S.I. No. 477/1997 - Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income and Capital Gains) (United States of America) Order, 1997 Skip to content Disclaimer Feedback Helpdesk Gaeilge Léim go dtí an t-ábhar Séanad

income, profit or gain derived by fiscally transparent persons. For the purposes of the Convention, where a resident of a Contracting State is entitled to income, profit or gain in respect of an interest in a person that derives income, profit or gain from the other Contracting State, any income, profit or gain so derived will be considered to be income, profit or gain of that resident to the extent it is treated as such for purposes of the taxation laws of the first-mentioned Contracting State. The aforementioned reference to "person" shall not include a resident of a Contracting State within the meaning of subparagraph 1 (d) of Article 4 (Residence). 2.

Article 2(Taxes Covered).

For the purposes of paragraph I, it is understood that this Convention shall not apply to the Federal Excise Taxes imposed on insurance premiums paid to foreign insurers where such premiums are not subject to the generally applicable tax imposed on insurance corporations in the Contracting State in which such insurers are resident. 3.

Article 6(Income From Immovable Property (Real Property)).

A resident of a Contracting State who is liable to tax in the other Contracting State on income from immovable property situated in the other Contracting State may elect for any taxable year to compute the tax on such income on a net basis in accordance with the law of that other Contracting State. Any such election shall be binding for the taxable year of the election and all subsequent taxable years unless the competent authority of the other Contracting State, pursuant to a request by the taxpayer, agrees to terminate the election. 4.

Articles 7 (Business Profits), 10 (Dividends), 11 (Interest), 12 (Royalties), 13 (Capital Gains), 14 (Independent Personal Services) and 22 (Other Income). In applying paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 7, paragraph 6 of Article 10, paragraph 3 of Article 11, paragraph 3 of Article 12, paragraph 3 of Article 13, Article 14 and paragraph 2 of Article 22, any income or gain attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base during its existence is taxable in the Contracting State where such permanent establishment or fixed base is situated even if the payments are deferred until such permanent establishment or fixed base has ceased to exist. 5.

Article 10(Dividends).

For the purposes of paragraph 5, the term "dividends" shall not include interest which, by reason of the fact that it was paid to a non-resident company, is treated as dividends under the domestic laws of either Contracting State, to the extent that such interest does not exceed the amount which would be expected to be paid between independent parties dealing at arm's length. 6.

Article 11(Interest). In accordance with section 871(h)

the profits of the issuer or of one of its associated enterprises, and paid to a resident of Ireland also may be taxed in the United States, and according to the laws of the United States, but if the beneficial owner is a resident of Ireland, the gross amount of the interest may be taxed at a rate not exceeding the rate prescribed in subparagraph (b) of paragraph 2 of Article 10 (Dividends). Interest that is an excess inclusion with respect to a residual interest in a real estate mortgage investment conduit may be taxed by each State in accordance with its domestic law. 7.

Article 14(Independent Personal Services).

In determining the income described in paragraph I that is taxable in the other Contracting State, the principles of paragraph 3 of Article 7 (Business Profits) shall apply. 8.

Article 21(Offshore Exploration and Exploitation Activities).

Where a permanent establishment is deemed to exist by virtue of that Article, a "balancing charge" under Chapter II of Part XVI of the Income Tax Act, 1967 will not be imposed for the reason only that the trade carried on through the permanent establishment is treated as having permanently ceased because of the termination of the relevant activities in Ireland, except to the extent that the person carrying on the activities referred to in that Article has made a claim under the laws of Ireland for accelerated capital allowances in respect of machinery or plant used for the purposes of the permanent establishment. Normal wear and tear allowances would, however, be granted in respect of the machinery or plant concerned and no balancing charge would be imposed with respect to such allowances. 9.

Article 23(Limitation on Benefits).

( a ) For the purposes of paragraph 2, (

1. i)the shares in a class of shares or the units in a class of units are considered to be substantially and regularly traded on one or more recognized stock exchanges in a fiscal year if: (A) trades in such class are effected on one or more of such stock exchanges other than in de minimum quantities during every quarter; and (B) the aggregate number of shares or units of that class traded on such stock exchange or exchanges during the previous fiscal year is at least 6 percent of the average number of shares or units outstanding in that class during that taxable year, provided that if such class was not listed on a recognised stock exchange in the previous fiscal year the shares or units will be considered to have satisfied the requirement of this subparagraph B); (
2. ii)a Building Society incorporated in Ireland shall be deemed to be a company the principal class of shares in which: (A) is listed on the Irish Stock Exchange, and (B) which in any fiscal year is substantially and regularly traded on such exchange. ( b ) For the purpose of paragraph 3, (
3. i)whether a resident of a Contracting State is engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business will be determined on the basis of an analysis of all the relevant facts and circumstances. In any case, however, (A) a bank will be considered to be engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business if it regularly accepts deposits from the public or makes loans to the public. It is understood that a resident of a Contracting State that, as of the date of signature of this Convention, is licensed by the banking authorities in that State to engage in the business of banking satisfies this requirement; and (B) an insurance company will be considered to be engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business if its gross income consists primarily of insurance or reinsurance premiums and investment income attributable to such premiums; (
4. ii)in determining whether a person is "engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business" in a Contracting State, activities conducted by a partnership in which that person is a partner and activities conducted by persons connected to such person shall be deemed to be conducted by such person. A person shall be connected to another if one possesses at least 50 percent of the beneficial interest in the other (or, in the case of a company, at least 50 percent of the aggregate vote and value of the company's shares or of the beneficial equity interest in the company) or another person possesses, directly or indirectly, at least 50 percent of the beneficial interest (or, in the case of a company, at least 50 percent of the aggregate vote and value of the company's shares or of the beneficial equity interest in the company) in each person. In any case, a person shall be considered to be connected to another if, based on all the relevant facts and circumstances, one has control of the other or both are under the control of the same person or persons; (iii) a resident of a Contracting State does not have an ownership interest in an activity in the other State merely because it supplies goods, provides services or grants other facilities to that activity. For example, a lessor who would not otherwise have an ownership interest in an activity in the other State would not acquire such an interest merely because it leased property for use by that activity. 10.

Article 27(Exchange of Information and Administrative Assistance).

For the purposes of paragraph 3, the Contracting States consider that, at the date of signature of this Convention, the laws and practices of Ireland do not permit its tax authorities to carry out enquiries on behalf of any state where no liability to Ireland's taxes as covered by this Convention are at issue. However, if, after the date of signature of this Convention, the laws and practices of Ireland in this respect change to permit such enquiries, on behalf of any state, then, subject to the provisions of Article 27, the tax authorities of Ireland shall carry out such enquiries on behalf of the United States and exchange the information so obtained. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being duly authorised by their respective Governments, have signed this Convention. DONE at Dublin in duplicate, this 28th day of July, 1997. For the Government of Ireland: For the Government of the United States of America: CHARLIE McCREEVEY JEAN KENNEDY SMITH No. 238 July 28, 1997 Excellency, I have the honour to refer to the Convention and Protocol between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Ireland for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and Capital Gains which has been signed today and to propose on behalf of the Government of the United States the following: In the course of the negotiations leading to the conclusion of the Convention and Protocol signed today, the negotiators developed and agreed upon a common understanding and interpretation of the following provisions. 1.

Article 7(Business Profits).

For the purposes of paragraph 6, the assets of a permanent establishment shall be understood to include any property or rights used by or held by or for such permanent establishment. 2.

Article 18(Pensions, Social Security, Annuities, Alimony and Child Support).

It is understood that the term "or similar legislation" is intended to refer to United States tier 1 Railroad Retirement benefits. 3.

subparagraph 2 (c) of Article 23 (Limitation on Benefits). It is understood that transactions between associated enterprises will be considered arm's length if the conditions made or imposed between the two enterprises in their commercial or financial relations do not differ from those that would be made between independent enterprises. Transactions between independent enterprises referred to in Article 9 (Associated Enterprises) will be considered to be arm's length. Whether two enterprises are associated will be determined without regard to the residence of the two enterprises. 4.

subparagraph 2 (

1. d)and 2 (
2. e)of Article 23 (Limitation on Benefits). It is understood that, for the purposes of determining whether a person, other than an individual or a company, qualifies for benefits under clause (
3. ii)of subparagraph 2 (
4. d)or a company qualifies for benefits under clause (
5. ii)of subparagraph 2 (e), a person is "referred to in subparagraph (d)(
6. i)or (e)(i)" or "referred to in subparagraph (b)", and a company is "described in subparagraph (e)(i)", only if that person or company is a resident of one of the Contracting States and is entitled to the benefits of the Convention by reason of subparagraph (b), (d)(
7. i)or (e)(i), as the case may be. 5.

paragraph 3 of Article 26 (Mutual Agreement Procedure). It is understood that the competent authorities may consult for the elimination of double taxation in cases not provided for in the Convention only with respect to covered taxes. 6.

Article 27(Exchange of Information and Administrative Assistance).

It is understood that, in addition to the provisions of paragraph 3 of Article 27, the United States may, pursuant to a request under the provisions of the Irish Criminal Justice Act, 1994 (or any law which succeeds that Act) to the Irish Minister for Justice, obtain information, including authenticated copies of unedited original documents, of financial institutions located in Ireland, or depositions of witnesses located in Ireland, as is appropriate for giving effect to such request, for the purpose of the investigation (including investigations by the Internal Revenue Service) or prosecutions of criminal fiscal offences (including criminal revenue offences) under the laws of the United States, as provided for in said Act. Ireland may obtain such types of information for the enforcement of Irish tax law by making requests directly to the United States competent authority. The foregoing understandings are acceptable to the Government of the United States. If the foregoing understandings are acceptable to the Government of Ireland, I have the honour to confirm that this Note and Your Excellency's reply thereto shall be regarded as constituting an agreement between the two Governments in this matter which shall enter into force at the same time as the entry into force of the Convention. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the assurance of my highest consideration. Jean Kennedy Smith, Ambassador for the United States of America. 28 July, 1997. Her Excellency, Mrs Jean Kennedy Smith, Ambassador of the United States of America, Dublin. Excellency, I have received your note of 28 July, 1997, that states the following: I have the honour to refer to the Convention and Protocol between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Ireland for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and Capital Gains which has been signed today and to propose on behalf of the Government of the United States the following: In the course of the negotiations leading to the conclusion of the Convention and Protocol signed today, the negotiators developed and agreed upon a common understanding and interpretation of the following provisions. 1.

Article 7(Business Profits).

For the purposes of paragraph 6, the assets of a permanent establishment shall be understood to include any property or rights used by or held by or for such permanent establishment. 2.

Article 18(Pensions, Social Security, Annuities, Alimony and Child Support).

It is understood that the term "or similar legislation" is intended to refer to United States tier I Railroad Retirement benefits. 3.

subparagraph 2 (c) of Article 23 (Limitation on Benefits). It is understood that transactions between associated enterprises will be considered arm's length if the conditions made or imposed between the two enterprises in their commercial or financial relations do not differ from those that would be made between independent enterprises. Transactions between independent enterprises referred to in Article 9 (Associated Enterprises) will be considered to be arm's length. Whether two enterprises are associated will be determined without regard to the residence of the two enterprises. 4.

subparagraph 2 (

1. d)and 2 (
2. e)of Article 23 (Limitation on Benefits). It is understood that, for the purposes of determining whether a person, other than an individual or a company, qualifies for benefits under clause (
3. ii)of subparagraph 2 (
4. d)or a. company qualifies for benefits under clause (
5. ii)of subparagraph 2 (e), a person is "referred to in subparagraph (d)(
6. i)or (e)(i)" or "referred to in subparagraph (b)", and a company is "described in subparagraph (e)(i)", only if that person or company is a resident of one of the Contracting States and is entitled to the benefits of the Convention by reason of subparagraph (b), (d)(
7. i)or (e)(i), as the case may be. 5.

paragraph 3 of Article 26 (Mutual Agreement Procedure). It is understood that the competent authorities may consult for the elimination of double taxation in cases not provided for in the Convention only with respect to covered taxes. 6.

Article 27(Exchange of Information and Administrative Assistance).

It is understood that, in addition to the provisions of paragraph 3 of Article 27, the United States may, pursuant to a request under the provisions of the Irish Criminal Justice Act, 1994 (or any law which succeeds that Act) to the Irish Minister for Justice, obtain information, including authenticated copies of unedited original documents, of financial institutions located in Ireland, or depositions of witnesses located in Ireland, as is appropriate for giving effect to such request, for the purpose of the investigation (including investigations by the Internal Revenue Service) or prosecutions of criminal fiscal offences (including criminal revenue offences) under the laws of the United States, as provided for in said Act. Ireland may obtain such types of information for the enforcement of Irish tax law by making requests directly to the United States competent authority. The foregoing understandings are acceptable to the Government of the United States. If the foregoing understandings are acceptable to the Government of Ireland, I have the honour to confirm that this Note and Your Excellency's reply thereto shall be regarded as constituting an agreement between the two Governments in this matter which shall enter into force at the same time as the entry into force of the Convention. The foregoing understandings are acceptable to the Government of Ireland. I have the honour to confirm that Your Excellency's Note and the present reply shall be regarded as constituting an agreement between the two Governments in this matter which shall enter into force at the same time as the entry into force of the Convention. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the assurance of my highest consideration. RAY BURKE, T.D. Minister for Foreign Affairs. GIVEN under the Official Seal of the Government, this 2nd day of December,

1. BERTIE AHERN Taoiseach. EXPLANATORY NOTE This Order gives the force of law to the Convention with the United States of America which is set out in the Schedule. This Convention replaces a previous Double Taxation Convention between Ireland and the United States of America which had been in effect since
2. The effect of the new Convention is summarised below. The Convention provides for the allocation of taxing rights between Ireland and the United States and for the relief or elimination of double taxation by: — exempting certain items of income from tax in the country where they arise (e.g. interest, royalties and social security payments), or — reducing the rate of tax on certain items of income in the country where they arise (e.g. dividends), or — providing guidelines for allocating profits between the two countries (e.g. in the case of a permanent establishment or inter-company sales). Where both countries retain taxing rights on the same income or gains, for example in the case of business profits arising through a permanent establishment which a person resident in one country has in the other country or in the case of capital gains arising from the disposal of immovable property or shares linked with immovable property, the Convention provides for double taxation to be relieved by the country where the taxpayer is resident granting credit for tax paid in the source country. The most significant change in the new treaty is the inclusion of a Limitation on Benefits (LOB) Article. All modern US treaties contain a comprehensive LOB Article designed to ensure that only intended residents of the treaty partner country may avail of treaty benefits. Accordingly, to qualify for treaty benefits it is not sufficient to be resident of the other treaty country, a person must also be a "qualified person" or satisfy some other tests which exclude certain intermediate entities whose owners are resident outside Ireland and the United States. Because Ireland's economy is heavily dependent on inward investment, limitation on benefits provisions, which severely restrict foreign ownership of qualified entities, could significantly limit access to treaty benefits for companies established in Ireland. Accordingly, the LOB Article in this Convention contains some unique features which take account of Ireland's particular circumstances and which generally have the effect of preserving treaty benefits for Irish businesses with North American or European ownership. The Convention also provides for safeguarding nationals and enterprises of one country against discriminatory taxation in the other country, for consultation between the competent authorities of the two countries for the purpose of resolving any difficulties or doubts arising as to the interpretation or application of the Convention and for the exchange of such information between these authorities as is necessary for carrying out the provisions of the Convention or of the domestic law of either state in relation to the taxes covered by the Convention. The Convention will enter into force following ratification by each country in accordance with its constitutional procedures. It will thereupon have effect in respect of withholding taxes, from the first of January in the following year and, in respect of other taxes, for tax periods beginning on or after the first of January in the following year. Where the provisions of the existing Convention would have afforded any greater relief from tax than this Convention, they can, at the taxpayer's election, continue to have effect for 12 months after the date that this Convention would otherwise have had effect. In addition, there is provision for a longer transition period, up to 36 months, before the provisions of the LOB Article become fully operative. The Convention may be terminated by either state after five years from the date it enters into force, but at least six months prior notice must be given through diplomatic channels. Privacy Statement Accessibility European Legislation Identifier (PDF) Open Data License Ráiteas Príobháideachais Inrochtaineacht Aitheantóir Eorpach Reachtaíochta (ELI) Ceadúnas Sonraí Oscailte Liosta Fianán © Government of Ireland. Oireachtas Copyright Material is reproduced with the permission of the Houses of the Oireachtas © Rialtas na hÉireann. Atáirgtear ábhar faoi Chóipcheart le cead ó Thithe an Oireachtais