U.S.-India Income Tax Treaty
U.S.-India Income Tax Treaty
Length: 21,760 wordsOfficial source
TREATIES AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL ACTS SERIES 90-1218
TAXATION
Conve
Convention
ntion Bet
Betwee
ween th
the
UNITE
UNITED STA
STATES
TES OF
OF AMER
AMERICA
ICA
an
and IND
INDIA
IA
Signed at New Delhi September 12, 1989
with
Related Protocol
Exchanges of Notes
and
Memorandum of Understanding
________________________________________________________________________
TREATIES AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL ACTS SERIES 90-1218
TAXATION
Convention Between the
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
and INDIA
Signed at New Delhi September 12, 1989
with
Related Protocol
Exchanges of Notes
and
Memorandum of Understanding
NOTE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Pursuant to Public Law 89—497, approved July 8, 1966
(80 Stat. 271; 1 U.S.C. 113)—
“. . .the Treaties and Other International Acts Series issued
under the authority of the Secretary of State shall be competent
evidence . . . of the treaties, international agreements other than
treaties, and proclamations by the President of such treaties and
international agreements other than treaties, as the case may be,
therein contained, in all the courts of law and equity and of maritime
jurisdiction, and in all the tribunals and public offices of the
United States, and of the several States, without any further proof
or authentication thereof.”
NOTE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Pursuant to Public Law 89—497, approved July 8, 1966
(80 Stat. 271; 1 U.S.C. 113)—
“. . .the Treaties and Other International Acts Series issued
under the authority of the Secretary of State shall be competent
evidence . .
ral States, without any further proof
or authentication thereof.”
NOTE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Pursuant to Public Law 89—497, approved July 8, 1966
(80 Stat. 271; 1 U.S.C. 113)—
“. . .the Treaties and Other International Acts Series issued
under the authority of the Secretary of State shall be competent
evidence . . . of the treaties, international agreements other than
treaties, and proclamations by the President of such treaties and
international agreements other than treaties, as the case may be,
therein contained, in all the courts of law and equity and of maritime
jurisdiction, and in all the tribunals and public offices of the
United States, and of the several States, without any further proof
or authentication thereof.”
INDIA
Taxation
Convention signed at New Delhi September 12, 1989,
with related protocol;
Transmitted by the President of the United States of America
to the Senate October 24, 1989 (Treaty Doc. 101-5,
101st Congress, 1st Session);
Reported favorably by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
June 28, 1990 (Senate Executive Report No. 101-25,
101st Congress, 2d Session);
Advice and consent to ratification by the Senate
September 18, 1990;
Ratified by the President November 13, 1990;
Entered into force December 18, 1990.
With related exchanges of notes and
memorandum of understanding.
INDIA
Taxation
Convention signed at New Delhi September 12, 1989,
with related protocol;
Transmitted by the President of the United States of America
to the Senate October 24, 1989 (Treaty Doc. 101-5,
101st Congress, 1st Session);
Reported favorably by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
June 28, 1990 (Senate Executive Report No
INDIA
Taxation
Convention signed at New Delhi September 12, 1989,
with related protocol;
Transmitted by the President of the United States of America
to the Senate October 24, 1989 (Treaty Doc. 101-5,
101st Congress, 1st Session);
Reported favorably by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
June 28, 1990 (Senate Executive Report No. 101-25,
101st Congress, 2d Session);
Advice and consent to ratification by the Senate
September 18, 1990;
Ratified by the President November 13, 1990;
Entered into force December 18, 1990.
With related exchanges of notes and
memorandum of understanding.
CONVENTION BETWEEN
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA
FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBLE TAXATION AND THE
PREVENTION OF FISCAL EVASION WITH RESPECT TO
TAXES ON INCOME
The Government of the United States of America and the
Government of the Republic of India, desiring to conclude a
Convention for the avoidance of double taxation and the
prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income,
have agreed as follows:
CONVENTION BETWEEN
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA
FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBLE TAXATION AND THE
PREVENTION OF FISCAL EVASION WITH RESPECT TO
TAXES ON INCOME
The Government of the United States of America and the
Government of the Republic of India, desiring to conclude a
Convention for the avoidance of double taxation and the
prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income,
have agreed as follows:
ENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA
FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBLE TAXATION AND THE
PREVENTION OF FISCAL EVASION WITH RESPECT TO
TAXES ON INCOME
The Government of the United States of America and the
Government of the Republic of India, desiring to conclude a
Convention for the avoidance of double taxation and the
prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income,
have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1
General Scope
1.
This Convention shall apply to persons who are residents
of one or both of the Contracting States, except as otherwise
provided in the Convention.
2.
The Convention shall not restrict in any manner any
exclusion, exemption, deduction, credit, or other allowance now
or hereafter accorded:
a)
by the laws of either Contracting state; or
b) by any other agreement between the Contracting
States.
3.
Notwithstanding any provision of the Convention except
paragraph 4, a Contracting State may tax its residents (as
determined under Article 4 (Residence)), and by reason of
citizenship may tax its citizens, as if the Convention had not
come into effect. For this purpose, the term "citizen" shall
include a former citizen whose loss of citizenship had as one of
its principal purposes the avoidance of tax, but only for a
period of 10 years following such loss.
4.
The provisions of paragraph 3 shall not affect
a)
the benefits conferred by a Contracting state under
paragraph 2 of Article 9 (Associated Enterprises), under
paragraphs 2 and 6 of Article 20 (Private Pensions,
Annuities, Alimony, and Child Support), and under Articles 25
(Relief From Double Taxation), 26 (Non-Discrimination), and
27 (Mutual Agreement Procedure); and
following such loss.
4.
The provisions of paragraph 3 shall not affect
a)
the benefits conferred by a Contracting state under
paragraph 2 of Article 9 (Associated Enterprises), under
paragraphs 2 and 6 of Article 20 (Private Pensions,
Annuities, Alimony, and Child Support), and under Articles 25
(Relief From Double Taxation), 26 (Non-Discrimination), and
27 (Mutual Agreement Procedure); and
b)
the benefits conferred by a Contracting state under
Articles 19 (Remuneration and Pensions in Respect of
Government Service), 21 (Payments Received by Students and
Apprentices), 22 (Payments Received by Professors, Teachers
and Research Scholars) and 29 (Diplomatic Agents and Consular
Officers), upon individuals who are neither citizens of, nor
have immigrant status in, that state.
ARTICLE 2
Taxes Covered
1.
The existing taxes to which this Convention shall apply
are:
a)
in the United states, the Federal income taxes
imposed by the Internal Revenue Code (but excluding the
accumulated earnings tax, the personal holding company tax,
and social security taxes), and the excise taxes imposed on
insurance premiums paid to foreign insurers and with respect
to private foundations (hereinafter referred to as "United
States tax"); provided, however, the Convention shall apply
to the excise taxes imposed on insurance premiums paid to
foreign insurers only to the extent that the risks covered by
such premiums are not reinsured with a person not entitled to
exemption from such taxes under this or any other Convention
which applies to these taxes; and
b)
in India:
dations (hereinafter referred to as "United
States tax"); provided, however, the Convention shall apply
to the excise taxes imposed on insurance premiums paid to
foreign insurers only to the extent that the risks covered by
such premiums are not reinsured with a person not entitled to
exemption from such taxes under this or any other Convention
which applies to these taxes; and
b)
in India:
i)
the income tax including any surcharge
thereon, but excluding income tax on undistributed
income of companies, imposed under the Income-tax Act;
and
ii)
the surtax
(hereinafter referred to as "Indian tax").
Taxes referred to in (a) and (b) above shall not include any
amount payable in respect of any default or omission in relation
to the above taxes or which represent a penalty imposed relating
to those taxes.
2. The Convention shall apply also to any identical or
substantially similar taxes which are imposed after the date of
signature of the Convention in addition to, or in place of, the
existing taxes. The competent authorities of the Contracting
States shall notify each other of any significant changes which
have been made in their respective taxation laws and of any
official published material concerning the application of the
Convention.
ARTICLE 3
General Definitions
1.
In this Convention, unless the context otherwise
requires:
a)
the term "India" means the territory of India and
includes the territorial sea and airspace above it, as well
as any other maritime zone in which India has sovereign
ave been made in their respective taxation laws and of any
official published material concerning the application of the
Convention.
ARTICLE 3
General Definitions
1.
In this Convention, unless the context otherwise
requires:
a)
the term "India" means the territory of India and
includes the territorial sea and airspace above it, as well
as any other maritime zone in which India has sovereign
rights, other rights and jurisdictions, according to the
Indian law and in accordance with international law;
b)
the term "United States", when used in a geographical
sense means all the territory of the United States of
America, including its territorial sea, in which the laws
relating to United states tax are in force, and all the area
beyond its territorial sea, including the seabed and subsoil
thereof, over which the United States has jurisdiction in
accordance with international law and in which the laws
relating to United States tax are in force;
c)
the terms "a Contracting state" and "the other
Contracting state" mean India or the United States as the
context requires;
d)
the term "tax" means Indian tax or United States tax,
as the context requires;
e)
the term "person" includes an individual, an estate,
a trust, a partnership, a company, any other body of persons,
or other taxable entity;
f)
the term "company" means any body corporate or any
entity which is treated as a company or body corporate for
tax purposes;
g) the terms "enterprise of a Contracting state" and
"enterprise of the other Contracting state" mean respectively
an enterprise carried on by a resident of a Contracting state
and an enterprise carried on by a resident of the other
Contracting state;
axable entity;
f)
the term "company" means any body corporate or any
entity which is treated as a company or body corporate for
tax purposes;
g) the terms "enterprise of a Contracting state" and
"enterprise of the other Contracting state" mean respectively
an enterprise carried on by a resident of a Contracting state
and an enterprise carried on by a resident of the other
Contracting state;
h) the term "competent authority" means, in the case of
India, the Central Government in the Ministry of Finance
(Department of Revenue) or their authorized representative,
and in the case of the United States, the Secretary of the
Treasury or his delegate;
i)
the term "national" means any individual possessing
the nationality or citizenship of a Contracting State;
j)
the term "international traffic" means any transport
by a ship or aircraft operated by an enterprise of a
Contracting State, except when the ship or aircraft is
operated solely between places within the other Contracting
State;
k)
the term "taxable year" in relation to Indian Tax
means "previous year" as defined in the Income-tax Act, 1961.
2. As regards the application of the Convention by a
Contracting State any term not defined therein shall, unless the
context otherwise requires or the competent authorities agree to
a common meaning pursuant to the provisions of Article 27
(Mutual Agreement Procedure), have the meaning which it has
under the laws of that State concerning the taxes to which the
Convention applies.
ARTICLE 4
Residence
1.
For the purposes of this Convention, the term "resident
of a Contracting State" means any person who, under the laws of
ise requires or the competent authorities agree to
a common meaning pursuant to the provisions of Article 27
(Mutual Agreement Procedure), have the meaning which it has
under the laws of that State concerning the taxes to which the
Convention applies.
ARTICLE 4
Residence
1.
For the purposes of this Convention, the term "resident
of a Contracting State" means any person who, under the laws of
that State, is 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,
provided, however, that
a)
this term does not include any person who is liable
to tax in that state in respect only of income from sources
in that State; and
b)
in the case of income derived or paid by a
partnership, estate, or trust, this term applies only to the
extent that the income derived by such partnership, estate,
or trust is subject to tax in that state as the income of a
resident, either in its hands or in the hands of its partners
or beneficiaries.
2.
Where by reason of the provisions of paragraph 1, an
individual is a resident of both Contracting States, then his
status shall be determined as follows:
a)
he shall be deemed to be a resident of the state in
which he has a permanent home available to him; if he has a
permanent home available to him in both States, he shall be
deemed to be a resident of the state with which his personal
and economic relations are closer (centre of vital
interests);
b)
if the State in which he has his centre of vital
interests cannot be determined, or if he does not have a
permanent home available to him in either state, he shall be
deemed to be a resident of the state in which he has an
habitual abode;
n both States, he shall be
deemed to be a resident of the state with which his personal
and economic relations are closer (centre of vital
interests);
b)
if the State in which he has his centre of vital
interests cannot be determined, or if he does not have a
permanent home available to him in either state, he shall be
deemed to be a resident of the state in which he has an
habitual abode;
c)
if he has an habitual abode in both States or in
neither of them, he shall be deemed to be a resident of the
State of which he is a national;
d)
if he is a national of both States or of neither of
them, the competent authorities of the Contracting States
shall settle the question by mutual agreement.
3.
Where, by reason of paragraph 1, a company is a resident
of both Contracting States, such company shall be considered to
be outside the scope of this Convention except for purposes of
paragraph 2 of Article 10 (Dividends), Article 26 (NonÂ
Discrimination) , Article 27 (Mutual Agreement Procedure), Article
28 (Exchange of Information and Administrative Assistance) and
Article 30 (Entry Into Force).
4. Where, by reason of the provisions of paragraph 1, a
person other than an individual or a company is a resident of
both Contracting States, the competent authorities of the
Contracting States shall settle the question by mutual agreement
and determine the mode of application of the Convention to such
person.
ARTICLE 5
Permanent Establishment
1. For the purposes of this Convention, the term "permanent
establishment" means a fixed place of business through which the
business of an enterprise is wholly or partly carried on.
States, the competent authorities of the
Contracting States shall settle the question by mutual agreement
and determine the mode of application of the Convention to such
person.
ARTICLE 5
Permanent Establishment
1. For the purposes of this Convention, the term "permanent
establishment" means a fixed place of business through which the
business of an enterprise is wholly or partly carried on.
2.
The term "permanent establishment" includes especially:
a)
a place of management;
b)
a branch;
c)
an office;
d)
a factory;
e)
a workshop;
f)
a mine, an oil or gas well, a quarry, or any other
place of extraction of natural resources;
g)
a warehouse, in relation to a person providing
storage facilities for others;
h)
a farm, plantation or other place where agriculture,
forestry, plantation or related activities are carried on;
i)
a store or premises used as a sales outlet;
j)
an installation or structure used for the exploration
or exploitation of natural resources, but only if so used for
a period of more than 120 days in any twelve month period;
k)
a building site or construction, installation or
assembly project or supervisory activities in connection
therewith, where such site, project or activities (together
with other such sites, projects or activities, if any)
continue for a period of more than 120 days in any twelve
month period;
1)
the furnishing of services, other than included
services as defined in Article 12 (Royalties and Fees for
Included Services), within a Contracting state by an
enterprise through employees or other personnel, but only if:
such site, project or activities (together
with other such sites, projects or activities, if any)
continue for a period of more than 120 days in any twelve
month period;
1)
the furnishing of services, other than included
services as defined in Article 12 (Royalties and Fees for
Included Services), within a Contracting state by an
enterprise through employees or other personnel, but only if:
i)
activities of that nature continue within that
State for a period or periods aggregating more than 90
days within any twelve-month period; or
ii ) the services are performed within that state for a
related enterprise (within the meaning of paragraph 1 of
Article 9 (Associated Enterprises)).
3.
Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Article,
the term "permanent establishment" shall be deemed not to include
any one or more of the following:
a)
the use of facilities solely for the purpose of
storage, display, or occasional delivery of goods or
merchandise belonging to the enterprise;
b)
the maintenance of a stock of goods or merchandise
belonging to the enterprise solely for the purpose of
storage, display, or occasional delivery;
c)
the maintenance of a stock of goods or merchandise
belonging to the enterprise solely for the purpose of
processing by another enterprise;
d)
the maintenance of a fixed place of business solely
for the purpose of purchasing goods or merchandise, or of
collecting information, for the enterprise;
e)
the maintenance of a fixed place of business solely
for the purpose of advertising, for the supply of
information, for scientific research or for other activities
which have a preparatory or auxiliary character, for the
enterprise.
d)
the maintenance of a fixed place of business solely
for the purpose of purchasing goods or merchandise, or of
collecting information, for the enterprise;
e)
the maintenance of a fixed place of business solely
for the purpose of advertising, for the supply of
information, for scientific research or for other activities
which have a preparatory or auxiliary character, for the
enterprise.
4.
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2,
where a person - other than an agent of an independent status to
whom paragraph 5 applies - is acting in a Contracting state on
behalf of an enterprise of the other Contracting state, that
enterprise shall be deemed to have a permanent establishment in
the first-mentioned state if:
a)
he has and habitually exercises in the first-
mentioned State an authority to conclude contracts on behalf
of the enterprise, unless his activities are limited to those
mentioned in paragraph 3 which, if exercised through a fixed
place of business, would not make that fixed place of
business a permanent establishment under the provisions of
that paragraph;
b)
he has no such authority but habitually maintains in
the first-mentioned state a stock of goods or merchandise
from which he regularly delivers goods or merchandise on
behalf of the enterprise, and some additional activities
conducted in that state on behalf of the enterprise have
contributed to the sale of the goods or merchandise; or
c)
he habitually secures orders in the first-mentioned
State, wholly or almost wholly for the enterprise.
5.
An enterprise of a Contracting state shall not be deemed
to have a permanent establishment in the other Contracting state
merely because it carries on business in that other state through
a broker, general commission agent, or any other agent of an
independent status, provided that such persons are acting in the
ers in the first-mentioned
State, wholly or almost wholly for the enterprise.
5.
An enterprise of a Contracting state shall not be deemed
to have a permanent establishment in the other Contracting state
merely because it carries on business in that other state through
a broker, general commission agent, or any other agent of an
independent status, provided that such persons are acting in the
ordinary course of their business. However, when the activities
of such an agent are devoted wholly or almost wholly on behalf of
that enterprise and the transactions between the agent and the
enterprise are not made under arm’s-length conditions, he shall
not be considered an agent of independent status within the
meaning of this paragraph.
6.
The fact that a company which is a resident of a
Contracting state controls or is controlled by a company which is.
a resident of the other Contracting state, or which carries on
business in that other state (whether through a permanent
establishment or otherwise), shall not of itself constitute
either company a permanent establishment of the other.
ARTICLE 6
Income From Immovable Property (Real Property)
1.
Income derived by a resident of a Contracting state from
immovable property (real property), including income from
agriculture or forestry, situated in the other Contracting state
may be taxed in that other state.
2.
The term "immovable property” shall have the meaning
which it has under the law of the Contracting state in which the
property in question is situated.
3.
The provisions of paragraph 1 shall also apply to income
derived from the direct use, letting, or use in any other form of
immovable property.
lture or forestry, situated in the other Contracting state
may be taxed in that other state.
2.
The term "immovable property” shall have the meaning
which it has under the law of the Contracting state in which the
property in question is situated.
3.
The provisions of paragraph 1 shall also apply to income
derived from the direct use, letting, or use in any other form of
immovable property.
4.
The provisions of paragraphs 1 and 3 shall also apply to
the income from immovable property of an enterprise and to income
from immovable property used for the performance of independent
personal services.
ARTICLE 7
Business Profits
1.
The profits of an enterprise of a Contracting state shall
be taxable only in that state unless the enterprise carries on
business in the other Contracting state through a permanent
establishment situated therein. If the enterprise carries on
business as aforesaid, the profits of the enterprise may be taxed
in the other state but only so much of them as is attributable to
a) that permanent establishment; b) sales in the other state of
goods or merchandise of the same or similar kind as those sold
through that permanent establishment; or c) other business
activities carried on in the other state of the same or similar
kind as those effected through that permanent establishment.
2. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 3, where an
enterprise of a Contracting state carries on business in the
other Contracting state through a permanent establishment
situated therein, there shall in each Contracting state be
attributed to that permanent establishment the profits which it
might be expected to make if it were a distinct and independent
enterprise engaged in the same or similar activities under the
of paragraph 3, where an
enterprise of a Contracting state carries on business in the
other Contracting state through a permanent establishment
situated therein, there shall in each Contracting state be
attributed to that permanent establishment the profits which it
might be expected to make if it were a distinct and independent
enterprise engaged in the same or similar activities under the
same or similar conditions and dealing wholly at arm’s-length
with the enterprise of which it is a permanent establishment and
other enterprises controlling, controlled by or subject to the
same common control as that enterprise. In any case where the
correct amount of profits attributable to a permanent
establishment is incapable of determination or the determination
thereof presents exceptional difficulties, the profits
attributable to the permanent establishment may be estimated on a
reasonable basis. The estimate adopted shall, however, be such
that the result shall be in accordance with the principles
contained in this Article.
3.
In the determination of the profits of a permanent
establishment, there shall be allowed as deductions expenses
which are incurred for the purposes of the business of the
permanent establishment, including 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 the part thereof
which includes the permanent establishment), whether incurred in
the State in which the permanent establishment is situated or
elsewhere, in accordance with the provisions of and subject to
the limitations of the taxation laws of that state. However, no
such deduction shall be allowed in respect of amounts, if any,
paid (otherwise than toward reimbursement of actual expenses) by
the permanent establishment to the head office of the enterprise
or any of its other offices, by way of royalties, fees or other
ituated or
elsewhere, in accordance with the provisions of and subject to
the limitations of the taxation laws of that state. However, no
such deduction shall be allowed in respect of amounts, if any,
paid (otherwise than toward reimbursement of actual expenses) by
the permanent establishment to the head office of the enterprise
or any of its other offices, by way of royalties, fees or other
similar payments in return for the use of patents, know-how or
other rights, or by way of commission or other charges for
specific services performed or for management, or, except in the
case of banking enterprises, by way of interest on moneys lent to
the permanent establishment. Likewise, no account shall be
taken, in the determination of the profits of a permanent
establishment, for amounts charged (otherwise than toward
reimbursement of actual expenses), by the permanent establishment
to the head office of the enterprise or any of its other offices,
by way of royalties, fees or other similar payments in return for
the use of patents, know-how or other rights, or by way of
commission or other charges for specific services performed or
for management, or, except in the case of a banking enterprise,
by way of interest on moneys lent to the head office of the
enterprise or any of its other offices.
4.
No profits shall be attributed to a permanent
establishment by reason of the mere purchase by that permanent
establishment of goods or merchandise for the enterprise.
5.
For the purposes of this Convention, the profits to be
attributed to the permanent establishment as provided in
paragraph 1(a) of this Article shall include only the profits
derived from the assets and activities of the permanent
establishment and shall be determined by the same method year by
year unless there is good and sufficient reason to the contrary.
6.
Where profits include items of income which are dealt
with separately in other Articles of the Convention, then the
stablishment as provided in
paragraph 1(a) of this Article shall include only the profits
derived from the assets and activities of the permanent
establishment and shall be determined by the same method year by
year unless there is good and sufficient reason to the contrary.
6.
Where profits include items of income which are dealt
with separately in other Articles of the Convention, then the
provisions of those Articles shall not be affected by the
provisions of this Article.
7.
For the purposes of the Convention, the term "business
profits" means income derived from any trade or business
including income from the furnishing of services other than
included services as defined in Article 12 (Royalties and Fees
for Included Services) and including income from the rental of
tangible personal property other than property described in
paragraph 3 (b) of Article 12 (Royalties and Fees for Included
services).
ARTICLE 8
Shipping and Air Transport
1.
Profits derived by an enterprise of a Contracting state
from the operation by that enterprise of ships or aircraft in
international traffic shall be taxable only in that state.
2.
For the purposes of this Article, profits from the
operation of ships or aircraft in international traffic shall
mean profits derived by an enterprise described in paragraph 1
from the transportation by sea or air respectively of passengers,
mail, livestock or goods carried on by the owners or lessees or
charterers of ships or aircraft including—
a)
the sale of tickets for such transportation on
behalf of other enterprises;
b)
other activity directly connected with such
transportation; and
fic shall
mean profits derived by an enterprise described in paragraph 1
from the transportation by sea or air respectively of passengers,
mail, livestock or goods carried on by the owners or lessees or
charterers of ships or aircraft including—
a)
the sale of tickets for such transportation on
behalf of other enterprises;
b)
other activity directly connected with such
transportation; and
c) the rental of ships or aircraft incidental to any
activity directly connected with such transportation.
3.
Profits of an enterprise of a Contracting state described
in paragraph 1 from the use, maintenance, or rental of containers
(including trailers, barges, and related equipment for the
transport of containers) used in connection with the operation
of ships or aircraft in international traffic shall be taxable
only in that state.
4.
The provisions of paragraphs 1 and 3 shall also apply to
profits from participation in a pool, a joint business, or an
international operating agency.
5.
For the purposes of this Article, interest on funds
connected with the operation of ships or aircraft in
international traffic shall be regarded as profits derived from
the operation of such ships or aircraft, and the provisions of
Article 11 (Interest) shall not apply in relation to such
interest.
6. Gains derived by an enterprise of a Contracting state
described in paragraph 1 from the alienation of ships, aircraft
or containers owned and operated by the enterprise, the income
from which is taxable only in that state, shall be taxed only in
that State.
ARTICLE 9
Associated Enterprises
1.
Where:
d the provisions of
Article 11 (Interest) shall not apply in relation to such
interest.
6. Gains derived by an enterprise of a Contracting state
described in paragraph 1 from the alienation of ships, aircraft
or containers owned and operated by the enterprise, the income
from which is taxable only in that state, shall be taxed only in
that State.
ARTICLE 9
Associated Enterprises
1.
Where:
a)
an enterprise of a Contracting state participates
directly or indirectly in the management, control or capital
of an enterprise of the other Contracting state; or
b)
the same persons participate directly or indirectly
in the management, control, or capital of an enterprise of a
Contracting state and an enterprise of the other Contracting
State,
and in either case conditions are made or imposed between the two
enterprises in their commercial or financial relations which
differ from those which would be made between independent
enterprises, then any profits which, but for those conditions
would have accrued to one of the enterprises, but by reason of
those conditions have not so accrued, may be included in the
profits of that enterprise and taxed accordingly.
2. Where a Contracting State includes in the profits of an
enterprise of that state, and taxes accordingly, profits on which
an enterprise of the other Contracting state has been charged to
tax in that other state, and the profits so included are profits
which would have accrued to the enterprise of the first-mentioned
State if the conditions made between the two enterprises had been
those which would have been made between independent enterprises,
then that other state shall make an appropriate adjustment to the
amount of the tax charged therein on those profits. In
determining such adjustment, due regard shall be had to the
other provisions of this Convention and the competent authorities
of the Contracting States shall if necessary consult each other.
rprises had been
those which would have been made between independent enterprises,
then that other state shall make an appropriate adjustment to the
amount of the tax charged therein on those profits. In
determining such adjustment, due regard shall be had to the
other provisions of this Convention and the competent authorities
of the Contracting States shall if necessary consult each other.
ARTICLE 10
Dividends
1.
Dividends paid by a company which is a resident of a
Contracting state to a resident of the other Contracting state
may be taxed in that other state.
2.
However, such dividends may also be taxed in the
Contracting state of which the company paying the dividends is a
resident, and according to the laws of that state, but if the
beneficial owner of the dividends is a resident of the other
Contracting state, the tax so charged shall not exceed:
a)
15 per cent of the gross amount of the dividends if
the beneficial owner is a company which owns at least 10 per
cent of the voting stock of the company paying the dividends;
b)
25 per cent of the gross amount of the dividends in
all other cases.
Subparagraph b) and not subparagraph a) shall apply in the case
of dividends paid by a United States person which is a Regulated
Investment Company. Subparagraph a) shall not apply to dividends
paid by a United States person which is a Real Estate Investment
Trust, and subparagraph b) shall only apply if the dividend is
beneficially owned by an individual holding a less than 10
percent interest in the Real Estate Investment Trust. This
paragraph shall not affect the taxation of the company in respect
of the profits out of which the dividends are paid.
) shall not apply to dividends
paid by a United States person which is a Real Estate Investment
Trust, and subparagraph b) shall only apply if the dividend is
beneficially owned by an individual holding a less than 10
percent interest in the Real Estate Investment Trust. This
paragraph shall not affect the taxation of the company in respect
of the profits out of which the dividends are paid.
3.
The term "dividends" as used in this Article means income
from shares or other rights, not being debt-claims, participating
in profits, income from other corporate rights which are
subjected to the same taxation treatment as income from shares by
the taxation laws of the state of which the company making the
distribution is a resident; and income from arrangements,
including debt obligations, carrying the right to participate in
profits, to the extent so characterized under the laws of the
Contracting state in which the income arises.
4
The provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply if
the beneficial owner of the dividends, being a resident of a
Contracting state, carries on business in the other Contracting
State, of which the company paying the dividends is a resident,
through a permanent establishment situated therein, or performs
in that other state independent personal services from a fixed
base situated therein, and the dividends are attributable to such
permanent establishment or fixed base. In such case the
provisions of Article 7 (Business Profits) or Article
15 (Independent Personal Services), as the case may be, shall
apply.
5.
Where a company which is a resident of a Contracting
State derives profits or income from the other Contracting State,
that other State may not impose any tax on the dividends paid by
the company except insofar as such dividends are paid to a
resident of that other State or insofar as the holding in respect
of which the dividends are paid is effectively connected with a
be, shall
apply.
5.
Where a company which is a resident of a Contracting
State derives profits or income from the other Contracting State,
that other State may not impose any tax on the dividends paid by
the company except insofar as such dividends are paid to a
resident of that other State or insofar as the holding in respect
of which the dividends are paid is effectively connected with a
-21-
permanent establishment or a fixed base situated in that other
State, nor subject the company’s undistributed profits to a tax
on the company’s undistributed profits, even if the dividends
paid or the undistributed profits consist wholly or partly of
profits or income arising in such other state.
ARTICLE 11
Interest
1.
Interest arising in a Contracting state and paid to a
resident of the other Contracting state may be taxed in that
other State.
2.
However, such interest may also be taxed in the
Contracting state in which it arises, and according to the laws
of that State, but if the beneficial owner of the interest is a
resident of the other Contracting state, the tax so charged shall
not exceed:
a)
10 percent of the gross amount of the interest if
such interest is paid on a loan granted by a bank carrying on
a bona fide banking business or by a similar financial
institution (including an insurance company); and
b)
15 percent of the gross amount of the interest in all
other cases.
3.
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 2 of this
Article, interest arising in a Contracting state:
a)
and derived and beneficially owned by the Governmentof the other Cont
a loan granted by a bank carrying on
a bona fide banking business or by a similar financial
institution (including an insurance company); and
b)
15 percent of the gross amount of the interest in all
other cases.
3.
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 2 of this
Article, interest arising in a Contracting state:
a)
and derived and beneficially owned by the Governmentof the other Cont
local authority thereof, the Reserve Bank of India, or the
Federal Reserve Banks of the United States, as the case may
be, and such other institutions of either Contracting state
as the competent authorities may agree pursuant to Article 27
(Mutual Agreement Procedure);
b)
with respect to loans or credits extended or endorsed
i) by the Export Import Bank of the United States,
when India is the first-mentioned Contracting state; and
ii)
by the EXIM Bank of India, when the United States
is the first-mentioned Contracting state; and
c) to the extent approved by the Government of that
state, and derived and beneficially owned by any person,
other than a person referred to in subparagraphs (a) and (b),
who is a resident of the other Contracting state, provided
that the transaction giving rise to the debt-claim has been
approved in this behalf by the Government of the first-
mentioned Contracting state;
shall be exempt from tax in the first-mentioned Contracting
state.
4. The term "interest” as used in this Convention means
income from debt-claims of every kind, whether or not secured by
mortgage, and whether or not carrying a right to participate in
the debtor’s profits, and in particular, income from government
securities, and income from bonds or debentures, including
premiums or prizes attaching to such securities, bonds, or
debentures. Penalty charges for late payment shall not be
in this Convention means
income from debt-claims of every kind, whether or not secured by
mortgage, and whether or not carrying a right to participate in
the debtor’s profits, and in particular, income from government
securities, and income from bonds or debentures, including
premiums or prizes attaching to such securities, bonds, or
debentures. Penalty charges for late payment shall not be
regarded as interest for the purposes of the Convention.
However, the term "interest" does not include income dealt with
in Article 10 (Dividends).
5. The provisions of paragraphs 2 and 3 shall not apply if
the beneficial owner of the interest, being a resident of a
Contracting state, carries on business in the other Contracting
State in which the interest arises, through a permanent
establishment situated therein, or performs in that other state
independent personal services from a fixed base situated therein,
and the interest is attributable to such permanent establishment
or fixed base. In such case the provisions of Article 7
(Business Profits) or Article 15 (Independent Personal Services),
as the case may be, shall apply.
6.
Interest shall be deemed to arise in a Contracting state
when the payer is that state itself or a political subdivision,
local authority, or resident of that state. Where, however, the
person paying the interest, whether he is a resident of a
Contracting state or not, has in a Contracting state a permanent
establishment or a fixed base, and such interest is borne by such
permanent establishment or fixed base, then such interest shall
be deemed to arise in the Contracting state in which the
permanent establishment or fixed base is situated.
7. Where, by reason of a special relationship between the
payer and the beneficial owner or between both of them and some
other person, the amount of the interest, having regard to the
debt-claim for which it is paid, exceeds the amount which would
r fixed base, then such interest shall
be deemed to arise in the Contracting state in which the
permanent establishment or fixed base is situated.
7. Where, by reason of a special relationship between the
payer and the beneficial owner or between both of them and some
other person, the amount of the interest, having regard to the
debt-claim for which it is paid, exceeds the amount which would
have been agreed upon by the payer and the beneficial owner in
the absence of such relationship, the provisions of this Article
shall apply only to the last-mentioned amount. In such case the
excess part of the payments shall remain taxable according to the
laws of each Contracting state, due regard being had to the other
provisions of the Convention.
ARTICLE 12
Royalties and Fees for Included Services
1.
Royalties and fees for included services arising in a
Contracting state and paid to a resident of the other Contracting
State may be taxed in that other state.
2. However, such royalties and fees for included services
may also be taxed in the Contracting state in which they arise
and according to the laws of that state; but if the beneficial
owner of the royalties or fees for included services is a
resident of the other Contracting state, the tax so charged shall
not exceed:
a) in the case of royalties referred to in sub-paragraph
(a) of paragraph 3 and fees for included services as defined
in this Article (other than services described in
sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph):
i)
during the first five taxable years for which
this Convention has effect,
A)
15 percent of the gross amount of the
the other Contracting state, the tax so charged shall
not exceed:
a) in the case of royalties referred to in sub-paragraph
(a) of paragraph 3 and fees for included services as defined
in this Article (other than services described in
sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph):
i)
during the first five taxable years for which
this Convention has effect,
A)
15 percent of the gross amount of the
royalties or fees for included services as defined in
this Article, where the payer of the royalties or
fees is the Government of that Contracting state, a
political subdivision or a public sector company; and
B)
20 percent of the gross amount of the
royalties or fees for included services in all other
cases; and
ii) during the subsequent years, 15 percent of the
gross amount of royalties or fees for included services;
and
b) in the case of royalties referred to in sub-paragraph
(b) of paragraph 3 and fees for included services as defined
in this Article that are ancillary and subsidiary to the
enjoyment of the property for which payment is received under
paragraph 3 (b) of this Article, 10 percent of the gross
amount of the royalties or fees for included services.
3.
The term "royalties" as used in this Article means:
a) payments of any kind received as a consideration for the
use of, or the right to use, any copyright of a literary,
artistic, or scientific work, including cinematograph films or
work on film, tape or other means of reproduction for use in
connection with radio or television broadcasting, any patent,
trademark, design or model, plan, secret formula or process, or
for information concerning industrial, commercial or scientific
experience, including gains derived from the alienation of any
such right or property which are contingent on the productivity,
use, or disposition thereof; and
e or other means of reproduction for use in
connection with radio or television broadcasting, any patent,
trademark, design or model, plan, secret formula or process, or
for information concerning industrial, commercial or scientific
experience, including gains derived from the alienation of any
such right or property which are contingent on the productivity,
use, or disposition thereof; and
b) payments of any kind received as consideration for the use
of, or the right to use, any industrial, commercial, or
scientific equipment, other than payments derived by an
enterprise described in paragraph 1 of Article 8 (Shipping and
Air Transport) from activities described in paragraph 2(c) or 3
of Article 8.
4.
For purposes of this Article, "fees for included
services" means payments of any kind to any person in
consideration for the rendering of any technical or consultancy
services (including through the provision of services of
technical or other personnel) if such services:
a)
are ancillary and subsidiary to the application or
enjoyment of the right, property or information for which a
payment described in paragraph 3 is received; or
b)
make available technical knowledge, experience, skill,
know-how, or processes, or consist of the development and
transfer of a technical plan or technical design.
5.
Notwithstanding paragraph 4, "fees for included services"
does not include amounts paid:
a)
for services that are ancillary and subsidiary, as well
as inextricably and essentially linked, to the sale of property
other than a sale described in paragraph 3(a);
b)
for services that are ancillary and subsidiary to the
rental of ships, aircraft, containers or other equipment used in
connection with the operation of ships or aircraft in
international traffic;
ot include amounts paid:
a)
for services that are ancillary and subsidiary, as well
as inextricably and essentially linked, to the sale of property
other than a sale described in paragraph 3(a);
b)
for services that are ancillary and subsidiary to the
rental of ships, aircraft, containers or other equipment used in
connection with the operation of ships or aircraft in
international traffic;
c)
for teaching in or by educational institutions;
d)
for services for the personal use of the individual or
individuals making the payment; or
e)
to an employee of the person making the payments or to
any individual or firm of individuals (other than a company) for
professional services as defined in Article 15 (Independent
Personal Services) .
6.
The provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply if
the beneficial owner of the royalties or fees for included
services, being a resident of a Contracting state, carries on
business in the other Contracting state, in which the royalties
or fees for included services arise, through a permanent
establishment situated therein, or performs in that other state
independent personal services from a fixed base situated therein,
and the royalties or fees for included services are attributable
to such permanent establishment or fixed base. In such case the
provisions of Article 7 (Business Profits) or Article 15
(Independent Personal Services), as the case may be, shall apply.
7.
ermanent
establishment situated therein, or performs in that other state
independent personal services from a fixed base situated therein,
and the royalties or fees for included services are attributable
to such permanent establishment or fixed base. In such case the
provisions of Article 7 (Business Profits) or Article 15
(Independent Personal Services), as the case may be, shall apply.
7.
(a) Royalties and fees for included services shall be
deemed to arise in a Contracting state when the payer is that
state itself, a political subdivision, a local authority, or a
resident of that state. Where, however, the person paying the
royalties or fees for included services, whether he is a resident
of a Contracting state or not, has in a Contracting state a
permanent establishment or a fixed base in connection with which
the liability to pay the royalties or fees for included services
was incurred, and such royalties or fees for included services
are borne by such permanent establishment or fixed base, then
such royalties or fees for included services shall be deemed to
arise in the Contracting state in which the permanent
establishment or fixed base is situated.
(b) Where under subparagraph (a) royalties or fees for
included services do not arise in one of the Contracting States,
and the royalties relate to the use of, or the right to use, the
right or property, or the fees for included services relate to
services performed, in one of the Contracting States, the
royalties or fees for included services shall be deemed to arise
in that Contracting state.
8.
Where, by reason of a special relationship between the
payer and the beneficial owner or between both of them and some
other person, the amount of the royalties or fees for included
services paid exceeds the amount which would have been paid in
the absence of such relationship, the provisions of this Article
shall apply only to the last-mentioned amount
o arise
in that Contracting state.
8.
Where, by reason of a special relationship between the
payer and the beneficial owner or between both of them and some
other person, the amount of the royalties or fees for included
services paid exceeds the amount which would have been paid in
the absence of such relationship, the provisions of this Article
shall apply only to the last-mentioned amount. In such case, the
excess part of the payments shall remain taxable according to the
laws of each Contracting state, due regard being had to the other
provisions of the Convention.
ARTICLE 13
Gains
Except as provided in Article 8 (Shipping and Air Transport)
of this Convention, each Contracting state may tax capital gains
in accordance with the provisions of its domestic law.
ARTICLE 14
Permanent Establishment Tax
1.
A company which is a resident of India may be subject in
the United States to a tax in addition to the tax allowable under
the other provisions of this Convention.
a)
Such tax, however, may be imposed only on:
i)
the portion of the business profits of the
company subject to tax in the United States which
represents the dividend equivalent amount; and
ii) the excess, if any, of interest deductible in
the United States in computing the profits of the
company that are subject to tax in the United States and
either attributable to a permanent establishment in the
United States or subject to tax in the United States
under Article 6 (Income From Immovable Property (Real
Property)), Article 12 (Royalties and Fees for Included
Services) as fees for included services, or Article 13
(Gains) of this Convention over the interest paid by or
from the permanent establishment or trade or business in
the United States.
b)
For purposes of this article, business profits means
profits that are effectively connected (or treated as
effectively connected) with the conduct of a trade or
icle 12 (Royalties and Fees for Included
Services) as fees for included services, or Article 13
(Gains) of this Convention over the interest paid by or
from the permanent establishment or trade or business in
the United States.
b)
For purposes of this article, business profits means
profits that are effectively connected (or treated as
effectively connected) with the conduct of a trade or
business within the United States and are either attributable
to a permanent establishment in the United States or subject
to tax in the United States under Article 6 (Income From
Immovable Property (Real Property)), Article 12 (Royalties
and Fees for Included Services) as fees for included services
or Article 13 (Gains) of this Convention.
c)
The tax referred to in subparagraph (a) shall not be
imposed at a rate exceeding:
i) the rate specified in paragraph 2 (a) of Article
10 (Dividends) for the tax described in subparagraph (a)
(i); and
ii) the rate specified in paragraph 2 (a) or (b)
(whichever is appropriate) of Article 11 (Interest) for
the tax described in subparagraph (a) (ii).
2.
A company which is a resident of the United States may
be subject to tax in India at a rate higher than that
applicable to the domestic companies. The difference in the
tax rate shall not, however, exceed the existing difference
of 15 percentage points.
3.
In the case of a banking company which is a resident of
the United States, the interest paid by the permanent
establishment of such a company in India to the head office
may be subject in India to a tax in addition to the tax
imposable under the other provisions of this Convention at a
rate which shall not exceed the rate specified in paragraph 2
ting difference
of 15 percentage points.
3.
In the case of a banking company which is a resident of
the United States, the interest paid by the permanent
establishment of such a company in India to the head office
may be subject in India to a tax in addition to the tax
imposable under the other provisions of this Convention at a
rate which shall not exceed the rate specified in paragraph 2
(a) of Article 11 (Interest).
ARTICLE 15
Independent Personal Services
1.
Income derived by a person who is an individual or firm
of individuals (other than a company) who is a resident of a
Contracting state from the performance in the other Contracting
state of professional services or other independent activities of
a similar character shall be taxable only in the first-mentioned
state except in the following circumstances when such income may
also be taxed in the other Contracting state:
a)
if such person has a fixed base regularly available
to him in the other Contracting state for the purpose of
performing his activities; in that case, only so much of the
income as is attributable to that fixed base may be taxed in
that other state; or
b)
if the person's stay in the other Contracting state
is for a period or periods amounting to or exceeding in the
aggregate 90 days in the relevant taxable year.
2.
The term "professional services" includes independent
scientific, literary, artistic, educational or teaching
activities as well as the independent activities of physicians,
surgeons, lawyers, engineers, architects, dentists and
accountants.
on's stay in the other Contracting state
is for a period or periods amounting to or exceeding in the
aggregate 90 days in the relevant taxable year.
2.
The term "professional services" includes independent
scientific, literary, artistic, educational or teaching
activities as well as the independent activities of physicians,
surgeons, lawyers, engineers, architects, dentists and
accountants.
ARTICLE 16
Dependent Personal Services
1.
Subject to the provisions of Articles 17 (Directors'
Fees), 18 (Income Earned by Entertainers and Athletes), 19
(Remuneration and Pensions in Respect of Government Service), 20
(Private Pensions, Annuities, Alimony, and Child Support), 21
(Payments Received by Students and Apprentices) and 22 (Payments
Received by Professors, Teachers and Research Scholars),
salaries, wages, and other similar remuneration derived by a
resident of a Contracting state in respect of an employment shall
be taxable only in that state unless the employment is exercised
in the other Contracting state. If the employment is so
exercised, such remuneration as is derived therefrom may be taxed
in that other state.
2.
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1,
remuneration derived by a resident of a Contracting state in
respect of an employment exercised in the other Contracting state
shall be taxable only in the first-mentioned state if:
a) the recipient is present in the other state for a
period or periods not exceeding in the aggregate 183 days in
the relevant taxable year;
b) the remuneration is paid by, or on behalf of, an
employer who is not a resident of the other state; and
c) the remuneration is not borne by a permanent
establishment or a fixed base or a trade or business which
the employer has in the other state.
f:
a) the recipient is present in the other state for a
period or periods not exceeding in the aggregate 183 days in
the relevant taxable year;
b) the remuneration is paid by, or on behalf of, an
employer who is not a resident of the other state; and
c) the remuneration is not borne by a permanent
establishment or a fixed base or a trade or business which
the employer has in the other state.
3.
Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Article,
remuneration derived in respect of an employment exercised aboard
a ship or aircraft operated in international traffic by an
enterprise of a Contracting state may be taxed in that state.
ARTICLE 17
Directors' Fees
Directors' fees and similar payments derived by a resident of
a Contracting state in his capacity as a member of the board of
directors of a company which is a resident of the other
Contracting state may be taxed in that other state.
ARTICLE 18
Income Earned by Entertainers and Athletes
1.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Articles 15
(Independent Personal Services) and 16 (Dependent Personal
Services), income derived by a resident of a Contracting state as
an entertainer, such as a theatre, motion picture, radio or
television artiste, or a musician, or as an athlete, from his
personal activities as such exercised in the other Contracting
State, may be taxed in that other state, except where the amount
of the net income derived by such entertainer or athlete from
such activities (after deduction of all expense incurred by him
in connection with his visit and performance) does not exceed
cture, radio or
television artiste, or a musician, or as an athlete, from his
personal activities as such exercised in the other Contracting
State, may be taxed in that other state, except where the amount
of the net income derived by such entertainer or athlete from
such activities (after deduction of all expense incurred by him
in connection with his visit and performance) does not exceed
one thousand five hundred United States dollars ($1,500) or its
equivalent in Indian rupees for the taxable year concerned.
2.
Where income in respect of activities exercised by an
entertainer or an athlete in his capacity as such accrues not to
the entertainer or athlete but to another person, that income of
that other person may, notwithstanding the provisions of Articles
7 (Business Profits), 15 (Independent Personal Services) and 16
(Dependent Personal Services), be taxed in the Contracting state
in which the activities of the entertainer or athlete are
exercised unless the entertainer, athlete, or other person
establishes that neither the entertainer or athlete nor persons
related thereto participate directly or indirectly in the profits
of that other person in any manner, including the receipt of
deferred remuneration, bonuses, fees, dividends, partnership
distributions, or other distributions.
3.
Income referred to in the preceding paragraphs of this
Article derived by a resident of a Contracting state in respect
of activities exercised in the other Contracting state shall not
be taxed in that other state if the visit of the entertainers or
athletes to that other state is supported wholly or substantially
from the public funds of the Government of the first-mentioned
Contracting state, or of a political subdivision or local
authority thereof.
4.
The competent authorities of the Contracting States may,
by mutual agreement, increase the dollar amounts referred to in
paragraph 1 to reflect economic or monetary developments.
rs or
athletes to that other state is supported wholly or substantially
from the public funds of the Government of the first-mentioned
Contracting state, or of a political subdivision or local
authority thereof.
4.
The competent authorities of the Contracting States may,
by mutual agreement, increase the dollar amounts referred to in
paragraph 1 to reflect economic or monetary developments.
ARTICLE 19
Remuneration and Pensions in Respect of Government Service
1.
a) Remuneration, other than a pension, paid by a
Contracting state or a political sub-division or a local
authority thereof to an individual in respect of services
rendered to that state or sub-division or authority shall be
taxable only in that state.
b) However, such remuneration shall be taxable only in
the other Contracting state if the services are rendered in
that other state and the individual is a resident of that
State who:
i) is a national of that state; or
ii) did not become a resident of that state solely for
the purpose of rendering the services.
2.
a) Any pension paid by, or out of funds created by, 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 shall be
taxable only in that state.
b) However, such pension shall be taxable only in the
other Contracting state if the individual is a resident of,
and a national of, that state.
3.
The provisions of Articles 16 (Dependent Personal
Services), 17 (Directors' Fees), 18 (Income Earned by
Entertainers and Athletes) and 20 (Private Pensions, Annuities,
to that state or subdivision or authority shall be
taxable only in that state.
b) However, such pension shall be taxable only in the
other Contracting state if the individual is a resident of,
and a national of, that state.
3.
The provisions of Articles 16 (Dependent Personal
Services), 17 (Directors' Fees), 18 (Income Earned by
Entertainers and Athletes) and 20 (Private Pensions, Annuities,
Alimony and Child Support) shall apply to remuneration and
pensions in respect of services rendered in connection with a
business carried on by a Contracting state or a political
subdivision or a local authority thereof.
ARTICLE 20
Private Pensions, Annuities, Alimony and Child Support
1.
Any pension, other than a pension referred to in Article
19 A Renumeration and Pensions in Respect of Government Service)
or any annuity derived by a resident of a Contracting state from
sources within the other Contracting state may be taxed only in
the first-mentioned Contracting state.
2.
Notwithstanding paragraph 1, and subject to the
provisions of Article 19 (Remuneration and Pensions in Respect of
Government Service), social security benefits and other public
pensions paid by a Contracting state to a resident of the other
Contracting state or a citizen of the United States shall be
taxable only in the first-mentioned state.
3.
The term "pension" means a periodic payment made in
consideration of past services or by way of compensation for
injuries received in the course of performance of services.
4.
The term "annuity" means stated sums payable periodically
at stated times during life or during a specified or
ascertainable number of years, under an obligation to make the
payments in return for adequate and full consideration in money
or money’s worth (but not for services rendered).
past services or by way of compensation for
injuries received in the course of performance of services.
4.
The term "annuity" means stated sums payable periodically
at stated times during life or during a specified or
ascertainable number of years, under an obligation to make the
payments in return for adequate and full consideration in money
or money’s worth (but not for services rendered).
5.
Alimony paid to a resident of a Contracting state shall
be taxable only in that state. The term "alimony” as used in
this paragraph means periodic payments made pursuant to a written
separation agreement or a decree of divorce, separate
maintenance, or compulsory support, which payments are taxable to
the recipient under the laws of the state of which he is a
resident.
6.
Periodic payments for the support of a minor child made
pursuant to a written separation agreement or a decree of
divorce, separate maintenance or compulsory support, paid by a
resident of a Contracting state to a resident of the other
Contracting state, shall be taxable only in the first-mentioned
State.
ARTICLE 21
Payments Received by Students and Apprentices
1.
A student or business apprentice who is or was a resident
of one of the Contracting States immediately before visiting the
other Contracting state and who is present in that other state
principally for the purpose of his education or training shall be
exempt from tax in that other state, on payments which arise
outside that other state for the purposes of his maintenance,
education or training.
2.
In respect of grants, scholarships and remuneration from
employment not covered by paragraph 1, a student or business
her Contracting state and who is present in that other state
principally for the purpose of his education or training shall be
exempt from tax in that other state, on payments which arise
outside that other state for the purposes of his maintenance,
education or training.
2.
In respect of grants, scholarships and remuneration from
employment not covered by paragraph 1, a student or business
apprentice described in paragraph 1 shall, in addition, be
entitled during such education or training to the same
exemptions, reliefs or reductions in respect of taxes available
to residents of the state which he is visiting,
3.
The benefits of this Article shall extend only for such
period of time as may be reasonable or customarily required to
complete the education or training undertaken.
4.
For the purposes of this Article, an individual shall be
deemed to be a resident of a Contracting state if he is resident
in that Contracting state in the taxable year in which he visits
the other Contracting state or in the immediately preceding
taxable year.
ARTICLE 22
Payments Received by Professors, Teachers
and Research Scholars
1.
An individual who visits a Contracting state for a period
not exceeding two years for the purpose of teaching or engaging
in research at a university, college or other recognized
educational institution in that state, and who was immediately
before that visit a resident of the other Contracting state,
shall be exempted from tax by the first-mentioned Contracting
state on any remuneration for such teaching or research for a
period not exceeding two years from the date he first visits that
state for such purpose.
in research at a university, college or other recognized
educational institution in that state, and who was immediately
before that visit a resident of the other Contracting state,
shall be exempted from tax by the first-mentioned Contracting
state on any remuneration for such teaching or research for a
period not exceeding two years from the date he first visits that
state for such purpose.
2.
This Article shall apply to income from research only if
such research is undertaken by the individual in the public
interest and not primarily for the benefit of some other private
person or persons.
ARTICLE 23
Other Income
1.
Subject to the provisions of paragraph 2, items of income
of a resident of a Contracting state, wherever arising, which are
not expressly dealt with in the foregoing Articles of this
Convention shall be taxable only in that Contracting state.
2.
The provisions of paragraph 1 shall not apply to income,
other than income from immovable property as defined in paragraph
2 of Article 6 (Income from Immovable Property (Real Property)),
if the beneficial owner of the income, being a resident of a
Contracting state, carries on business in the other Contracting
state through a permanent establishment situated therein, or
performs in that other state independent personal services from a
fixed base situated therein, and the income is attributable to
such permanent establishment or fixed base. In such case the
provisions of Article 7 (Business Profits) or Article 15
(Independent Personal Services), as the case may be, shall apply.
3. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2,
items of income of a resident of a Contracting state not dealt
with in the foregoing articles of this Convention and arising in
the other Contracting state may also be taxed in that other
State
ase. In such case the
provisions of Article 7 (Business Profits) or Article 15
(Independent Personal Services), as the case may be, shall apply.
3. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2,
items of income of a resident of a Contracting state not dealt
with in the foregoing articles of this Convention and arising in
the other Contracting state may also be taxed in that other
State
ARTICLE 24
Limitation on Benefits
1.
A person (other than an individual) which is a resident
of a Contracting state and derives income from the other
Contracting state shall be entitled under this Convention to
relief from taxation in that other Contracting state only if:
a)
more than 50 percent of the beneficial interest in
such person (or in the case of a company, more than 50
percent of the number of shares of each class of the
company’s shares) is owned, directly or indirectly, by one or
more individual residents of one of the Contracting States,
one of the Contracting States or its political subdivisions
or local authorities, or other individuals subject to tax in
either Contracting State on their worldwide incomes, or
citizens of the United States; and
b)
the income of such person is not used in substantial
part, directly or indirectly, to meet liabilities (including
liabilities for interest or royalties) to persons who are not
residents of one of the Contracting States, one of the
Contracting States or its political subdivisions or local
authorities, or citizens of the United States.
2. The provisions of paragraph 1 shall not apply if the
income derived from the other Contracting state is derived in
connection with, or is incidental to, the active conduct by such
person of a trade or business in the first-mentioned state (other
one of the Contracting States, one of the
Contracting States or its political subdivisions or local
authorities, or citizens of the United States.
2. The provisions of paragraph 1 shall not apply if the
income derived from the other Contracting state is derived in
connection with, or is incidental to, the active conduct by such
person of a trade or business in the first-mentioned state (other
than the business of making or managing investments, unless these
activities are banking or insurance activities carried on by a
bank or insurance company).
3.
The provisions of paragraph 1 shall not apply if the
person deriving the income is a company which is a resident of a
Contracting state in whose principal class of shares there is
substantial and regular trading on a recognized stock exchange.
For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term "recognized
stock exchange" means:
a)
in the case of the United States, the NASDAQ System
owned by the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. and any stock exchange registered with the Securities
and Exchange Commission as a national securities exchange
for purposes of the Securities Act of 1934;
b)
in the case of India, any stock exchange which is
recognized by the Central Government under the Securities
Contracts Regulation Act, 1956; and
c)
any other stock exchange agreed upon by the
competent authorities of the Contracting States.
4. A person that is not entitled to the benefits of this
Convention pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraphs
of this Article may, nevertheless, be granted the benefits of the
Convention if the competent authority of the state in which the
income in question arises so determines.
and
c)
any other stock exchange agreed upon by the
competent authorities of the Contracting States.
4. A person that is not entitled to the benefits of this
Convention pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraphs
of this Article may, nevertheless, be granted the benefits of the
Convention if the competent authority of the state in which the
income in question arises so determines.
ARTICLE 25
Relief From Double Taxation
1.
In accordance with the provisions and subject to the
limitations of the law of the United States (as it may be amended
from time to time without changing the general principle hereof),
the United States shall allow to a resident or citizen of the
United States as a credit against the United States tax on income
a) the income tax paid to India by or on behalf of such
citizen or resident; and
b) in the case of a United States company owning at
least 10 percent of the voting stock of a company which is a
resident of India and from which the United States company
receives dividends, the income tax paid to India by or on
behalf of the distributing company with respect to the
profits out of which the dividends are paid.
For the purposes of this paragraph, the taxes referred to in
paragraphs lb) and 2 of Article 2 (Taxes Covered) shall be
considered income taxes.
2.
a) Where a resident of India derives income which, in
accordance with the provisions of this Convention, may be
taxed in the United States, India shall allow as a deduction
from the tax on the income of that resident an amount equal
to the income tax paid in the United States, whether directly
or by deduction. Such deduction shall not, however, exceed
that part of the income tax (as computed before the deduction
India derives income which, in
accordance with the provisions of this Convention, may be
taxed in the United States, India shall allow as a deduction
from the tax on the income of that resident an amount equal
to the income tax paid in the United States, whether directly
or by deduction. Such deduction shall not, however, exceed
that part of the income tax (as computed before the deduction
is given) which is attributable to the income which may be
taxed in the United States.
b) Further, where such resident is a company by which a
surtax is payable in India, the deduction in respect of
income tax paid in the United States shall be be allowed in
the first instance from income tax payable by the company in
India and as to the balance, if any, from surtax payable by
it in India.
3.
For the purposes of allowing relief from double taxation
pursuant to this Article, income shall be deemed to arise as
follows:
a)
income derived by a resident of a Contracting state
which may be taxed in the other Contracting state in
accordance with this Convention (other than solely by reason
of citizenship in accordance with paragraph 3 of Article 1
(General Scope)) shall be deemed to arise in that other
State;
b)
income derived by a resident of a Contracting state
which may not be taxed in the other Contracting state in
accordance with the Convention shall be deemed to arise in
the first-mentioned state.
Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the determination of the
source of income for purposes of this Article shall be subject to
such source rules in the domestic laws of the Contracting States
as apply for the purpose of limiting the foreign tax credit. The
preceding sentence shall not apply with respect to income dealt
the Convention shall be deemed to arise in
the first-mentioned state.
Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the determination of the
source of income for purposes of this Article shall be subject to
such source rules in the domestic laws of the Contracting States
as apply for the purpose of limiting the foreign tax credit. The
preceding sentence shall not apply with respect to income dealt
with in Article 12 (Royalties and Fees for Included Services).
The rules of this paragraph shall not apply in determining
credits against United States tax for foreign taxes other than
the taxes referred to in paragraphs lb) and 2 of Article 2 (Taxes
Covered).
ARTICLE 26
Non-discrimination
X. Nationals of a Contracting state shall not be subjected
in the other Contracting state to any taxation or any requirement
connected therewith which is other or more burdensome than the
taxation and connected requirements to which nationals of that
other State in the same circumstances are or may be subjected.
This provision shall apply to persons who are not residents of
one or both of the Contracting States.
2.
Except where the provisions of paragraph 3 of Article 7
(Business Profits) apply, the taxation on a permanent
establishment which an enterprise of a Contracting state has in
the other Contracting state shall not be less favorably levied in
that other state than the taxation levied on enterprises of that
other State carrying on the same activities. This provision
shall not be construed as obliging a Contracting state to grant
to residents of the other Contracting state any personal
allowances, reliefs, and reductions for taxation purposes on
account of civil status or family responsibilities which it
grants to its own residents.
hat other state than the taxation levied on enterprises of that
other State carrying on the same activities. This provision
shall not be construed as obliging a Contracting state to grant
to residents of the other Contracting state any personal
allowances, reliefs, and reductions for taxation purposes on
account of civil status or family responsibilities which it
grants to its own residents.
3.
Except where the provisions of paragraph 1 of Article 9
(Associated Enterprises), paragraph 7 of Article 11 (Interest),
or paragraph 8 of Article 12 (Royalties and Fees for Included
Services) apply, interest, royalties, and other disbursements
paid by a resident of a Contracting state to a resident of the
other Contracting state shall, for the purposes of determining
the taxable profits of the first-mentioned resident, be
deductible under the same conditions as if they had been paid to
a resident of the first-mentioned state.
4. Enterprises of a Contracting 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, shall
not be subjected in the first-mentioned state to any taxation or
any requirement connected therewith which is other or more
burdensome than the taxation and connected requirements to which
other similar enterprises of the first-mentioned state are or may
be subjected.
5.
Nothing in this article shall be construed as preventing
either Contracting state from imposing the taxes described in
Article 14 (Permanent Establishment Tax) or the limitations
described in paragraph 3 of Article 7 (Business Profits).
or more
burdensome than the taxation and connected requirements to which
other similar enterprises of the first-mentioned state are or may
be subjected.
5.
Nothing in this article shall be construed as preventing
either Contracting state from imposing the taxes described in
Article 14 (Permanent Establishment Tax) or the limitations
described in paragraph 3 of Article 7 (Business Profits).
ARTICLE 27
Mutual Agreement Procedure
1. Where a person considers that the actions of one or both
of the Contracting States result or will result for him in
taxation not in accordance with the provisions of this
Convention, he may, irrespective of the remedies provided by the
domestic law of those States, present his case to the competent
authority of the Contracting state of which he is a resident or
national. This case must be presented within three years of the
date of receipt of notice of the action which gives rise to
taxation not in accordance with the Convention.
2.
The competent authority shall endeavour, if the objection
appears to it to be justified and if it is not itself able to
arrive at a satisfactory solution, to resolve the case by mutual
agreement with the competent authority of the other Contracting
State, with a view to the avoidance of taxation which is not in
accordance with the Convention. Any agreement reached shall be
implemented notwithstanding any time limits or other procedural
limitations in the domestic law of the Contracting States.
3.
The competent authorities of the Contracting States shall
endeavour to resolve by mutual agreement any difficulties or
doubts arising as to the interpretation or application of the
Convention. They may also consult together for the elimination
of double taxation in cases not provided for in the Convention.
4.
The competent authorities of the Contracting States may
communicate with each other directly for the purpose of reaching
racting States shall
endeavour to resolve by mutual agreement any difficulties or
doubts arising as to the interpretation or application of the
Convention. They may also consult together for the elimination
of double taxation in cases not provided for in the Convention.
4.
The competent authorities of the Contracting States may
communicate with each other directly for the purpose of reaching
an agreement in the sense of the preceding paragraphs. The
competent authorities, through consultations, shall develop
appropriate bilateral procedures, conditions, methods and
techniques for the implementation of the mutual agreement
procedure provided for in this Article. In addition, a competent
authority may devise appropriate unilateral procedures,
conditions, methods and techniques to facilitate the aboveÂ
mentioned bilateral actions and the implementation of the mutual
agreement procedure.
ARTICLE 28
Exchange of Information and Administrative Assistance
1.
The competent authorities of the Contracting States shall
exchange such information (including documents) as is necessary
for carrying out the provisions of this Convention or of the
domestic laws of the Contracting States concerning taxes covered
by the Convention insofar as the taxation thereunder is not
contrary to the Convention, in particular, for the prevention of
fraud or evasion of such taxes. The exchange of information is
not restricted by Article 1 (General Scope). Any information
received by a Contracting state shall be treated as secret in the
same manner as information obtained under the domestic laws of
that State. However, if the information is originally regarded
as secret in the transmitting state, it shall be disclosed only
to persons or authorities (including courts and administrative
bodies) involved in the assessment, collection, or administration
formation
received by a Contracting state shall be treated as secret in the
same manner as information obtained under the domestic laws of
that State. However, if the information is originally regarded
as secret in the transmitting state, it shall 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 appeals in relation to, the taxes which are the
subject of the Convention. Such persons or authorities shall use
the information only for such purposes, but may disclose the
information in public court proceedings or in judicial decisions.
The competent authorities shall, through consultation, develop
appropriate conditions, methods and techniques concerning the
matters in respect of which such exchange of information shall be
made, including, where appropriate, exchange of information
regarding tax avoidance.
2.
The exchange of information or documents shall be either
on a routine basis or on request with reference to particular
cases, or otherwise. The competent authorities of the
Contracting States shall agree from time to time on the list of
information or documents which shall be furnished on a routine
basis.
3.
In no case shall the provisions of paragraph 1 be
construed so as to impose on a Contracting state the obligation:
a)
to carry out administrative measures at variance with
the laws and administrative practice of that or of the other
Contracting state;
b)
to supply information which is not obtainable under
the laws or in the normal course of the administration of
that or of the other Contracting state;
c)
to supply information which would disclose any trade,
business, industrial, commercial, or professional secret or
trade process, or information the disclosure of which would
be contrary to public policy (ordre public).
Contracting state;
b)
to supply information which is not obtainable under
the laws or in the normal course of the administration of
that or of the other Contracting state;
c)
to supply information which would disclose any trade,
business, industrial, commercial, or professional secret or
trade process, or information the disclosure of which would
be contrary to public policy (ordre public).
4.
If information is requested by a Contracting state in
accordance with this Article, the other Contracting state shall
obtain the information to which the request relates in the same
manner and in the same form as if the tax of the first-mentioned
State were the tax of that other state and were being imposed by
that other state. If specifically requested by the competent
authority of a Contracting state, the competent authority of the
other Contracting state shall provide information under this
Article in the form of depositions of witnesses and authenticated
copies of unedited original documents (including books, papers,
statements, records, accounts, and writings), to the same extent
such depositions and documents can be obtained under the laws and
administrative practices of that other state with respect to its
own taxes.
5.
For the purposes of this Article, the Convention shall
apply, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 2 (Taxes
Covered):
a)
in the United States, to all taxes imposed under
Title 26 of the United States Code; and
b)
in India, to the income tax, the wealth tax and the
gift tax.
ARTICLE 29
Diplomatic Agents and Consular officers
Nothing in this Convention shall affect the fiscal privileges
of diplomatic agents or consular officers under the general rules
ithstanding the provisions of Article 2 (Taxes
Covered):
a)
in the United States, to all taxes imposed under
Title 26 of the United States Code; and
b)
in India, to the income tax, the wealth tax and the
gift tax.
ARTICLE 29
Diplomatic Agents and Consular officers
Nothing in this Convention shall affect the fiscal privileges
of diplomatic agents or consular officers under the general rules
of international law or under the provisions of special
agreements.
ARTICLE 30
Entry Into Force
1.
Each Contracting state shall notify the other Contracting
State in writing, through diplomatic channels, upon the
completion of their respective legal procedures to bring this
Convention into force.
2.
The Convention shall enter into force on the date of the
latter of such notifications and its provisions shall have
effect:
a)
in the United States
i)
in respect of taxes withheld at source, for
amounts paid or credited on or after the first day of
January next following the date on which the Convention
enters into force;
ii)
in respect of other taxes, for taxable periods
beginning on or after the first day of January next
following the date on which the Convention enters into
force; and
b)
in India, in respect of income arising in any
taxable year beginning on or after the first day of April
next following the calendar year in which the Convention
enters into force.
ARTICLE 31
Termination
This Convention shall remain in force indefinitely but either
of the Contracting States may, on or before the thirtieth day of
June in any calendar year beginning after the expiration of a
period of five years from the date of the entry into force of the
Convention, give the other Contracting state through diplomatic
channels, written notice of termination and, in such event, this
Convention shall cease to have effect:
a)
in the United States
i)
in respect of taxes withheld at source, for
amounts paid or credited on or after the first day of
January next following the calendar year in which notice
of te
date of the entry into force of the
Convention, give the other Contracting state through diplomatic
channels, written notice of termination and, in such event, this
Convention shall cease to have effect:
a)
in the United States
i)
in respect of taxes withheld at source, for
amounts paid or credited on or after the first day of
January next following the calendar year in which notice
of termination is given; and
ii) in respect of other taxes, for taxable periods
beginning on or after the first day of January next
following the calendar year in which the notice of
termination is given;
and
b)
in India, in respect of income arising in any
taxable year beginning on or after the first day of April
next following the calendar year in which the notice of
termination is given.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being duly authorized by
their respective Governments, have signed this Convention.
DONE at New Delhi in duplicate, this 12th day of September,
1989, in the English and Hindi languages, both texts being
equally authentic. In case of divergence between the two texts,
the English text shall be the operative one.
FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
John R. Hubbard
John R. Hubbard
Ambass
Ambassador
ador
FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
REPUBLIC OF INDIA:
^z,
N.K.
N.K. Sengupta
Sengupta
Secretary
Secretary to
to the
the
Government
Government of
of India
India
PROTOCOL
At the signing today of the Convention between the United States
of America and the Republic of India for the Avoidance of Double
Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to
Taxes on Income, the undersigned have agreed upon the following
provisions, which shall form an integral part of the Convention:
I
tary to
to the
the
Government
Government of
of India
India
PROTOCOL
At the signing today of the Convention between the United States
of America and the Republic of India for the Avoidance of Double
Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to
Taxes on Income, the undersigned have agreed upon the following
provisions, which shall form an integral part of the Convention:
I. AÄ‘ Article 5
It is understood that where an enterprise of a Contracting
State has a permanent establishment in the other Contracting
State in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs 2 (j), 2 (k)
or 2(1) of Article 5 (Permanent Establishment), and the time
period referred to in that paragraph extends over two taxable
years, a permanent establishment shall not be deemed to exist in
a year, if any, in which the use, site, project or activity, as
the case may be, continues for a period or periods aggregating
less than 30 days in that taxable year. A permanent
establishment will exist in the other taxable year, and the
enterprise will be subject to tax in that other Contracting state
in accordance with the provisions of Article 7 (Business
Profits), but only on income arising during that other taxable year.
II.
Ad Article 7
Where the law of the Contracting state in which a permanent
establishment is situated imposes, in accordance with the
provisions of paragraph 3 of Article 7 (Business Profits), a
restriction on the amount of executive and general administrative
expenses which may be allowed as a deduction in determining the
profits of such permanent establishment, it is understood that in
making such a determination of profits the deduction in respect
of such executive and general administrative expenses in no case
shall be less than that allowable under the Indian Income-tax Act
as on the date of signature of this Convention.
III
al administrative
expenses which may be allowed as a deduction in determining the
profits of such permanent establishment, it is understood that in
making such a determination of profits the deduction in respect
of such executive and general administrative expenses in no case
shall be less than that allowable under the Indian Income-tax Act
as on the date of signature of this Convention.
III. Ad Articles 7, 10, 11, 12, 15, and 23
It is understood that for the implementation of paragraphs 1
and 2 of Article 7 (Business Profits), paragraph 4 of Article 10
(Dividends), paragraph 5 of Article 11 (Interest), paragraph 6 of
Article 12 (Royalties and Fees for Included Services), paragraph
1 of Article 15 (Independent Personal Services), and paragraph 2
of Article 23 (Other Income), any income attributable to a
permanent establishment or fixed base during its existence is
taxable in the Contracting state in which such permanent
establishment or fixed base is situated even if the payments are
deferred until such permanent establishment or fixed base has
ceased to exist.
IV.
Ad Article 12
It is understood that fees for included services, as defined
in paragraph 4 of Article 12 (Royalties and Fees for Included
Services) will, in accordance with United States law, be subject
to income tax in the United States based on net income and, when
earned by a company, will also be subject to the taxes described
in paragraph 1 of Article 14 (Permanent Establishment Tax). The
total of these taxes which may be imposed on such fees, however,
may not exceed the amount computed by multiplying the gross fee
by the appropriate tax rate specified in subparagraph a) or b),
whichever is applicable, of paragraph 2 of Article 12.
V
ncome and, when
earned by a company, will also be subject to the taxes described
in paragraph 1 of Article 14 (Permanent Establishment Tax). The
total of these taxes which may be imposed on such fees, however,
may not exceed the amount computed by multiplying the gross fee
by the appropriate tax rate specified in subparagraph a) or b),
whichever is applicable, of paragraph 2 of Article 12.
V.
Ad Article 14
It is understood that references in paragraph 1 of Article 14
(Permanent Establishment Tax) to profits that are subject to tax
in the United States under Article 6 (Income from Immovable
Property (Real Property)), under Article 12 (Royalties and Fees
for Included Services), as fees for included services as defined
in that Article, or under Article 13 (Gains) of this Convention,
are intended to refer only to cases in which the profits in
question are subject to United States tax based on net income
(i.e., by virtue of being effectively connected, or being treated
as effectively connected, with the conduct of a trade or business
in the United States). Any income which is subject to tax under
those Articles based on gross income is not subject to tax under
Article 14.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being duly authorized by
their respective Governments, have signed this Protocol.
DONE at New Delhi in duplicate, this 12th day of September,
1989, in the English and Hindi languages, both texts being
equally authentic. In case of divergence between the two texts,
the English text shall be the operative one.
FOR
FOR THE
THE GOV
GOVERN
ERNMEN
MENT OF
OF TH
THE
UN
UNIT
ITED
ED ST
STAT
ATES
ES OF
OF AME
AMERIC
ICA:
A:
FOR
FOR THE
THE GOVERNMENT
GOVERNMENT OF
OF THE
THE
REPUBLIC
REPUBLIC OF
OF INDIA:
INDIA:
John R. Hubbard
Ambassador
N.K. Sengupta
Secretary to the
Government of India
being
equally authentic. In case of divergence between the two texts,
the English text shall be the operative one.
FOR
FOR THE
THE GOV
GOVERN
ERNMEN
MENT OF
OF TH
THE
UN
UNIT
ITED
ED ST
STAT
ATES
ES OF
OF AME
AMERIC
ICA:
A:
FOR
FOR THE
THE GOVERNMENT
GOVERNMENT OF
OF THE
THE
REPUBLIC
REPUBLIC OF
OF INDIA:
INDIA:
John R. Hubbard
Ambassador
N.K. Sengupta
Secretary to the
Government of India
EMBASSY OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
New Delhi, September 12, 1989
Excellency:
I have the honor to refer to the Convention between the
Government of the United states of America and the Government
of the Republic of India for the Avoidance of Double Taxation
and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on
Income which was signed today (hereinafter referred to as "the
Convention") and to confirm, on behalf of the Government of the
United States of America, the following understandings reached
between the two Governments:
Both sides agree that a tax sparing credit shall not be
provided in Article 25 (Relief from Double Taxation) of the
Convention at this time. However, the Convention shall be
promptly amended to incorporate a tax sparing credit provision
if the United states hereafter amends its laws concerning the
provision of tax sparing credits, or the United States reaches
agreement on the provision of a tax sparing credit with any
other country.
Both sides also agree that, for purposes of paragraph 4(c)
of Article 5 (Permanent Establishment) of the Convention, a
person shall be considered to habitually secure orders in a
Contracting State, wholly or almost wholly for an enterprise,
only if:
1.
such person frequently accepts orders for goods or
merchandise on behalf of the enterprise;
2.
substantially all of such person's sales-related
activities in the Contracting state consist of activities for
the enterprise;
Establishment) of the Convention, a
person shall be considered to habitually secure orders in a
Contracting State, wholly or almost wholly for an enterprise,
only if:
1.
such person frequently accepts orders for goods or
merchandise on behalf of the enterprise;
2.
substantially all of such person's sales-related
activities in the Contracting state consist of activities for
the enterprise;
3.
such person habitually represents to persons
offering to buy goods or merchandise that acceptance of an
order by such person constitutes the agreement of the
enterprise to supply goods or merchandise under the terms and
conditions specified in the order; and
4.
the enterprise takes actions that give purchasers
the basis for a reasonable belief that such person has
authority to bind the enterprise.
I have the honor to request Your Excellency to confirm the
foregoing understandings of Your Excellency's Government.
Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest
consideration.
His
His Ex
Excell
llen
ency
Dr.
Dr. N.K.
N.K. Seng
Sengup
upta
ta,
Sec
Secret
retary
ary (Revenu
(Revenue),
e),
Mi
Mini
nist
stry
ry of
of Finance
Finance,
Ne
New De
Delh
lhi.
i.
John
Joh n R.R. Hubb
Hubbard
ard
Amb
Ambass
assado
ador
Excellency:
I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of Your
Excellency's Note of today's date, which reads as follows:
"I have the honor to refer to the Convention between the
Government of the United States of America and the Government
of the Republic of India for the Avoidance of Double Taxation
and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on
Income which was signed today (hereinafter referred to as "the
Convention") and to confirm, on behalf of the Government of the
United States of America, the following understandings reached
between the two Governments:
Both sides agree that a tax sparing credit shall not be
provided in Article 25 (Relief from Double Taxation) of the
Convention at this time
al Evasion with Respect to Taxes on
Income which was signed today (hereinafter referred to as "the
Convention") and to confirm, on behalf of the Government of the
United States of America, the following understandings reached
between the two Governments:
Both sides agree that a tax sparing credit shall not be
provided in Article 25 (Relief from Double Taxation) of the
Convention at this time. However, the Convention shall be
promptly amended to incorporate a tax sparing credit provision
if the United States hereafter amends its laws concerning the
provision of tax sparing credits, or the United States reaches
agreement on the provision of a tax sparing credit with any
other country.
Both sides also agree that, for purposes of paragraph 4(c)
of Article 5 (Permanent Establishment) of the Convention, a
person shall be considered to habitually secure orders in a
Contracting state, wholly or almost wholly for an enterprise,
only if:
September 12, 1989
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE, DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
NEW DELHI-110001
SECRETARY
1.
such person frequently accepts orders for goods or
merchandise on behalf of the enterprise;
2.
substantially all of such person's sales-related
activities in the Contracting state consist of activities for
the enterprise;
3.
such person habitually represents to persons
offering to buy goods or merchandise that acceptance of an
order by such person constitutes the agreement of the
enterprise to supply goods or merchandise under the terms and
conditions specified in the order; and
4.
the enterprise takes actions that give purchasers
the basis for a reasonable belief that such person has
authority to bind the enterprise."
I have the honour to confirm the understandings contained
in Your Excellency's Note, on behalf of the Government of the
Republic of India.
Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest
consideration.
His Excellency
Dr. John R. Hubbard,
Ambassador of the
United States of America,
New Delhi.
N. K. Sengupta
a reasonable belief that such person has
authority to bind the enterprise."
I have the honour to confirm the understandings contained
in Your Excellency's Note, on behalf of the Government of the
Republic of India.
Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest
consideration.
His Excellency
Dr. John R. Hubbard,
Ambassador of the
United States of America,
New Delhi.
N. K. Sengupta
EMBASSY OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
New Delhi, September 12, 1989
Excellency:
I have the honor to refer to the Convention signed today
between the United States of America and the Republic of
India for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the
Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income
and to Inform you on behalf of the United States of America
of the following:
During the course of the negotiations leading to
conclusion of the Convention signed today, the negotiators
developed and agreed upon a memorandum of understanding
intended to give guidance both to the taxpayers and the tax
authorities of our two countries In Interpreting aspects of
Article 12 (Royalties and Fees for Included Services)
relating to the scope of included services. This memorandum
of understanding represents the current views of the United
States Government with respect to these aspects of Article
12, and it is my Government's understanding that it also
represents the current views of the Indian Government. It
Is also my Government's view that as our Governments gain
experience in administering the Convention, and particularly
Article 12, the competent authorities may develop and
publish amendments to the memorandum of understanding and
further understandings and interpretations of the Convention.
common view of the purpose of the memorandum of
understanding relating to Article 12 of the Convention.
Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest
consideration.
John R. Hubbard
Ambassador
His Excellency
Dr. N.K. Sengupta,
Secretary (Revenue),
Ministry of Finance,
New Delhi.
to the memorandum of understanding and
further understandings and interpretations of the Convention.
common view of the purpose of the memorandum of
understanding relating to Article 12 of the Convention.
Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest
consideration.
John R. Hubbard
Ambassador
His Excellency
Dr. N.K. Sengupta,
Secretary (Revenue),
Ministry of Finance,
New Delhi.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE, DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
NEW DELHI-110001
September 12, 1989
Excellency:
I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of Your
Excellency's Note of today's date, which reads as follows:
"I have the honor to refer to the Convention signed today
between the United States of America and the Republic of India
for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of
Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and to inform
you on behalf of the United States of America of the following:
During the course of the negotiations leading to conclusion
of the Convention signed today, the negotiators developed and
agreed upon a memorandum of understanding intended to give
guidance both to the taxpayers and the tax authorities of our
two countries in interpreting aspects of Article 12 (Royalties
and Fees for Included Services) relating to the scope of
included services. This memorandum of understanding represents
the current views of the United states Government with respect
to these aspects of Article 12, and it is my Government's
understanding that it also represents the current views of the
Indian Government. It is also my Government's view that as our
Governments gain experience in administering the Convention,
and particularly Article 12, the competent authorities may
of understanding represents
the current views of the United states Government with respect
to these aspects of Article 12, and it is my Government's
understanding that it also represents the current views of the
Indian Government. It is also my Government's view that as our
Governments gain experience in administering the Convention,
and particularly Article 12, the competent authorities may
SECRETARY
develop and publish amendments to the memorandum of
understanding and further understandings and interpretations of
the Convention.
If this position meets with the approval of the Government
of the Republic of India, this letter and your reply thereto
will indicate that our Governments share a common view of the
purpose of the memorandum of understanding relating to Article
12 of the Convention."
I have the honour to confirm the understandings contained
in Your Excellency's Note, on behalf of the Government of the
Republic of India.
Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest
consideration.
His Excellency
Dr. John R. Hubbard,
Ambassador of the
United States of America,
New Delhi.
N. K. Sengupta
May 15, 1989
U.S. - INDIA TAX TREATY
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING CONCERNING
FEES FOR INCLUDED SERVICES
IN ARTICLE 12
Paragraph 4 (in general)
This memorandum describes in some detail the category of
services defined in paragraph 4 of Article 12 (Royalties and
Fees for Included Services). It also provides examples of
services intended to be covered within the definition of
included services and those intended to be excluded, either
because they do not satisfy the tests of paragraph 4, or
because, notwithstanding the fact that they meet the tests of
paragraph 4, they are dealt with under paragraph 5. The
examples in either case are not intended as an exhaustive list
but rather as illustrating a few typical cases. For ease of
understanding, the examples in this memorandum describe U.S
hose intended to be excluded, either
because they do not satisfy the tests of paragraph 4, or
because, notwithstanding the fact that they meet the tests of
paragraph 4, they are dealt with under paragraph 5. The
examples in either case are not intended as an exhaustive list
but rather as illustrating a few typical cases. For ease of
understanding, the examples in this memorandum describe U.S.
persons providing services to Indian persons, but the rules of
Article 12 are reciprocal in application.
Article 12 includes only certain technical and consultancy
services. By technical services, we mean in this context
services requiring expertise in a technology. By consultancy
services, we mean in this context advisory services. The
categories of technical and consultancy services are to some
extent overlapping because a consultancy service could also be
a technical service. However, the category of consultancy
services also includes an advisory service, whether or not
expertise In a technology is required to perform it.
Under paragraph 4, technical and consultancy services are
considered included services only to the following extent: (1)
as described in paragraph 4(a), if they are ancillary and
subsidiary to the application or enjoyment of a right, property
or information for which a royalty payment is made; or (2) as
described in paragraph 4(b), if they make available technical
knowledge, experience, skill, know-how, or processes, or
consist of the development and transfer of a technical plan or
technical design. Thus, under paragraph 4(b), consultancy
services which are not of a technical nature cannot be included
services.
Paragraph 4 (a)
Paragraph 4 (a) of Article 12 refers to technical or
consultancy services that are ancillary and subsidiary to the
application or enjoyment of any right, property, or information
for which a payment described in paragraph 3(a) or (b) is
received
technical design. Thus, under paragraph 4(b), consultancy
services which are not of a technical nature cannot be included
services.
Paragraph 4 (a)
Paragraph 4 (a) of Article 12 refers to technical or
consultancy services that are ancillary and subsidiary to the
application or enjoyment of any right, property, or information
for which a payment described in paragraph 3(a) or (b) is
received. Thus, paragraph 4(a) includes technical and
consultancy services that are ancillary and subsidiary to the
application or enjoyment of an intangible for which a royalty
is received under a license or sale as described in
paragraph 3(a), as well as those ancillary and subsidiary to
the application or enjoyment of industrial, commercial, or
scientific equipment for which a royalty is received under a
lease as described in paragraph 3(b).
It is understood that, in order for a service fee to be
considered "ancillary and subsidiary" to the application or
enjoyment of some right, property, or information for which a
payment described in paragraph 3(a) or (b) is received, the
service must be related to the application or enjoyment of the
right, property, or information. In addition, the clearly
predominant purpose of the arrangement under which the payment
of the service fee and such other payment are made must be the
application or enjoyment of the right, property, or information
described in paragraph 3. The question of whether the service
is related to the application or enjoyment of the right,
property, or Information described in paragraph 3 and whether
the clearly predominant purpose of the arrangement is such
application or enjoyment must be determined by reference to the
facts and circumstances of each case. Factors which may be
relevant to such determination (although not necessarily
controlling) include:
1.
the extent to which the services in question
facilitate the effective application or enjoyment of the
right, property, or Information described in paragraph 3;
2
of the arrangement is such
application or enjoyment must be determined by reference to the
facts and circumstances of each case. Factors which may be
relevant to such determination (although not necessarily
controlling) include:
1.
the extent to which the services in question
facilitate the effective application or enjoyment of the
right, property, or Information described in paragraph 3;
2.
the extent to which such services are customarily
provided in the ordinary course of business arrangements
involving royalties described in paragraph 3;
3. whether the amount paid for the services (or which
would be paid by parties operating at arm's length) is an
Insubstantial portion of the combined payments for the
services and the right, property, or information described
in paragraph 3;
4. whether the payment made for the services and the
royalty described in paragraph 3 are made under a single
contract (or a set of related contracts); and
5. whether the person performing the services is the
same person as, or a related person to, the person
receiving the royalties described in paragraph 3 (for this
purpose, persons are considered related if their
relationship is described in Article 9 (Associated
Enterprises) or if the person providing the service is
doing so in connection with an overall arrangement which
includes the payor and recipient of the royalties).
To the extent that services are not considered ancillary
and subsidiary to the aplication or enjoyment of some
agraph 3 (for this
purpose, persons are considered related if their
relationship is described in Article 9 (Associated
Enterprises) or if the person providing the service is
doing so in connection with an overall arrangement which
includes the payor and recipient of the royalties).
To the extent that services are not considered ancillary
and subsidiary to the aplication or enjoyment of some
right, property, or information for which a royalty
payment under paragraph 3 is made, such services shall be
considered "included services" only to the extent that
they are described in paragraph 4(b).
Example (1)
Facts:
A U.S. manufacturer grants rights to an Indian
company to use manufacturing processes in which the
transferor has exclusive rights by virtue of process
patents or the protection otherwise extended by law
to the owner of a process. As part of the
contractual arrangement, the U.S. manufacturer agrees
to provide certain consultancy services to the Indian
company in order to improve the effectiveness of the
latter's use of the processes. Such services
include, for example, the provision of information
and advice on sources of supply for materials needed
in the manufacturing process, and on the development
of sales and service literature for the manufactured
product. The payments allocable to such services do
not form a substantial part of the total
consideration payable under the contractual
arrangement. Are the payments for these services
fees for "included services’?
Analysis:
The payments are fees for included services. The
services described in this example are ancillary and
subsidiary to the use of a manufacturing process
protected by law as described in paragraph 3 (a) of
Article 12 because the services are related to the
application or enjoyment of the intangible and the
granting of the right to use the intangible is the
clearly predominant purpose of the arrangement
nts are fees for included services. The
services described in this example are ancillary and
subsidiary to the use of a manufacturing process
protected by law as described in paragraph 3 (a) of
Article 12 because the services are related to the
application or enjoyment of the intangible and the
granting of the right to use the intangible is the
clearly predominant purpose of the arrangement.
Because the services are ancillary and subsidiary to
the use of the manufacturing process, the fees for
these services are considered fees for included
services under paragraph 4 (a) of Article 12,
regardless of whether the services are described in
paragraph 4 (b).
Example(2)
Facts:
An Indian manufacturing company produces a product
that must be manufactured under sterile conditions
using machinery that must be kept completely free of
bacterial or other harmful deposits. A U.S. company
has developed a special cleaning process for removing
such deposits from that type of machinery. The U.S.
company enters into a contract with the Indian company
under which the former will clean the latter's machinery
on a regular basis. As part of the arrangement, the
U.S. company leases to the Indian company a piece of
equipment which allows the Indian company to measure the
level of bacterial deposits on its machinery in order
for it to know when cleaning is required. Are the
payments for the services fees for included services?
Analysis:
In this example, the provision of cleaning services by
the U.S. company and the rental of the monitoring
equipment are related to each other. However, the
clearly predominant purpose of the arrangement is the
provision of cleaning services. Thus, although the
cleaning services might be considered technical
services, they are not "ancillary and subsidiary" to the
rental of the monitoring equipment. Accordingly, the
cleaning services are not "included services" within the
meaning of paragraph 4 (a)
ipment are related to each other. However, the
clearly predominant purpose of the arrangement is the
provision of cleaning services. Thus, although the
cleaning services might be considered technical
services, they are not "ancillary and subsidiary" to the
rental of the monitoring equipment. Accordingly, the
cleaning services are not "included services" within the
meaning of paragraph 4 (a).
Paragraph 4 (b)
Paragraph 4(b) of Article 12 refers to technical or
consultancy services that make available to the person
acquiring the service technical knowledge, experience, skill,
know-how, or processes, or consist of the development and
transfer of a technical plan or technical design to such
person. (For this purpose, the person acquiring the service
shall be deemed to include an agent, nominee, or transferee of
such person.) This category is narrower than the category
described in paragraph 4(a) because it excludes any service
that does not make technology available to the person acquiring
the service. Generally speaking, technology will be considered
"made available" when the person acquiring the service is
enabled to apply the technology. The fact that the provision
of the service may require technical Input by the person
providing the service does not per se mean that technical
knowledge, skills, etc. are made available to the person
purchasing the service, within the meaning of paragraph 4 (b).
Similarly, the use of a product which embodies technology shall
not per se be considered to make the technology available.
Typical categories of services that generally involve
either the development and transfer of technical plans or
technical designs, or making technology available as described
in paragraph 4 (b), include:
1. engineering services (including the subcategories of
bioengineering and aeronautical, agricultural,
ceramics,chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical,
metallurgical, and industrial engineering);
l categories of services that generally involve
either the development and transfer of technical plans or
technical designs, or making technology available as described
in paragraph 4 (b), include:
1. engineering services (including the subcategories of
bioengineering and aeronautical, agricultural,
ceramics,chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical,
metallurgical, and industrial engineering);
2.
architectural services; and
3.
computer software development.
Under paragraph 4 (b), technical and consultancy services
could make technology available in a variety of settings,
activities and industries. Such services may, for example,
relate to any of the following areas:
1.
bio-technical services;
2.
food processing;
3.
environmental and ecological services;
4.
communication through satellite or otherwise;
5.
energy conservation;
6.
exploration or exploitation of mineral oil
or natural gas;
7.
geological surveys;
8.
scientific services; and
9.
technical training.
The following examples indicate the scope of the
conditions in paragraph 4 (b):
Example (3)
Facts:
A U.S. manufacturer has experience in the use of a
process for manufacturing wallboard for interior
walls of houses which is more durable than the
standard products of its type. An Indian builder
wishes to produce this product for its own use. It
rents a plant and contracts with the U.S. company to
send experts to India to show engineers in the Indian
company how to produce the extra-strong wallboard.
The U.S. contractors work with the technicians in the
Indian firm for a few months. Are the payments to
the U.S. firm considered to be payments for "included
services"?
Analysis:
The payments would be fees for included services.
The services are of a technical or consultancy
nature; in the example, they have elements of both
types of services. The services make available to the
Indian company technical knowledge, skill, and
processes.
in the
Indian firm for a few months. Are the payments to
the U.S. firm considered to be payments for "included
services"?
Analysis:
The payments would be fees for included services.
The services are of a technical or consultancy
nature; in the example, they have elements of both
types of services. The services make available to the
Indian company technical knowledge, skill, and
processes.
—6-
Example (4)
Facts:
A U.S. manufacturer operates a wallboard fabrication
plant outside India. An Indian builder hires the
U.S. company to produce wallboard at that plant for a
fee. The Indian company provides the raw materials,
and the U.S. manufacturer fabricates the wallboard in
its plant, using advanced technology. Are the fees
in this example payments for included services?
Analysis:
The fees would not be for included services.
Although the U.S. company is clearly performing a
technical service, no technical knowledge, skill,
etc., are made available to the Indian company, nor
is there any development and transfer of a technical
plan or design. The U.S. company is merely
performing a contract manufacturing service.
Example (5)
Facts:
An Indian firm owns inventory control software for
use in its chain of retail outlets throughout India.
It expands its sales operation by employing a team of
travelling salesmen to travel around the countryside
selling the company's wares. The company wants to
modify its software to permit the salesmen to access
the company's central computers for information on
what products are available in inventory and when
they can be delivered. The Indian firm hires a U.S.
computer programming firm to modify its software for
this purpose. Are the fees which the Indian firm
pays treated as fees for included services?
Analysis:
The fees are for included services. The U.S. company
clearly performs a technical service for the Indian
company, and it transfers to the Indian company the
technical plan (i.e., the computer program) which it
has developed
hires a U.S.
computer programming firm to modify its software for
this purpose. Are the fees which the Indian firm
pays treated as fees for included services?
Analysis:
The fees are for included services. The U.S. company
clearly performs a technical service for the Indian
company, and it transfers to the Indian company the
technical plan (i.e., the computer program) which it
has developed.
Example (6)
Facts:
An Indian vegetable oil manufacturing company wants
to produce a cholesterol-free oil from a plant which
produces oil normally containing cholesterol. An
American company has developed a process for refining
the cholesterol out of the oil. The Indian company
contracts with the U.S. company to modify the
formulas which it uses so as to eliminate the
cholesterol, and to train the employees of the Indian
company in applying the new formulas. Are the fees
paid by the Indian company for included services?
Analysis:
The fees are for included services. The services are
technical, and the technical knowledge is made
available to the Indian company.
-
Example (7)
Facts:
The Indian vegetable oil manufacturing firm has
mastered the science of producing cholesterol-free
oil and wishes to market the product world-wide. It
hires an American marketing consulting firm to do a
computer simulation of the world market for such oil
and to advise it on marketing strategies. Are the
fees paid to the U.S. company for included services?
Analysis:
The fees would not be for included services. The
American company is providing a consultancy service
which Involves the use of substantial technical skill
and expertise. It is not, however, making available
to the Indian company any technical experience,
knowledge or skill, etc., nor is it transferring a
technical plan or design. What is transferred to the
Indian company through the service contract is
commercial information
ervices. The
American company is providing a consultancy service
which Involves the use of substantial technical skill
and expertise. It is not, however, making available
to the Indian company any technical experience,
knowledge or skill, etc., nor is it transferring a
technical plan or design. What is transferred to the
Indian company through the service contract is
commercial information. The fact that technical
skills were required by the performer of the service
in order to perform the commercial information
service does not make the service a technical service
within the meaning of paragraph 4(b).
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5 of Article 12 describes several categories of
services which are not intended to be treated as included
services even if they satisfy the tests of paragraph 4. Set
forth below are examples of cases where fees would be included
under paragraph 4, but are excluded because of the conditions
of paragraph 5.
Example (8)
Facts:
An Indian company purchases a computer from a U.S.
computer manufacturer. As part of the purchase
agreement, the manufacturer agrees to assist the Indian
company in setting up the computer and installing the
operating system, and to ensure that the staff of the
Indian company is able to operate the computer. Also,
as part of the purchase agreement, the seller agrees to
provide, for a period of ten years, any updates to the
operating system and any training necessary to apply the
urchase
agreement, the manufacturer agrees to assist the Indian
company in setting up the computer and installing the
operating system, and to ensure that the staff of the
Indian company is able to operate the computer. Also,
as part of the purchase agreement, the seller agrees to
provide, for a period of ten years, any updates to the
operating system and any training necessary to apply the
update. Both of these service elements to the contract
would qualify under paragraph 4(b) as an included
service. Would either or both be excluded from the
category of included services, under paragraph 5(a),
because they are ancillary and subsidiary, as well as
inextricably and essentially linked, to the sale of the
computer?
Analysis:
The installation assistance and initial training are
ancillary and subsidiary to the sale of the computer,
and they are also inextricably and essentially linked to
the sale. The computer would be of little value to the
Indian purchaser without these services, which are most
readily and usefully provided by the seller. The fees
for installation assistance and Initial training,
therefore, are not fees for included services, since
these services are not the predominant purpose of the
arrangement.
The services of updating the operating system and
providing associated necessary training may well be
ancillary and subsidiary to the sale of the computer,
but they are not inextricably and essentially linked to
the sale. without the upgrades, the computer will
continue to operate as it did when purchased, and will
continue to accomplish the same functions. Acquiring
the updates cannot, therefore, be said to be
inextricably and essentially linked to the sale of the
computer.
Example (9)
Facts:
An Indian hospital purchases an x-ray machine from a
U.S. manufacturer
xtricably and essentially linked to
the sale. without the upgrades, the computer will
continue to operate as it did when purchased, and will
continue to accomplish the same functions. Acquiring
the updates cannot, therefore, be said to be
inextricably and essentially linked to the sale of the
computer.
Example (9)
Facts:
An Indian hospital purchases an x-ray machine from a
U.S. manufacturer. As part of the purchase agreement,
the manufacturer agrees to Install the machine, to
perform an initial inspection of the machine in India,
to train hospital staff in the use of the machine, and
to service the machine periodically during the usual
warranty period (2 years). Under an optional service
contract purchased by the hospital, the manufacturer
also agrees to perform certain other services throughout
the life of the machine, Including periodic inspections
and repair services, advising the hospital about
developments in x-ray film or techniques which could
Improve the effectiveness of the machine, and training
hospital staff in the application of those new
developments. The cost of the initial Installation,
inspection, training, and warranty service is relatively
minor as compared with the cost of the x-ray machine.
Is any of the service described here ancillary and
subsidiary, as well as inextricably and essentially
linked, to the sale of the x-ray machine?
Analysis:
The initial installation, inspection, and training
services in India and the periodic service during the
warranty period are ancillary and subsidiary, as well as
inextricably and essentially linked, to the sale of the
X-ray machine because the usefulness of the machine to
the hospital depends on this service, the manufacturer
has full responsibility during this period, and the cost
of the services is a relatively minor component of the
contract. Therefore, under paragraph 5(a) these fees
are not fees for included services, regardless of
whether they otherwise would fall within paragraph 4(b)
sale of the
X-ray machine because the usefulness of the machine to
the hospital depends on this service, the manufacturer
has full responsibility during this period, and the cost
of the services is a relatively minor component of the
contract. Therefore, under paragraph 5(a) these fees
are not fees for included services, regardless of
whether they otherwise would fall within paragraph 4(b).
Neither the post-warranty period Inspection and repair
services, nor the advisory and training services
relating to new developments are "inextricably and
essentially linked" to the initial purchase of the x-ray
machine. Accordingly, fees for these services may be
treated as fees for included services if they meet the
tests of paragraph 4(b).
Example (10)
Facts:
An Indian automobile manufacturer decides to expand into
the manufacture of helicopters. It sends a group of
engineers from its design staff to a course of study
conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT) for two years to study aeronautical engineering.
The Indian firm pays tuition fees to MIT on behalf of
the firm's employees. Is the tuition fee a fee for an
included service within the meaning of Article 12?
Analysis:
The tuition fee is clearly intended to acquire a
technical service for the firm. However, the fee paid
is for teaching by an educational institution, and is,
therefore, under paragraph 5(c), not an included
service. It is Irrelevant for this purpsoe whether MIT
conducts the course on its campus or at some other
location.
Example (11)
Facts:
As in Example (10), the automobile manufacturer wishes
to expand into the manufacture of helicopters. It
approaches an Indian university about establishing a
course of study in aeronautical engineering. The
university contracts with a U.S. helicopter manufacturer
to send an engineer to be a visiting professor of
aeronautical engineering on its faculty for a year. Are
the amounts paid by the university for these teaching
services fees for included services?
to the manufacture of helicopters. It
approaches an Indian university about establishing a
course of study in aeronautical engineering. The
university contracts with a U.S. helicopter manufacturer
to send an engineer to be a visiting professor of
aeronautical engineering on its faculty for a year. Are
the amounts paid by the university for these teaching
services fees for included services?
Analysis:
The fees are for teaching in an educational
institution. As such, pursuant to paragraph 5(c), they
are not fees for included services.
Example (12)
Facts:
An Indian wishes to install a computerized system in his
home to control lighting, heating and air conditioning,
a stereo sound system and a burglar and fire alarm
system. He hires an American electrical engineering
firm to design the necessary wiring system, adapt
standard software, and provide instructions for
installation. Are the fees paid to the American firm by
the Indian individual fees for Included services?
Analysis:
The services in respect of which the fees are paid are
of the type which would generally be treated as fees for
included services under paragraph 4(b). However, because
the services are for the personal use of the individual
making the payment, under paragraph 5(d) the payments
would not be fees for included services.