India Signs Protocol Amending DTAA with Singapore; to help in Effective Exchange of Information in Tax Matters

The Government of India signed a Protocol, amending Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with Government of Singapore for effective exchange of information in tax matters today. The Protocol was signed by Shri Prakash Chandra, Chairman, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on behalf of the Government of India and Ms. Karen Anne Tan Ping Ming, High Commissioner of Singapore to India, on behalf of the Republic of Singapore.

The negotiations for entering into an amending Protocol was completed in one round at Singapore. Both India and Singapore have adopted internationally agreed standard for exchange of information in tax matters. This standard includes the principles incorporated in the new paragraphs 4 and 5 of OECD Model Article on ‘Exchange of Information’ and requires exchange of information on request in all tax matters for the administration and enforcement of domestic tax law without regard to a domestic tax interest requirement or bank secrecy for tax purposes.

In the aftermath of the global financial crisis, there is increased recognition on part of Governments that improvements in exchange of information in tax matters are a part of a broader agenda to improve transparency and global governance. There is recognition that effective and comprehensive exchange of information in tax matters is a vital part of the ongoing efforts of revenue authorities to tackle international tax avoidance and evasion. Towards that end, India and Singapore joined hands for effective exchange of information including banking information.

This amending Protocol will go a long way in strengthening relationship between India and Singapore and facilitate mutual co-operation by effective exchange of information in tax matters between two countries.

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