Singapore’s agreement with the Russian Federation for the avoidance of double taxation comes into force on 16 January 2009 following the completion of ratification formalities. The provisions of the Agreement shall apply to income derived on or after 1 January 2010.
The Agreement, which is Singapore’s 60th agreement for the avoidance of double taxation, encourages and facilitates cross-border trade and investment between Singapore and Russia through the lowering of tax barriers and the better definition of taxing rights between the two nations. The main provisions under the Agreement include the following:
a) Lower withholding tax rates are imposed on dividends, interest and royalties. The tax rate for interest and royalties is 7.5% while the following rates apply to dividends:
i) 5% (for corporate shareholders holding at least 15% of the share capital and has invested at least US$100,000 or its equivalent in other currencies);
ii) 5% for the Government; and
iii) 10% (for other shareholders) Continue reading ‘Singapore – Russian avoidance of double taxation agreement ratified’ »