Singapore’s DTA with France comes into force

On By taxsgIn Latest Tax News, Tax Treaties, Withholding Tax

1 July 2016

Singapore and France’s revised Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation (DTA) came into force on 1 June 2016, and will take effect from 1 January 2017.

Amongst the changes to enhance trade flows are lower withholding tax rates for dividends and anti-abuse provisions. The withholding tax rates under the treaty are as follows:

  • Dividends — 5% of the gross amount of the dividends if the beneficial owner is a company which owns directly or indirectly at least 10% of the share capital of the company paying the dividends; 15% in all other cases. However, since Singapore’s domestic withholding rate for dividends is nil, dividends will be exempt from withholding tax in Singapore.
  • Interest — 10%.
  • Royalties – 0%.

The full text of the DTA is available on the IRAS website.

Source: Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)