Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement - India and Dubai

Dubai’s trade relationship with India has been witnessing a considerable growth. This has been due mainly to the distinctive ties between the Governments and people of the two countries and the joint economic agreements.

Trade between India and Dubai has reached over $20.5 billion (77 billion dirham) in the first six months of 2012, accounting for 13 per cent of Dubai’s total foreign trade. The total value of Dubai’s imports from India reached $9.5 billion (35 billion dirham) during the first six months of 2012. The imports primarily include diamonds, jewellery, electronic devices and mineral oil. The value of exports to India, comprising mainly gold, diamonds, jewellery and copper wires, stood at $5.17 billion (19 billion dirham) during the same period. 

To promote further inter country trade and commerce India has entered into Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement with Dubai. The treaty arrangements are as follows.

(a)   The Govt. of India and the Dubai desiring to promote mutual economic relations by concluding an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and on capital and have agreed as follows.

(b)   There is no income tax or wealth tax on individuals in DUBAI. There was a limited treaty in 1969 and there was no such tax even earlier. The limited treaty paved the way for full fledged treaty on comprehensive basis coming into effect from 1-4-1994. Only foreign oil exploration companies, foreign banks and certain other kinds of corporate bodies are liable to tax in the Dubai.

Dubai Taxation Structure

Direct Taxes

Dubai Personal Income Tax: Individuals are not taxed in the Dubai. Inheritance / Estate Tax: Inheritance, in the absence of a will, is dealt with in accordance with Islamic Sheria principles. Real Property Tax: A transfer charge of 2% is levied on the transfer of the real property, with the seller paying 0.5% and the buyer paying 1.5% on the sale value of the property. Net Wealth / Net Worth Tax: There is no Net Wealth / Net Worth Tax in Dubai. Capital Acquisitions Tax: There is no Capital Acquisitions Tax in Dubai.

Dubai Corporate Taxation: There are no taxes levied by the Federal Government on income or wealth of companies and individuals in Dubai. However, most emirates have issued tax decrees of general application. These impose income tax of up to 50% on taxable income of 'bodies corporate, wheresoever incorporated'. In practice, however, the enforcement of the decrees is limited to oil exporting companies and foreign banks. Corporate income tax is imposed on foreign oil companies, i.e. companies dealing in oil or oil exploration rights. Although the tax rate applicable to oil companies is generally 55% of operating profits, the amount of tax actually paid by the oil companies is calculated on the basis of a rate agreed mutually on the basis of specific individual concessions between the company and the respective Emirate. The tax rate may range between 55% and 85%.

The tax of Foreign Banks is not enforced in all the emirates. Branches of foreign banks are taxed at 20% of their taxable income in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah. The basis of taxation does not differ significantly between the various Emirates. Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah have issued specific tax legislation for branches of foreign banks, while Abu Dhabi does not have a specific decree.

Special arrangements also exist for major government controlled joint venture companies and some foreign banks. No tax returns are requested or required of other businesses operating in the Dubai. Further, there are no with holding taxes on outward remittance, whether of dividends, interest, royalties or fees for technical services, etc from the other businesses operating in the Dubai. Dubai free zones, which permit 100% foreign ownership, grant specific tax exemptions ranging from 15 to 50 years to companies operating in the free zones.           

Dubai Vat / sales tax: There are no consumption taxes or VAT (Value Added Tax) in the Dubai, but individual Emirates may charge levies on certain products such as liquor and cigarettes and on certain services such as those provided in the hospitality industry.

Indirect Taxes

Municipal taxes are charged in some of the Emirates. In Dubai a 10% municipal tax is charged on hotel revenues and entertainment. In all the Emirates, except Abu Dhabi, Income from renting commercial premises is taxed at a rate of 10 %, and from renting residential premises at a rate of 5%. Abu Dhabi does not levy a municipality tax on rented premises, but landlords are required to pay certain annual licence fees.

Customs (import) duties are levied generally at a rate of 5% but there are many items which are duty exempt, such as medicines, most food products, capital goods and raw material for industries etc. Imports by free zone companies are also exempted unless products move outside the zone. If the products are moved outside the zone, customs duty is levied at 5%.

After the introduction of the new uniform customs tariff on 1 January 2003, all non-Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) products, except for those exempted, are subject to 5% customs duty, while the product of GCC countries shall enter into each others' markets free of customs duties. Products are considered as originating in a GCC country if the value added to such product in the said country is more than 40% of the value of the product in question and if the factory that manufactured the product is at least 51% owned by GCC nationals.

In the event of re-export to non-GCC countries, a customs deposit has to be made and this will be refunded when proof of re-export is given to the authorities. In the event of re-export to GCC countries, customs duty at 5% will be levied at the first point of entry. The provisions of the GCC Customs Union have applied since 1 January 2003.

Dubai DTAA & CBDT Circulars

As a prelude to the Indo- Dubai Treaty, CBDT issued two Circulars — No. 728 (dated 30-10-1995) and 734 (dated 24-1-1996). The purport of the Circulars is to apply the rates of tax pre-scribed in the relevant Finance Act or the rates prescribed in the DTAA between India and other countries (Circular No. 728) and India & Dubai (Circular No. 734) whichever is more beneficial to the assessee (Non Residents). The text of the Circulars is given below.

CBDT Circular No. 728:

1. It has been represented to the board that when making remittances of the nature of royalties and technical fees, tax is being deducted at source at the rates specified in the Finance Act of the relevant year, without taking into account the special rates for taxation of such income provided for under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement with the country concerned. 
2. The expression ‘rates in force’ has been defined in S. 2(37A) of the Income-tax Act. Under sub-clause (iii) of S. 2(37A), for the purposes of deduction of tax u/s.195, the expression is to mean the rate or rates of income tax specified in this behalf in the Finance Act in the relevant year or the rates of tax specified in the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement entered into by the Central Government, whichever is applicable by virtue of the provisions of S. 90 of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
3. It is hereby clarified that in view of provision of Ss.(2) of S. 90 of the Act, in the case of a remittance to a country with which a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement is in force, the tax should be deducted at the rates provided in the Finance Act of the relevant year or at the rate provided in the DTAA, whichever is more beneficial to the assessee.

CBDT Circular No. 734:

Applicable rates of taxes under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement between India and the Dubai:

1. It has been represented by some Non-Resident Indians in the Dubai that the banks and the UTI have been deducting tax at source on interest and dividend incomes at rates higher than those provided in the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement between India and the Dubai. This has forced the Non Resident Indians to seek remedy by way of refund. It also appears that in each of such cases where refund was due and where decision on the applicability of the DTAA was involved, they had been advised to file a petition before the Authority for Advance Rulings.
2. The Board in its Circular No. 728, dated 30th October 1995 have already clarified that in case of remittance to a country with which a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement is in force, tax should be deducted at the rates provided in the Finance Act of the relevant year or at the rates provided in the DTAA, whichever is more beneficial to the assessee.
3. Once again it is clarified that in respect of payments to be made to the Non Resident Indians at the Dubai, tax at source must be deducted at the following rates: 

Dividends:

(a)   5% of the gross amount of the dividends if the beneficial owner is a company which owns at least 10% of the shares of the company paying the dividends.

(b)   15% of the gross amount of the dividend in all other cases.

Interest:

(a)   5% 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.

(b)   12.5% of the gross amount of the interest in all other cases

Royalties: 10% of the gross amount.

1. It is essential that the above rates which are enshrined in the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement between India and the Dubai are strictly adhered to so as to avoid unnecessary harassment of the taxpayers.

Dubai DTAA & Legal Pronouncements in India

Rafique’s case : It was observed by the AAR, in M. A. Rafique’s case (213 ITR 317)

1. "Under such circumstances the very fact that such a comprehensive treaty was considered necessary can only mean that the DTAA was intended to encourage inflow of funds from Dubai to India for investment. In this context, it is necessary to remember that Dubai provides one of the largest export markets for India in West Asia market. Thanks to their oil resources, the Emirates of Dubai represent a very prosperous region in West Asia. There is not much of a possibility for Indian companies carrying on trade or business in or foreign companies carrying on trade in Dubai having income in India. The attraction of Dubai lies in the vast surplus funds it has for investment outside the country. It is common knowledge that there is competition for its surplus funds from the USSR, as well as several European and Asian countries. India is also in the process of looking out for foreign countries interested in investing in India and must have considered the DTAA as providing an opportunity to improve the economic relations between the two countries and to encourage the flow of funds from Dubai. Any incentive offered in respect of Dubai would also attract investments from other countries in the region which could hope for DTAA on similar lines".
2.  "Dubai has sizable expatriate Indian population and a little concession could go a long way in inducing flow of substantial funds to India. The preamble to the DTAA is indicative of these considerations. Given the clear knowledge on the part of India that individual Indian investors in Dubai have to pay no tax, or only a nominal income tax on their income, the only purpose for the DTAA was clearly to provide some benefits to all Dubai investors in India. Read against this background Article 10 (Dividends) Article 11 (Interest) clearly envisage a lower rate of income tax to all Dubai investors on such investments and Article 13 clearly leaves it to the Dubai to deal with the capital gains on movable property realised by all Dubai investors. The very fact the DTAA was signed with full knowledge that there was no tax on individuals in the Dubai, and the presence of number of Articles (10, 11, 13, to 21) indicate that the DTAA was an agreement intended to be applicable to individuals from the very date of its coming into force and was not intended to be a dead letter until appropriate legislation to tax the same in Dubai’’.
3. Article 4(1) (‘Resident’) is to be interpreted in this background. A person is liable to tax in the state by reason of his domicile, residence, place of incorporation or place of management or any other criterion of similar nature does not connote an actual taxation measure but connotes a person who is liable to be subjected to tax by the taxation laws of that state, because of a nexus existing between him and the state, of one of the kinds mentioned in the Article. If the relevant criterion was only to be the person actually subject to tax the Article would have used the words ‘a person who is subjected to tax in that state’ or would have stopped with the words ‘liable to tax under the laws of that state’. The further words namely ‘by reason of his domicile ...’ would be pure surplus age. Moreover several Articles in the DTAA concerning the individuals would make no sense at all if individuals living in Dubai are treated as excluded from the benefit of agreement because they are not currently subjected to tax in Dubai. It is difficult to conceive of a large number of such provisions being inserted in the agreement merely to meet a situation which does not arise on the date of agreement but may arise in future (when tax is levied on individuals)’’.
4. The structure of the agreement indicates that it is more a tax avoidance agreement than a tax relief agreement. Many of the Articles are so structured as to ensure that the income arising to a person out of activities in both states is taxed in one or the other states but not both (refer Articles 6, 7, 8, 13, 15, 18, 19, 22). However with regard to items like dividends, interest and royalty (Articles 10, 11, 12) they are taxed in both the states but the rate is pegged low in source country so as to attract more capital. This is a clear pointer of the intention of entering into treaty by the contracting States".
5. "If individuals from Dubai are excluded it makes the agreement devoid of all contemporary relevance. Hence, the interpretation which considers the treaty as a whole, all its Articles, and gives a full meaning to all the words employed in Article 4(1) of the Treaty would be more appropriate which considers individuals living in Dubai earning income there as resident of Dubai, though at present not liable to tax but certainly liable to be called upon to pay tax under laws of that State.
6. Based on the above factors the residential status is determined as under: "If the applicant is resident in both the States, under the tie breaker tests, he is to be considered as resident of Dubai as his personal and economic ties are closer to Dubai rather than India".  

"The applicant will therefore be entitled to take advantage of Articles 10, 11 and 13 of DTAA".     

These are learned observations of the AAR Justice Shri S. Ranganathan. They are relevant and valid as they are based on the internationally accepted conventions and practices.

1. Cyril Pereira’s case: After a gap of nearly three years, there followed the contrary decision of the AAR on identical facts in the matter of Cyril Pereira in AAR No. 385/1997(239 ITR 650). The gist of the decision is given below:
2. Facts: Cyril Pereira is an individual who is not resident of India but is residing in Dubai. He is employed in Dubai. He is non resident under the Income-tax Act, 1961. He has income from dividend from shares and units of mutual funds, Interest on investment on bonds and other interest from funds lent from NRE Account. The investments were made from the Non Resident Accounts. Tax at the rate of 20% was deducted on income from investments (dividend and interest).
3. Point at issue: The applicant claims that he being non resident and a resident of Dubai, he is eligible for the benefits of DTAA between Dubai and India. As a result dividends should be taxed at a concessional rate of 15% and interest should be taxed at 12.5%.       
4. Decision of the AAR: The decision of the AAR after considering the aforesaid facts and the law is given below in a nutshell:

(i) U/s.90(1) of the Income-tax Act, 1961, the Central Government may enter into an agreement with the Government of any country outside India

• For granting of relief in respect of income on which have been paid both income tax under this Act and income tax in that country, or
• For the avoidance of double taxation of income under this Act and under the corresponding law in force in that country, or
• For exchange of information for the purpose of information for the prevention of evasion or avoidance of income tax chargeable under this Act or under the corresponding law in force in that country or investigation of cases of such evasion or avoidance or
• For recovery of income tax under this Act and under the corresponding law in force in that country and may by notification in the Official Gazette, make such provisions as may be necessary for implementing the agreement. 

In view of this position the Central Government does not have the power to enter into DTAA with Dubai as there is no tax on individuals and companies except certain category of companies. However the Central Government can enter into DTAA with Dubai as the Dubai does levy tax on certain categories of companies.

But the individuals and other entities who do not pay any tax in the Dubai at present cannot access the Treaty which is a precondition for accessing a Treaty.

(ii) In terms of Article 4(1) 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, place of management, place of incorporation or any other criterion of a similar nature.        

The AAR held that unless actual tax has been paid by the person in the Dubai one is not regarded as Resident.   

In view of this position, Cyril Pereira, though residing in the Dubai and domiciled in the Dubai and having close economic ties with the Dubai, cannot be termed as the Resident of Dubai for accessing the DTAA between the Dubai and India. The decision of Rafique was held to be incorrect in view these factors. This is because no tax is paid by Cyril Pereira in the Dubai.

(iii) The term ‘liable to tax’ is equated with the term ‘Subject to Tax’ (actual payment of tax).

(iv) The contention that the Dubai has not granted immunity from taxation and has kept its right to tax alive and that the subject is liable to tax was not accepted by the AAR.   

The AAR held that Cyril Pereira was not entitled to the benefits of DTAA between Dubai and India as there is no tax on individuals in the Dubai.

Though the decision is applicable only to Cyril Pereira, it has wide ramifications in view of the observations of the AAR and the conclusions arrived there from.

AAR Observations on Ruling - Cyril Pereira Case

(i) S. 90(1) is alternative and not cumulative. Clause (c) of S. 90(1) provides for exchange of information between the two states entering into DTAA and S. 90(1) is the enabling Section to enter into treaty. It is submitted with respect that the AAR appears to have overlooked Clause (c) of S. 90(1). Under this Clause individuals and other classes of persons are covered.

(ii) Resident of a Contracting State is one who is liable to tax. The term ‘Liable to tax’ is much wider than the term ‘subject to tax’. Equating both the terms to mean the same thing is not the spirit of the international convention. Dubai is not a tax haven. It has not given up its right to tax its residents. It has retained its right to tax at any time it so feels, though presently it does not subject its residents to tax.

It has not given any exemption from tax even for a limited period let alone immunity from tax. Its residents remain exposed to ‘liability to tax’ without any notice.

(iii) It is generally accepted that the AAR would be consistent in giving its views and not air divergent views, for the sake of uniformity, consistency, harmony and non discrimination.

For instance the decision in the matter of Cyril Pereira acts adversely as compared to the decision in the matter of Rafique.           

This would adversely discriminate Cyril Pereira as compared to Rafique on identical issues.

(iv) On balance and after considering the above points and well accepted international convention, the decision in the matter of Mohd. Rafique appears to represent the correct view.

Some Other International DTAA with Dubai

Cyprus, South Africa, Belgium, France, China, Singapore, Oman -Later that year, the DFSA signed MoUs with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Cyprus, the Financial Services Board of South Africa, the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority, the Banking, Finance and Insurance Commission of Belgium, the Malta Financial Services Authority, the supervisory arm of the Banque de France, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and the Capital Market Authority of Oman.

In August 2009, the Dubai Financial Services Authority entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bank Supervision Department of the South African Reserve Bank. According to the DFSA, the MoU should encourage more South African financial institutions with operations in the Middle East to establish in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). “This initiative reflects each agency’s commitment to co-operation in relation to prudential oversight and inspections,” Koster stated.

The MoU adopts the model for information sharing developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and follows similar arrangements the DFSA has with other significant banking supervisors in the UK, Germany, France, the US, Singapore, and China. Last year, the DFSA also signed an MoU with the Reserve Bank’s fellow financial regulator, the Financial Services Board of South Africa.

“In these recently turbulent times the importance of effective coordination and cooperation between banking supervisors cannot be overstated,” said Koster. “We are looking for better ways of working together to resolve current problems and prevent their repetition. Agreements such as this will make a difference,” he concluded. On October 29, 2009, the DFSA entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The Securities and Exchange Board of India was established in 1992 to regulate the securities markets in India, to protect the interest of the investors and to promote the development of, and to regulate the securities market. The DFSA further bolstered regulatory cooperation between the Emirate and third countries with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on February 23, 2010, with the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Regulatory Authority.

The QFC Regulatory Authority was established in 2005 as the independent regulatory body of the Qatar Financial Centre. It has been established to regulate firms that conduct financial services in or from the QFC. The AMF is France’s independent public body responsible for: safeguarding investments in financial instruments and in all other savings and investment vehicles; for ensuring that investors receive material information; and for maintaining orderly financial markets. The AMF also lends its support to financial market regulation at European and International levels.

Both the AMF and the DFSA are signatories to the IOSCO multilateral MoU, having satisfied the highest standards of co-operation and assistance among IOSCO members. Under the latest agreement, cooperation between the agencies will be further enhanced on a bilateral level. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) in June 2011 during a visit of Paul Koster, Chief Executive of the DFSA and other senior DFSA officials to Mumbai. Speaking after the signing, Mr Koster commented: "Indian banks have a significant and growing presence in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), so this enhancement of information sharing and assistance between the RBI and the DFSA is a critical step to ensuring confidence in each of our regulatory regimes.

The DFSA entered into a Memorandums of Understanding with the Swiss Financial Markets Supervisory Authority (FINMA) on July 28, 2011. DFSA Chief Executive, Paul Koster, commented: "As active members of the International Organization of Securities Commissions and the International Association of Insurance Supervisors, FINMA and the DFSA strive to embrace best practice and seek to reflect the resolutions of the international standard-setters. This initiative should be seen as an affirmation of a mutual willingness to co-operate and share information to those standard.

Korea -In April 2006, the DFSA announced that it had reached an agreement with the Financial Supervisory Commission of the Republic of Korea (FSC). 

The MoU formalized arrangements for cooperation and information sharing between the two regulators, and recognized the reliance placed by each regulator on the quality of regulatory standards administered in the other’s jurisdiction.

Egypt - In September 2006, meanwhile, the Capital Market Authority of Egypt (CMA) and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) revealed that they had signed an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), designed to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two regulators. In particular the MoU covered the gathering and sharing of information to enable each authority to assess the suitability of its authorized firms, to work with its exchange in the supervision of trading, and to ensure compliance with its laws.

GERMANY - Finally that year, the DFSA announced that it had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bundesanstalt fur Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht(BaFin), the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority of Germany.

Malaysia - Of particular significance was the mutual recognition agreement between the DFSA and the Securities Commission of Malaysia (SC), as a result of which DIFC domestic funds were the first foreign funds permitted to be sold into Malaysia. Under the mutual recognition framework, the first of its type to be concluded by either regulator, Islamic funds that have been approved by the SC may be marketed and distributed in the DIFC with minimal regulatory intervention, following the inclusion of Malaysia on the DFSA’s list of Recognised Jurisdictions. Similarly, Islamic funds which have been registered or notified with the DFSA will be able to access Malaysian investors. Supported by a bilateral memorandum of understanding, both regulators will also work closely in the areas of supervision and enforcement of securities laws to ensure adequate protection for investors.

Switzerland and Luxembourg - Another noteworthy development was the conclusion of Memoranda of Understanding with the national banking and securities regulators of Switzerland and Luxembourg, which followed Knott's visit to Berne on April 30, and Luxembourg on May 2 that year. “Switzerland and Luxembourg have long been regarded as among Europe’s leading international financial centres,". “There are already a number of significant Swiss financial institutions operating from the DIFC and there is a level of interest from financial entities in Luxembourg. In addition, there is a possibility of the development of additional business between traded markets in the DIFC and Luxembourg. These two bilateral relationships will assume increasing importance as each regulator relies on the quality of regulatory standards administered in the other’s jurisdiction.

The MoUs have put in place arrangements facilitating the exchange of information and investigative cooperation between the DFSA, the Swiss Federal Banking Commission (the SFBC), and Luxembourg’s Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF).

United States - In October 2007, the DFSA entered into an historic Memorandum of Understanding with United States banking supervisors. The signing coincided with a visit of David Knott to Washington, where the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had held its annual meeting that year. The four federal US agencies principally responsible for banking supervision in the United States - the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) - all joined as parties to a comprehensive statement of co-operation with the DFSA.

This agreement adopted the model for information sharing developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, and follows similar arrangements the DFSA has with other significant banking supervisors, such as the UK Financial Services Authority (FSA) and Germany’s Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin).

Also in 2007, the DFSA signed MoUs with the Greek Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC), the Guernsey Financial Services Commission (GFSC), the Icelandic FME, the Japanese Financial Services Agency (FSA), the Dutch Financial Markets Authority (AFM), and the New Zealand Securities Commission (NZSC).

Hong Kong - The DFSA continued to expand its network of cooperation agreements with foreign regulators in 2008. In April of that year, it signed a joint regulatory initiative with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission to enhance access to Islamic financial products in Hong Kong and the Dubai International Financial Centre. The initiative came in the context of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two regulators signed earlier in Hong Kong.