List of Countries That Have a DTAA with India

India has one of the largest networks of tax treaties for the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of tax evasion. The country has Double Tax Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) with over 85 countries under Section 90 of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

The purpose of such tax treaties is to develop a fair and equitable system for the allocation of the right to tax different types of income between the ‘source’ and ‘residence’ countries.

A DTAA simply mitigates double imposition of tax when there is a cross national flow of income and ensures tax neutrality. The agreement between the negotiating countries provides specific guidelines on how the income generated in one country and transferred to another is to be taxed by the source and resident country. This ensures protection to taxpayers against double taxation and prevent any deterrence that the double taxation may otherwise promote in the free flow of international trade, investment, and transfer of technology between two countries.

A DTAA between India and other countries covers only residents of India and residents of the negotiating country. Any person or a company that is not resident, either in India or in the other country that has entered into an agreement with India, cannot claim benefits under the signed DTAA.

Withholding tax rates under DTAA

Foreign or non-resident companies operating in India are subject to withholding tax on their income – dividend, interest, royalty, or fees for technical services, as prescribed under the IT Act.

However, foreign companies that are resident in the countries that India has a DTAA with, can claim more beneficial provisions and rates between the IT Act and the DTAA. 

This article was first published by India Briefing, which is produced by Dezan Shira & Associates.

The firm assists foreign investors throughout Asia from offices across the world, including inin China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, India, and Russia. Readers may write info@dezshira.com for more support.