Australia-Singapore DTAA: Double Tax Avoidance Agreement

Incorporating in Singapore provides a lot of benefits, as Singapore has one of the most favorable tax systems in the world. Having a large network of tax agreements makes Singapore's efficient tax system even more so. One of these agreements was signed between Singapore and Australia in 1969 —  the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), which eliminates the double taxation of income between Singapore and Australia and reduces already low Singapore tax rates for businesses and individuals even further. This article will discuss the key provisions of the Australia-Singapore DTAA.
Explore Services
Read Guide
australia singapore dtta
australia singapore double tax treaty

What Is the DTAA between Australia and Singapore?

A DTAA is an agreement between two countries which aims to eliminate the double taxation of the same income in the two countries. Often the tax laws of the countries are such that if any income flows from one country to the other, a taxpayer may be liable to get taxed twice; a DTAA prevents this from happening.

Besides preventing a business or personal income from being taxed twice, the DTAA may also provide lower tax rates for certain types of income in comparison to their prevailing tax rates; these provisions are beneficial to taxpayers and can reduce their overall tax burden.

australia singapore double tax treaty

The Australia-Singapore DTAA provides tax relief to residents of the countries which are parties to the agreement. The tax relief arises in circumstances where income would otherwise be subject to tax in both countries.

Generally, if a taxpayer is a resident of Australia and derives income from Singapore, his income could be taxable in both the countries. But under the provisions of the DTAA, Australia will provide tax relief by crediting the tax paid on the income in Singapore against the tax due to Australia. Similarly, Singapore would do the same for the opposite case.

That is why many entrepreneurs consider starting a business in Singapore from Australia.

We Have Helped Thousands Incorporate In Singapore

Contact Our Experts

Scope of Australia-Singapore DTAA

The Australia-Singapore DTAA is applicable to the residents of the DTAA agreement signing states (Singapore and Australia). Its key aspects are explained below.

What Taxes Will I Owe Under the Australia-Singapore Double Tax Agreement?

The tax you owe will depend on the country where you have to pay the tax which further depends on the type of income involved, and the maximum rate specified (if any) in the DTAA for that type of income. The key provisions of the Australia-Singapore DTAA are described in the following sections.

Singapore-Australia Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) At a Glance

The DTAA specifically states where the different types of income of a resident of either Singapore or Australia will be subject to tax. The following table states the type of income or payments made and the state where the income is taxed. This is important since the place of taxation will determine the rate of tax applicable to that type of income under the DTAA.

Type of income or payment

Where it is taxed

Income from immovable property

Taxed in the state where the property is situated

Profits from business

Taxed in the state where the enterprise carries out its business

Profits from shipping and air transport

Taxed in the state where the enterprise carries out its operations

Dividends

Taxed in the state where the dividends arise

Interest

Taxed in the state where the interest arises

Royalty

Taxed in the state where the royalty arises

Personal and professional services (including directors' fees)

Taxed in the state where the individual is a resident unless services are carried out in the other state*

Income or gains from the alienation of property

Taxed in the state where the property is situated

Pension and annuity

Taxed in the state where the individual is a resident

Remuneration paid by the Government

Taxed by the government of the state. If a resident of the other state is not a citizen or national of the first state and carries out employment, the remuneration is taxed in the other state

Payments to students and trainees

Taxed in the state where they reside

* These services are not taxable in the other state even if the services are carried out in that state in the following circumstances:

  1. If the individual resides in the other state for a period less than an aggregate of 183 days for the year of income.
  2. The services of the individual are performed on behalf of a person residing in another state.
  3. The income or profits are not attributable to any permanent establishment in the other state.

These exemptions are not applicable to any personal income that a public entertainer, such as musicians, athletes, stage and movie show artists derives from their personal activities. The public entertainers are taxed in the state where they carry out their services.

To learn more, you can find a full copy of the Australia-Singapore Double Tax Treaty Agreement.

Protect Your Income From Excessive Taxation

To effectively grow your business and maximize profits, it’s essential to understand the tax benefits available to you and your business. If you’re considering starting a company in Singapore from Australia, CorporateServices.com can help you navigate the process. Contact us, and we will help to select the correct corporate structure that will minimize your taxes while fully complying with all government laws, regulations, and DTAAs.
Get Started
Explore our Services

Frequently Asked Questions about Singapore-Australia DTAA

Related Articles

Image

Is Singapore the Right Place to Incorporate?

Numerous international organizations have consistently ranked Singapore very highly for the ease of doing business. Learn about the key benefits of setting up a Singapore company.
Image

How to Register a New Company in Singapore

Incorporating a Singapore company is fast, easy, and free from unnecessary red-tape. Find out the requirements and procedure to register a private limited company in Singapore.
Image

Singapore's Tax System and Types of Taxes

This article is an overview of Singapore’s tax system, current tax rates, and benefits of Singapore’s tax regulations for companies and individuals.