Global transactions across international borders have given rise to international double taxation. To mitigate the effect of this Singapore has concluded DTA’s with more than 50 partners.

Singapore has concluded four types of Double Taxation Agreements:

• Comprehensive DTA’s which cover all types of income.
• Limited DTA’s which cover only income from shipping and /or air transport.
• Exchange of information arrangements which provide for the exchange of information for tax purposes.
• Agreements which are signed but not ratified therefore do not have the force of law.

Although the general principle underlying Singapore’s DTA’s are similar the actual provisions may differ. This is because every DTA is the result of a series of negotiations between two countries which have their own set of national objectives, policies and technical considerations. Therefore various compromises and amendments are made in order to conclude the DTA. In order to fully understand the tax treatment of a specific income derived from a treaty country it is necessary to refer to the relevant DTA. Please contact us if you require specific information regarding the implementation of Double Taxation Agreement.

Comprehensive Double Taxation Agreements: