State who is not
a resident of that Contracting State and a citizen or national of the other Contracting State who is
not a resident of the first-mentioned State are not in the same circumstances with respect to the
tax of that first-mentioned State. Thus, for example, the United States is not obligated to apply
the same taxing regime to a national of Chile who is not resident in the United States as it applies
to a U.S. national who is not resident in the United States. U.S. citizens who are not residents of
the United States but who are nevertheless subject to United States tax on their worldwide
income are not in the same circumstances with respect to United States taxation as citizens of
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Chile who are not United States residents. Accordingly, Article 25 would not entitle a national
of Chile resident in a third country to taxation at graduated rates on U.S. source dividends or
other investment income that applies to a U.S. citizen resident in the same third country.
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2 of the Article provides that a Contracting State may not tax a permanent
establishment of an enterprise of the other Contracting State less favorably than an enterprise of
that first-mentioned State that is carrying on the same activities.
The fact that a U.S. permanent establishment of an enterprise of Chile is subject to U.S.
tax only on income that is attributable to the permanent establishment, while a U.S
des that a Contracting State may not tax a permanent
establishment of an enterprise of the other Contracting State less favorably than an enterprise of
that first-mentioned State that is carrying on the same activities.
The fact that a U.S. permanent establishment of an enterprise of Chile is subject to U.S.
tax only on income that is attributable to the permanent establishment, while a U.S. corporation
engaged in the same activities is taxable on its worldwide income is not, in itself, a sufficient
difference to provide different treatment for the permanent establishment. There are cases,
however, where the two enterprises would not be similarly situated and differences in treatment
may be warranted. For instance, it would not be a violation of the non-discrimination protection
of paragraph 2 to require the foreign enterprise to provide information in a reasonable manner
that may be different from the information requirements imposed on a resident enterprise,
because information may not be as readily available to the Internal Revenue Service from a
foreign as from a domestic enterprise. Similarly, it would not be a violation of paragraph 2 to
impose penalties on persons who fail to comply with such a requirement (see, e.g., sections
874(a) and 882(c)(2)). Further, a determination that income and expenses have been attributed
or allocated to a permanent establishment in conformity with the principles of Article 7
(Business Profits) implies that the attribution or allocation was not discriminatory.
Code section 1446 imposes on any partnership with income that is effectively connected
with a U.S. trade or business the obligation to withhold tax on amounts allocable to a foreign
partner. In the context of the Convention, this obligation applies with respect to a share of the
partnership income of a partner resident in Chile, and attributable to a U.S. permanent
establishment. There is no similar obligation with respect to the distributive shares of U.S.
resident partners
with a U.S. trade or business the obligation to withhold tax on amounts allocable to a foreign
partner. In the context of the Convention, this obligation applies with respect to a share of the
partnership income of a partner resident in Chile, and attributable to a U.S. permanent
establishment. There is no similar obligation with respect to the distributive shares of U.S.
resident partners. It is understood, however, that this distinction is not a form of discrimination
within the meaning of paragraph 2 of the Article. No distinction is made between U.S. and non-
U.S. partnerships, since the law requires that partnerships of both U.S. and non-U.S. domicile
withhold tax in respect of the partnership shares of non-U.S. partners. Furthermore, in
distinguishing between U.S. and non-U.S. partners, the requirement to withhold on the non-U.S.
but not the U.S. partner’s share is not discriminatory taxation, but, like other withholding on
nonresident aliens, is merely a reasonable method for the collection of tax from persons who are
not continually present in the United States, and as to whom it otherwise may be difficult for the
United States to enforce its tax jurisdiction. If tax has been over-withheld, the partner can, as in
other cases of over-withholding, file for a refund.
Paragraph 2 also makes clear that the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2 do not obligate a
Contracting State to grant to a resident of the other Contracting State any tax allowances, reliefs,
etc., that it grants to its own residents on account of their civil status or family responsibilities.
Thus, if a sole proprietor who is a resident of Chile has a permanent establishment in the United
.
Paragraph 2 also makes clear that the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2 do not obligate a
Contracting State to grant to a resident of the other Contracting State any tax allowances, reliefs,
etc., that it grants to its own residents on account of their civil status or family responsibilities.
Thus, if a sole proprietor who is a resident of Chile has a permanent establishment in the United
91
States, in assessing income tax on the profits attributable to the permanent establishment, the
United States is not obligated to allow to the resident of Chile the personal allowances for
himself and his family that he would be permitted to take if the permanent establishment were a
sole proprietorship owned and operated by a U.S. resident, despite the fact that the individual
income tax rates would apply.
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3 prohibits discrimination in the allowance of deductions. When a resident or
an enterprise of a Contracting State pays interest, royalties or other disbursements to a resident of
the other Contracting State, the first-mentioned Contracting State must allow a deduction for
those payments in computing the taxable profits of the resident or enterprise as if the payment
had been made under the same conditions to a resident of the first-mentioned Contracting State.
Paragraph 3, however, does not require a Contracting State to give nonresidents more favorable
treatment than it gives to its own residents. Consequently, a Contracting State does not have to
allow nonresidents a deduction for items that are not deductible under its domestic law (for
example, expenses of a capital nature).
The term “other disbursements” is understood to include a reasonable allocation of
executive and general administrative expenses, research and development expenses, and other
expenses incurred for the benefit of a group of related persons that includes the person incurring
the expense
ction for items that are not deductible under its domestic law (for
example, expenses of a capital nature).
The term “other disbursements” is understood to include a reasonable allocation of
executive and general administrative expenses, research and development expenses, and other
expenses incurred for the benefit of a group of related persons that includes the person incurring
the expense.
An exception to the rule of paragraph 3 is provided for cases where the provisions of
paragraph 1 of Article 9 (Associated Enterprises), paragraph 8 of Article 11 (Interest) or para-
graph 6 of Article 12 (Royalties) apply. All of these provisions permit the denial of deductions
in certain circumstances in respect of transactions between related persons. Neither State is
forced to apply the non-discrimination principle in such cases. The exception with respect to
paragraph 8 of Article 11 would include the denial or deferral of certain interest deductions
under Code section 163(j).
Paragraph 3 also provides that any debts of an enterprise of a Contracting State to a
resident of the other Contracting State are deductible in the first-mentioned Contracting State for
purposes of computing the capital tax of the enterprise under the same conditions as if the debt
had been contracted to a resident of the first-mentioned Contracting State. This provision is
relevant for both States as the Convention covers taxes on income and capital, and under para-
graph 6 of this Article, the nondiscrimination provisions apply to all taxes levied in both
Contracting States at all levels of government. In the United States such taxes frequently are
imposed by local governments and the same may be true in the case of Chile
d Contracting State. This provision is
relevant for both States as the Convention covers taxes on income and capital, and under para-
graph 6 of this Article, the nondiscrimination provisions apply to all taxes levied in both
Contracting States at all levels of government. In the United States such taxes frequently are
imposed by local governments and the same may be true in the case of Chile.
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4 requires that a Contracting State not impose more burdensome taxation on a
company that is a resident of that State the capital of which is wholly or partly owned or
controlled, directly or indirectly, by one or more residents of the other Contracting State than the
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taxation that it imposes or may impose on other similar companies of that first-mentioned
Contracting State. For this purpose it is understood that “similar” refers to similar activities or
ownership of the company.
This rule, like all non-discrimination provisions, does not prohibit differing treatment of
entities that are in differing circumstances. Rather, a protected enterprise is only required to be
treated in the same manner as other enterprises that, from the point of view of the application of
the tax law, are in substantially similar circumstances both in law and in fact. The taxation of a
distributing corporation under section 367(e) on an applicable distribution to foreign
shareholders does not violate paragraph 4 of the Article because a foreign-owned corporation is
not similar to a domestically-owned corporation that is accorded non-recognition treatment under
sections 337 and 355.
For the reasons given above in connection with the discussion of paragraph 2 of the
Article, it is also understood that the provision in Code section 1446 for withholding of tax on
non-U.S. partners does not violate paragraph 4 of the Article.
It is further understood that the ineligibility of a U.S
-owned corporation that is accorded non-recognition treatment under
sections 337 and 355.
For the reasons given above in connection with the discussion of paragraph 2 of the
Article, it is also understood that the provision in Code section 1446 for withholding of tax on
non-U.S. partners does not violate paragraph 4 of the Article.
It is further understood that the ineligibility of a U.S. corporation with nonresident alien
shareholders to make an election to be an “S” corporation does not violate paragraph 4 of the
Article. If a corporation elects to be an S corporation, it is generally not subject to income tax
and the shareholders take into account their pro rata shares of the corporation's items of income,
loss, deduction or credit. A nonresident alien does not pay U.S. tax on a net basis, and, thus,
does not generally take into account items of loss, deduction or credit. Thus, the S corporation
provisions do not exclude corporations with nonresident alien shareholders because such
shareholders are foreign, but only because they are not net-basis taxpayers. Similarly, the
provisions exclude corporations with other types of shareholders where the purpose of the
provisions cannot be fulfilled or their mechanics implemented. For example, corporations with
corporate shareholders are excluded because the purpose of the provision to permit individuals to
conduct a business in corporate form at individual tax rates would not be furthered by their
inclusion.
Finally, it is understood that paragraph 4 does not require a Contracting State to allow
foreign corporations to join in filing a consolidated return with a domestic corporation or to
allow similar benefits between domestic and foreign enterprises
of the provision to permit individuals to
conduct a business in corporate form at individual tax rates would not be furthered by their
inclusion.
Finally, it is understood that paragraph 4 does not require a Contracting State to allow
foreign corporations to join in filing a consolidated return with a domestic corporation or to
allow similar benefits between domestic and foreign enterprises.
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5 of the Article confirms that no provision of the Article will prevent either
Contracting State from imposing the branch profits tax described in paragraph 7 of Article 10
(Dividends) or the branch level interest tax described in paragraph 10 of Article 11 (Interest).
Paragraph 6
As noted above, notwithstanding the specification of taxes covered by the Convention in
Article 2 (Taxes Covered) for general purposes, for purposes of providing nondiscrimination
93
protection this Article applies to taxes of every kind and description imposed by a Contracting
State or a political subdivision or local authority thereof. However, in the case of taxes not
covered by the Convention, the provisions of this Article shall not apply to any taxation laws of a
Contracting State that were in force on February 4, 2010, the date of signature of the Convention.
Customs duties are not considered to be taxes for purposes of this Article.
Relationship to Other Articles
The saving clause of paragraph 4 of the Protocol does not apply to this Article by virtue
of the exception for Article 25 in that paragraph. Thus, for example, a U.S. citizen who is a
resident of Chile may claim benefits in the United States under this Article.
Nationals of a Contracting State may claim the benefits of paragraph 1 regardless of
whether they are entitled to benefits under Article 24 (Limitation on Benefits), because that
paragraph applies to nationals and not residents
xception for Article 25 in that paragraph. Thus, for example, a U.S. citizen who is a
resident of Chile may claim benefits in the United States under this Article.
Nationals of a Contracting State may claim the benefits of paragraph 1 regardless of
whether they are entitled to benefits under Article 24 (Limitation on Benefits), because that
paragraph applies to nationals and not residents. They may not claim the benefits of the other
paragraphs of this Article with respect to an item of income unless they are generally entitled to
treaty benefits with respect to that income under a provision of Article 24.
ARTICLE 26 (MUTUAL AGREEMENT PROCEDURE)
This Article provides the mechanism for taxpayers to bring to the attention of competent
authorities issues and problems that may arise under the Convention. It also provides the
authority for cooperation between the competent authorities of the Contracting States to resolve
disputes and clarify issues that may arise under the Convention and to resolve cases of double
taxation not provided for in the Convention. The competent authorities of the two Contracting
States are identified in subparagraph 1(h) of Article 3 (General Definitions).
Paragraph 1
This paragraph provides that, where a resident of a Contracting State considers that the
actions of one or both Contracting States will result in taxation that is not in accordance with the
Convention, he may present his case to the competent authority of the Contracting State of which
he is resident, or, if his case comes under paragraph 1 of Article 25 (Non-Discrimination), to the
competent authority of the State of which he is a national.
Although the most common cases brought under this paragraph will involve economic
double taxation arising from transfer pricing adjustments, the scope of this paragraph is not
limited to such cases
y of the Contracting State of which
he is resident, or, if his case comes under paragraph 1 of Article 25 (Non-Discrimination), to the
competent authority of the State of which he is a national.
Although the most common cases brought under this paragraph will involve economic
double taxation arising from transfer pricing adjustments, the scope of this paragraph is not
limited to such cases. For example, a taxpayer could request assistance from the competent
authority if one Contracting State determines that the taxpayer has received deferred
compensation taxable at source under Article 15 (Dependent Personal Services), while the
taxpayer believes that such income should be treated as a pension that is taxable only in his
country of residence pursuant to Article 18 (Pensions, Social Security, Alimony and Child
Support).
94
It is not necessary for a person requesting assistance first to have exhausted the remedies
provided under the national laws of the Contracting States before presenting a case to the
competent authorities, nor does the fact that the statute of limitations may have passed for
seeking a refund preclude bringing a case to the competent authority. The case must be
presented within three years from the first notification of the action resulting in taxation not in
accordance with the provisions of the Convention.
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2 sets out the framework within which the competent authorities will deal with
cases brought by taxpayers under paragraph 1. It provides that, if the competent authority of the
Contracting State to which the case is presented judges the case to have merit and cannot reach a
unilateral solution, it shall seek an agreement with the competent authority of the other
Contracting State pursuant to which taxation not in accordance with the Convention will be
avoided
deal with
cases brought by taxpayers under paragraph 1. It provides that, if the competent authority of the
Contracting State to which the case is presented judges the case to have merit and cannot reach a
unilateral solution, it shall seek an agreement with the competent authority of the other
Contracting State pursuant to which taxation not in accordance with the Convention will be
avoided.
Any agreement is to be implemented even if such implementation otherwise would be
barred by the statute of limitations or by some other procedural limitation, such as a closing
agreement. Paragraph 2, however, does not prevent the application of domestic-law procedural
limitations that give effect to the agreement (e.g., a domestic-law requirement that the taxpayer
file a return reflecting the agreement within one year of the date of the agreement).
Where the taxpayer has entered a closing agreement (or other written settlement) with
the United States before bringing a case to the competent authorities, the U.S. competent
authority will endeavor only to obtain a correlative adjustment from Chile. See Rev. Proc. 2006-
54, 2006-49 I.R.B. 1035, § 7.05. Because, as specified in paragraph 2 of the Protocol, the
Convention cannot operate to increase a taxpayer’s liability, temporal or other procedural
limitations can be overridden only for the purpose of making refunds and not to impose
additional tax.
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3 authorizes the competent authorities to resolve by mutual agreement any
difficulties or doubts that may arise as to the application or interpretation of the Convention.
The competent authorities may, for example, agree to the same allocation of income,
deductions, credits or allowances between an enterprise in one Contracting State and its
permanent establishment in the other or between related persons. These allocations are to be
made in accordance with the arm’s length principle underlying Article 7 (Business Profits) and
Article 9 (Associated Enterprises)
The competent authorities may, for example, agree to the same allocation of income,
deductions, credits or allowances between an enterprise in one Contracting State and its
permanent establishment in the other or between related persons. These allocations are to be
made in accordance with the arm’s length principle underlying Article 7 (Business Profits) and
Article 9 (Associated Enterprises). Agreements reached under Article 26 may include agreement
on a methodology for determining an appropriate transfer price, on an acceptable range of results
under that methodology, or on a common treatment of a taxpayer’s cost sharing arrangement.
95
The competent authorities also may agree to settle a variety of conflicting applications of
the Convention. They may agree to settle conflicts regarding the characterization of particular
items of income, the characterization of persons, the application of source rules to particular
items of income, the meaning of a term, or the timing of an item of income.
The competent authorities also may agree as to advance pricing arrangements. They also
may agree as to the application of the provisions of domestic law regarding penalties, fines, and
interest in a manner consistent with the purposes of the Convention.
The competent authorities may also, for example, seek agreement on a uniform set of
standards for the use of exchange rates. Agreements reached by the competent authorities under
paragraph 3 need not conform to the internal law provisions of either Contracting State.
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4 provides that the competent authorities may communicate with each other
for the purpose of reaching an agreement. This makes clear that the competent authorities of the
two Contracting States may communicate without going through diplomatic channels. Such
communication may be in various forms, including, where appropriate, through face-to-face
meetings of representatives of the competent authorities
that the competent authorities may communicate with each other
for the purpose of reaching an agreement. This makes clear that the competent authorities of the
two Contracting States may communicate without going through diplomatic channels. Such
communication may be in various forms, including, where appropriate, through face-to-face
meetings of representatives of the competent authorities.
Paragraph 6 of the 2010 Exchange of Notes
The competent authorities, through consultations, shall develop appropriate bilateral
procedures, conditions, methods, and techniques for the implementation of the mutual agreement
procedure provided in Article 26. Each competent authority may, in addition, develop unilateral
procedures to facilitate the bilateral implementation of the mutual agreement procedure. For
guidance in developing such bilateral implementation, the competent authorities will refer to the
Best Practices identified in the OECD Manual on Effective Mutual Agreement Procedures.
Treaty termination in relation to competent authority dispute resolution
A case may be raised by a taxpayer after the Convention has been terminated with respect
to a year for which a treaty was in force. In such a case the ability of the competent authorities to
act is limited. They may not exchange confidential information, nor may they reach a solution
that varies from that specified in its law.
Triangular competent authority solutions
International tax cases may involve more than two taxing jurisdictions (e.g., transactions
among a parent corporation resident in country A and its subsidiaries resident in countries B and
C). As long as there is a complete network of treaties among the three countries, it should be
possible, under the full combination of bilateral authorities, for the competent authorities of the
three States to work together on a three-sided solution. Although country A may not be able to
tions
among a parent corporation resident in country A and its subsidiaries resident in countries B and
C). As long as there is a complete network of treaties among the three countries, it should be
possible, under the full combination of bilateral authorities, for the competent authorities of the
three States to work together on a three-sided solution. Although country A may not be able to
96
give information received under Article 27 (Exchange of Information) from country B to the
authorities of country C, if the competent authorities of the three countries are working together,
it should not be a problem for them to arrange for the authorities of country B to give the
necessary information directly to the tax authorities of country C, as well as to those of country
A. Each bilateral part of the trilateral solution must, of course, not exceed the scope of the
authority of the competent authorities under the relevant bilateral treaty.
Relationship to Other Articles
This Article is not subject to the saving clause of paragraph 4 of the Protocol by virtue of
the exception in subparagraph 4(a) of the Protocol. Thus, rules, definitions, procedures, etc., that
are agreed upon by the competent authorities under this Article may be applied by the United
States with respect to its citizens and residents even if they differ from the comparable Code
provisions. Similarly, as indicated above, U.S. law may be overridden to provide refunds of tax
to a U.S. citizen or resident under this Article. A person may seek relief under Article 26
regardless of whether he is generally entitled to benefits under Article 24 (Limitation on
Benefits). As in all other cases, the competent authority is vested with the discretion to decide
whether the claim for relief is justified.
ARTICLE 27 (EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION)
This Article provides for the exchange of information between the competent authorities
of the Contracting States
e 26
regardless of whether he is generally entitled to benefits under Article 24 (Limitation on
Benefits). As in all other cases, the competent authority is vested with the discretion to decide
whether the claim for relief is justified.
ARTICLE 27 (EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION)
This Article provides for the exchange of information between the competent authorities
of the Contracting States.
Paragraph 1
The obligation to obtain and provide information to the other Contracting State is set out
in paragraph 1. The information to be exchanged is that which is foreseeably relevant for
carrying out the provisions of the Convention or the domestic laws of the United States or Chile
concerning taxes of every kind applied at the national level. This language is consistent with the
standard of the U.S. and OECD Models. The parties intend for the phrase “is foreseeably
relevant” to be interpreted to permit the exchange of information that “may be relevant” for
purposes of Code section 7602, which authorizes the IRS to examine “any books, papers,
records, or other data which may be relevant or material” (emphasis added). In United States v.
Arthur Young & Co., 465 U.S. 805, 814 (1984), the Supreme Court stated that the language
“may be” reflects Congress’s express intention to allow the IRS to obtain “items of even
potential relevance to an ongoing investigation, without reference to its admissibility.”
However, the language “may be” would not support a request in which a Contracting State
simply asked for information regarding all bank accounts maintained by residents of that
Contracting State in the other Contracting State. Thus, the language of paragraph 1 is intended
to provide for the exchange of information in tax matters to the widest extent possible, while
clarifying that Contracting States are not at liberty to engage in “fishing expeditions” or
otherwise to request information that is unlikely to be relevant to the tax affairs of a given
taxpayer.
hat
Contracting State in the other Contracting State. Thus, the language of paragraph 1 is intended
to provide for the exchange of information in tax matters to the widest extent possible, while
clarifying that Contracting States are not at liberty to engage in “fishing expeditions” or
otherwise to request information that is unlikely to be relevant to the tax affairs of a given
taxpayer.
97
Exchange of information with respect to each State’s domestic law is authorized to the
extent that taxation under domestic law is not contrary to the Convention. Thus, for example,
information may be exchanged with respect to a covered tax, even if the transaction to which the
information relates is a purely domestic transaction in the requesting State and, therefore, the
exchange is not made to carry out the Convention. An example of such a case is provided in
paragraph 8(b) of the OECD Commentary: a company resident in one Contracting State and a
company resident in the other Contracting State transact business between themselves through a
third-country resident company. Neither Contracting State has a treaty with the third State. To
enforce their internal laws with respect to transactions of their residents with the third-country
company (since there is no relevant treaty in force), the Contracting States may exchange
information regarding the prices that their residents paid in their transactions with the third-
country resident.
Paragraph 1 clarifies that information may be exchanged that relates to the assessment or
collection of, the enforcement or prosecution in respect of, or the determination of appeals in
relation to the taxes covered by the Convention. Thus, the competent authorities may request
and provide information for cases under examination or criminal investigation, in collection, on
appeals, or under prosecution
1 clarifies that information may be exchanged that relates to the assessment or
collection of, the enforcement or prosecution in respect of, or the determination of appeals in
relation to the taxes covered by the Convention. Thus, the competent authorities may request
and provide information for cases under examination or criminal investigation, in collection, on
appeals, or under prosecution.
The taxes covered by the Convention for purposes of this Article constitute a broader
category of taxes than those referred to in Article 2 (Taxes Covered). Exchange of information
is authorized with respect to taxes of every kind imposed by a Contracting State at the national
level. Accordingly, information may be exchanged with respect to U.S. estate and gift taxes and
excise taxes.
Information exchange is not restricted by paragraph 1 of Article 1 (General Scope).
Accordingly, information may be requested and provided under Article 27 with respect to
persons who are not residents of either Contracting State. For example, if a third-country
resident has a permanent establishment in Chile, and that permanent establishment engages in
transactions with a U.S. enterprise, the United States could request information with respect to
that permanent establishment, even though the third-country resident is not a resident of either
Contracting State. Similarly, if a third-country resident maintains a bank account in Chile, and
the Internal Revenue Service has reason to believe that funds in that account should have been
reported for U.S. tax purposes but have not been so reported, information can be requested from
Chile with respect to that person’s account, even though that person is not the taxpayer under
examination.
Although the term “United States” does not encompass U.S. possessions for most
purposes of the Convention, Code section 7651 authorizes the Internal Revenue Service to utilize
the provisions of the Code to obtain information from the U.S
so reported, information can be requested from
Chile with respect to that person’s account, even though that person is not the taxpayer under
examination.
Although the term “United States” does not encompass U.S. possessions for most
purposes of the Convention, Code section 7651 authorizes the Internal Revenue Service to utilize
the provisions of the Code to obtain information from the U.S. possessions pursuant to a proper
request made under Article 27. If necessary to obtain requested information, the Internal
Revenue Service could issue and enforce an administrative summons to the taxpayer, a tax
authority (or a government agency in a U.S. possession), or a third party located in a U.S.
possession.
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Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2 provides assurances that any information exchanged will be treated as secret,
subject to the same disclosure constraints as information obtained under the laws of the
requesting State. Information received may be disclosed only to persons or authorities, including
courts and administrative bodies, involved in the assessment, collection, or administration of, the
enforcement or prosecution in respect of, or the determination of the of appeals in relation to, the
taxes covered by the Convention. The information must be used by these persons in connection
with the specified functions. Information may also be disclosed to legislative bodies, such as the
tax-writing committees of Congress and the Government Accountability Office, engaged in the
oversight of the preceding activities. Information received by these bodies must be for use in the
performance of their role in overseeing the administration of U.S. tax laws. Information received
may be disclosed in public court proceedings or in judicial decisions
to legislative bodies, such as the
tax-writing committees of Congress and the Government Accountability Office, engaged in the
oversight of the preceding activities. Information received by these bodies must be for use in the
performance of their role in overseeing the administration of U.S. tax laws. Information received
may be disclosed in public court proceedings or in judicial decisions.
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3 provides that the obligations undertaken in paragraphs 1 and 2 to exchange
information do not require a Contracting State to carry out administrative measures that are at
variance with the laws or administrative practice of either State. Nor is a Contracting State
required to supply information not obtainable under the laws or administrative practice of either
State, or to disclose trade secrets or other information, the disclosure of which would be contrary
to public policy.
Thus, a requesting State may be denied information from the other State if the
information would be obtained pursuant to procedures or measures that are broader than those
available in the requesting State. However, the statute of limitations of the Contracting State
making the request for information should govern a request for information. Thus, the
Contracting State of which the request is made should attempt to obtain the information even if
its own statute of limitations has passed. In many cases, relevant information will still exist in
the business records of the taxpayer or a third party, even though it is no longer required to be
kept for domestic tax purposes.
While paragraph 3 states conditions under which a Contracting State is not obligated to
comply with a request from the other Contracting State for information, the requested State is not
precluded from providing such information, and may, at its discretion, do so subject to the
limitations of its domestic law
party, even though it is no longer required to be
kept for domestic tax purposes.
While paragraph 3 states conditions under which a Contracting State is not obligated to
comply with a request from the other Contracting State for information, the requested State is not
precluded from providing such information, and may, at its discretion, do so subject to the
limitations of its domestic law.
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4 provides that when information is requested by a Contracting State in
accordance with this Article, the other Contracting State is obligated to obtain the requested
information as if the tax in question were the tax of the requested State, even if that State has no
direct tax interest in the case to which the request relates. In the absence of such a paragraph,
some taxpayers have argued that subparagraph 3(a) prevents a Contracting State from requesting
information from a bank or fiduciary that the Contracting State does not need for its own tax
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purposes. This paragraph clarifies that paragraph 3 does not impose such a restriction and that a
Contracting State is not limited to providing only the information that it already has in its own
files.
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5 provides that a Contracting State may not decline to provide information
because that information is held by a bank, other financial institution, nominee or person acting
in an agency or fiduciary capacity or because it related to ownership interests in a person. Thus,
paragraph 5 would effectively prevent a Contracting State from relying on paragraph 3 to argue
that its domestic bank secrecy laws (or similar legislation relating to the disclosure of financial
information by financial institutions or intermediaries) override its obligation to provide
information under paragraph 1. This paragraph also requires the disclosure of information
regarding the beneficial owner of an interest in a person, such as the identity of a beneficial
owner of bearer shares
its domestic bank secrecy laws (or similar legislation relating to the disclosure of financial
information by financial institutions or intermediaries) override its obligation to provide
information under paragraph 1. This paragraph also requires the disclosure of information
regarding the beneficial owner of an interest in a person, such as the identity of a beneficial
owner of bearer shares.
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6 provides that the requesting State may specify the form in which information
is to be provided (e.g., depositions of witnesses and authenticated copies of unedited original
documents). The intention is to ensure that the information may be introduced as evidence in the
judicial proceedings of the requesting State. The requested State shall provide the information in
the form requested to the same extent that it can obtain information in that form under its own
laws and administrative practices with respect to its own taxes.
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7 states that the competent authorities of the Contracting States will consult
with each other for the purpose of cooperating and advising in respect of any action to be taken
in implementing this Article. For example, the competent authorities may develop an agreement
upon the mode of application of the Article, and may also agree on specific procedures and
timetables for the exchange of information. In particular, the competent authorities may agree on
minimum thresholds regarding tax at stake or take other measures aimed at ensuring some
measure of reciprocity with respect to the overall exchange of information between the
Contracting States
n agreement
upon the mode of application of the Article, and may also agree on specific procedures and
timetables for the exchange of information. In particular, the competent authorities may agree on
minimum thresholds regarding tax at stake or take other measures aimed at ensuring some
measure of reciprocity with respect to the overall exchange of information between the
Contracting States.
Paragraph 7 of the 2010 Exchange of Notes
With regard to on-site interviews and examinations of books and records, paragraph 7 of
the 2010 Exchange of Notes provides that the applicant State will notify the requested State
when the applicant State has obtained the consent of persons to be interviewed by officials of the
applicant State or for such officials to examine books and records in the possession or control of
such consenting persons. Following such interview or examination of books and records, the
applicant State may request information or documents related to such interview or examination
under Article 27.
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Treaty effective dates and termination in relation to exchange of information
Under paragraph 3 of Article 29 (Entry into Force), Article 27 will be effective from the
date of entry into force, and, the competent authority may seek information under the Convention
without regard to the taxable period to which the matter relates, i.e., such period may be prior to
the date of entry into force of the Convention. However, paragraph 20 of the Protocol, as
amended by the 2012 Exchange of Notes, provides that, notwithstanding paragraph 3 of Article
29, information covered by paragraph 5 of Article 27, to the extent such information is covered
by Article 1 of DFL No. 707 and Article 154 of DFL No. 3 of Chile, shall be available only with
respect to bank account transactions that take place on or after January 1, 2010. Other bank
information such as signature cards and other account opening documents may be exchanged
without regard to the time they were created
by paragraph 5 of Article 27, to the extent such information is covered
by Article 1 of DFL No. 707 and Article 154 of DFL No. 3 of Chile, shall be available only with
respect to bank account transactions that take place on or after January 1, 2010. Other bank
information such as signature cards and other account opening documents may be exchanged
without regard to the time they were created.
A tax administration may also seek information with respect to a year for which the
Convention was in force after the Convention has been terminated. In such a case, the ability of
the other tax administration to act is limited. The Convention no longer provides authority for
the tax administrations to exchange confidential information. They may only exchange
information pursuant to domestic law or other international agreement or arrangement.
ARTICLE 28 (MEMBERS OF DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS AND CONSULAR POSTS)
This Article confirms that any fiscal privileges to which diplomatic or consular officials
are entitled under general provisions of international law or under special agreements will apply
notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in the Convention. The agreements referred to
include any bilateral agreements, such as consular conventions, that affect the taxation of
diplomats and consular officials and any multilateral agreements dealing with these issues, such
as the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular
Relations. The United States generally adheres to the latter because its terms are consistent with
customary international law.
The Article does not independently provide any benefits to diplomatic agents and
consular officers. Article 19 (Government Service) does so, as do Code section 893 and a
number of bilateral and multilateral agreements
ations and the Vienna Convention on Consular
Relations. The United States generally adheres to the latter because its terms are consistent with
customary international law.
The Article does not independently provide any benefits to diplomatic agents and
consular officers. Article 19 (Government Service) does so, as do Code section 893 and a
number of bilateral and multilateral agreements. In the event that there is a conflict between the
Convention and international law or such other treaties, under which the diplomatic agent or
consular official is entitled to greater benefits under the latter, the latter laws or agreements shall
have precedence. Conversely, if the Convention confers a greater benefit than another
agreement, the affected person could claim the benefit of the tax treaty.
Pursuant to subparagraph 4(b) of the Protocol, the saving clause of paragraph 4 of the
Protocol does not apply to override any benefits of this Article available to an individual who
neither is a U.S. citizen nor has been admitted for permanent residence in the United States.
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ARTICLE 29 (ENTRY INTO FORCE)
This Article contains the rules for bringing the Convention into force and giving effect to
its provisions.
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1 provides for the ratification of the Convention by both Contracting States
according to their constitutional and statutory requirements. The Contracting States will notify
each other in writing, through diplomatic channels, when their respective applicable procedures
have been satisfied.
In the United States, the process leading to ratification and entry into force is as follows:
Once a treaty has been signed by authorized representatives of the two Contracting States, the
Department of State sends the treaty to the President who formally transmits it to the Senate for
its advice and consent to ratification, which requires approval by two-thirds of the Senators
present and voting
he United States, the process leading to ratification and entry into force is as follows:
Once a treaty has been signed by authorized representatives of the two Contracting States, the
Department of State sends the treaty to the President who formally transmits it to the Senate for
its advice and consent to ratification, which requires approval by two-thirds of the Senators
present and voting. Prior to this vote, however, it generally has been the practice for the Senate
Committee on Foreign Relations to hold hearings on the treaty and make a recommendation
regarding its approval to the full Senate. Both Government and private sector witnesses may
testify at these hearings. After the Senate gives its advice and consent to ratification of the
treaty, an instrument of ratification is drafted for the President’s signature. The
President's signature completes the process in the United States.
Paragraph 2
The first sentence of paragraph 2 provides that the Convention will enter into force on the
date of the later of the notifications referred to in paragraph 1. The relevant date is the date on
the second of these notification documents, and not the date on which the second notification is
provided to the other Contracting State.
The date on which a treaty enters into force is not necessarily the date on which its
provisions take effect. Paragraph 2, therefore, also contains rules that determine when the
provisions of the treaty will have effect.
Under subparagraph 2(a), the Convention will have effect with respect to taxes withheld
at source, for amounts paid or credited on or after the first day of the second month following the
date on which the Convention enters into force. For example, if the date of the second of the
notification documents referred to in paragraph 1 is April 25 of a given year, the withholding
rates specified in paragraph 2 of Article 10 (Dividends) would be applicable to any dividends
paid or credited on or after June 1 of that year
ted on or after the first day of the second month following the
date on which the Convention enters into force. For example, if the date of the second of the
notification documents referred to in paragraph 1 is April 25 of a given year, the withholding
rates specified in paragraph 2 of Article 10 (Dividends) would be applicable to any dividends
paid or credited on or after June 1 of that year. This rule allows the benefits of the withholding
reductions to be put into effect as soon as possible, without waiting until the following year. The
delay of one to two months is required to allow sufficient time for withholding agents to be
informed about the change in withholding rates. If for some reason a withholding agent
withholds at a higher rate than that provided by the Convention (perhaps because it was not able
to re-program its computers before the payment is made), a beneficial owner of the income that
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is a resident of the other Contracting State may make a claim for refund pursuant to Code section
1464.
For all other taxes, subparagraph 2(b) specifies that the Convention will have effect for
any taxable period beginning on or after January 1 of the calendar year immediately following
the date on which the Convention enters into force.
Paragraph 3
As discussed under Article 27 (Exchange of Information), the powers afforded the
competent authority under that Article apply from the date of entry into force of the Convention,
regardless of the taxable period to which the matter relates. Paragraph 20 of the Protocol, as
amended by the 2012 Exchange of Notes, provides that notwithstanding paragraph 3 of Article
29, information covered by paragraph 5 of Article 27, to the extent that such information is
covered by Article 1 of DFL No. 707 and Article 154 of DFL No. 3 of Chile, shall be available
only with respect to bank account transactions that take place on or after January 1, 2010
aph 20 of the Protocol, as
amended by the 2012 Exchange of Notes, provides that notwithstanding paragraph 3 of Article
29, information covered by paragraph 5 of Article 27, to the extent that such information is
covered by Article 1 of DFL No. 707 and Article 154 of DFL No. 3 of Chile, shall be available
only with respect to bank account transactions that take place on or after January 1, 2010. Other
bank information such as signature cards and other account opening documents may be
exchanged without regard to the time they were created.
ARTICLE 30 (TERMINATION)
Paragraph 1 provides that the Convention is to remain in effect indefinitely, unless
terminated by one of the Contracting States in accordance with the provisions of Article 30.
Either State may terminate the Convention by giving to the other State a notice of termination in
writing through diplomatic channels on or before the thirtieth day of June in any calendar year
beginning after the year in which the Convention enters into force. Under subparagraph 2(a), if
notice of termination is so given, the provisions of the Convention with respect to taxes withheld
at source will cease to have effect for amounts paid or credited on or after January 1 of the
calendar year immediately following the date on which such notice is given. Under
subparagraph 2(b), with respect to other taxes, the Convention will cease to have effect for
taxable periods beginning on or after January 1 of the calendar year immediately following the
date on which such notice is given. Under subparagraph 2(c), with respect to provisions of the
Convention not covered by subparagraph 2(a) or 2(b), the Convention will cease to have effect
on January 1 of the calendar year immediately following the date on which the notice is given.
Article 30 relates only to unilateral termination of the Convention by a Contracting State
tely following the
date on which such notice is given. Under subparagraph 2(c), with respect to provisions of the
Convention not covered by subparagraph 2(a) or 2(b), the Convention will cease to have effect
on January 1 of the calendar year immediately following the date on which the notice is given.
Article 30 relates only to unilateral termination of the Convention by a Contracting State.
Nothing in that Article should be construed as preventing the Contracting States from concluding
a new bilateral agreement, subject to ratification, that supersedes, amends or terminates provi-
sions of the Convention without the six-month notification period.
Customary international law observed by the United States and other countries, as
reflected in the Vienna Convention on Treaties, allows termination by one Contracting State at
any time in the event of a “material breach” of the agreement by the other Contracting State.
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OTHER
Paragraph 21 of the Protocol
Paragraph 21 of the Protocol provides a rule regarding the taxation by Chile of certain
remittances from pooled investment accounts (such as those established under the Foreign
Capital Investment Fund Law No. 18.657, as it may be amended from time to time without
changing the general principles thereof). Nothing in the Convention shall restrict the imposition
by Chile of tax on remittances from such funds if the fund is required to be administered by a
resident of Chile, although the imposition of remittance tax is only permitted in respect of
investment in assets situated in Chile. The current tax imposed by Chile on remittances from
such funds is 10 percent.
Paragraph 22 of the Protocol
Paragraph 22 of the Protocol provides that the United States and Chile will consult
together regarding the terms, operation and application of the Convention to ensure that it
continues to serve the purposes of avoiding double taxation and preventing fiscal evasion
tuated in Chile. The current tax imposed by Chile on remittances from
such funds is 10 percent.
Paragraph 22 of the Protocol
Paragraph 22 of the Protocol provides that the United States and Chile will consult
together regarding the terms, operation and application of the Convention to ensure that it
continues to serve the purposes of avoiding double taxation and preventing fiscal evasion. Either
Contracting State may at any time request that such consultations be conducted expeditiously on
matters relating to the terms, operation and application of the Convention which it considers
require urgent resolution. The first such consultation in any event will take place within five
years of the date on which the Convention enters into force. The Protocol also provides that the
United States and Chile will conclude further protocols to amend the Convention, if appropriate.
In addition, as explained earlier, paragraph 22 of the Protocol provides that if Chile concludes an
income tax treaty with another state that imposes a withholding rate limitation on payments of
interest or royalties lower than the limits imposed under paragraph 2 of Article 11 (Interest) or
paragraph 2 of Article 12 (Royalties) or that contains terms that further limit the right of the
source State to tax capital gains under Article 13 (Capital Gains), the United States and Chile
will, at the request of the United States, consult to reassess the balance of benefits of the
Convention with a view to concluding a protocol to incorporate such lower rates or limiting
terms into the Convention.