BACKGROUND
1. The Ministry of Finance (MOF) is seeking comments and views on the specific provisions in our Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) as well as our DTA network. This is the first of a series of annual DTA consultation exercises. As part of the exercise, every year, 10-15 countries (with or without current DTAs with Singapore) will be selected for the review.
Companies and individual taxpayers with transactions abroad are invited to contribute comments on the aspects of our current treaties or DTA network that can be improved to better meet your needs.
SCOPE OF THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE 2. For 2004, the following countries have been identified for review: i. Australia ii. China iii. India iv. Indonesia v. Japan vi. Malaysia vii. Philippines viii. South Korea ix. Thailand x. Taiwan xi. US
3. We also seek your feedback for the upcoming DTA negotiations that have been arranged for the year. We currently have upcoming DTA negotiations with Canada, Ukraine, China and Thailand . This summary page lists the key DTA provisions for all countries highlighted above for review and negotiations. 4. In addition, you are invited to provide feedback on our current DTA network and make representations on other DTAs which should be initiated or reviewed. China and Thailand have also been identified for the annual review exercise. GUIDELINES 5. We seek your full support to ensure that the consultation exercise is productive and focused. Respondents are requested to follow these guidelines: a. Please identify yourself as well as the organisation you represent (if any) so that we may follow up to clarify any issues, if necessary. b. Make your comments clear and concise. c. Please use the prescribed template provided to help us understand your feedback better. d. Your comments should focus on how specific provisions in the DTAs can be improved or particular areas that can be included in our new DTAs. e. Please explain your points with illustrations, examples, or data as far as possible.
6. Our ability to pursue negotiations with the identified countries based on the public comments received will depend on the negotiation schedule and interests of the other country. As the final terms agreed result from the outcome of negotiations, we seek your understanding that some feedback received may not be reflected in the negotiated treaties. PERIOD OF CONSULTATION 7. The public consultation on DTAs will be held from 1 July 2004 to 31 July 2004. Comments sent after 31 July 2004 will not be considered. FEEDBACK CHANNEL 8. Please send us your comments, using the prescribed template, by: a. email to pc_dta@mof.gov.sg or b. fax to 6337 4134; or c. post to: DTA Consultation Ministry of Finance 100 High Street, #10-01 The Treasury Singapore 179434
We particularly encourage comments through email as they will reach us faster and speed up the process of consideration. USEFUL DOCUMENTS / WEB-LINKS 11. For your convenience, the relevant information and documents relating to this public consultation exercise can be found through the links below.
DOCUMENTS TO DOWNLOAD Prescribed template for submission of comments (pdf) USEFUL LINKS Summary of key DTA provisions of countries highlighted for review or re-negotiation. List of the DTAs in our DTA network and the full text of all signed DTAs.