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International Tax Issues in
Entertainment Industry and
Profit Attribution to Agency
PE
Western India Regional Council - ICAI,
Intensive Study Course on International
Taxation, Mumbai

5 July 2011
CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Contents
Sector Outlook
International Tax Issues ~ Entertainment Industry
Agency PE and Profit Attribution
Tax Planning Avenues
Direct Taxes Code




2                                                   CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Sector Outlook | Industry Growth
                     Media & Entertainment Industry in India

    1500                                           1275
                                          1104                    Size (in INR Billions)
                                    957
    1000                      834
            587   652 738
    500                                                              Projected CAGR
                                                                      growth of 14%
       0
           2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
                                                 Source: FICCI-KPMG report on Entertainment 2011

•     Largest film producing market in the world with over 1,000 films released
      every year and more than 3 billion tickets sold annually

•     The number of TV channels grown from 5 (1991) to 550 plus (2011), more
      than 50% were added in the last five years

•     With successful hosting of ICC Cricket World Cup and annual Indian
      Premier League (IPL) along with upcoming Formula One Grand Pix (F1
      Race) the sports entertainment industry in India is on rise
3                                                                                 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Sector Outlook | Global Association
•   India’s association with overseas entertainment industry is growing over
    the years
    •      “Slumdog Millionaire” the film based in India and shot in India won eight
           academy awards (Oscar) including best film
           •   Awards for best original score, best song, best lyrics and best sound
               mixing went to four Indian artists
    •      “Robot (Endhiran)” the highest grosser Indian film collected over INR 375
           crores, in which costumes, special effects, stunts, animations were
           executed by foreign professionals
    •      Over 65 overseas players participates in a mega event of IPL which is for
           two months every year
    •      International sensations such as Akon, Bryan Adams, Ricky Martin all
           had their concerts in various cities of India and more such artists will be
           visiting India in coming months such as Lady Gaga, Shakira, etc.
           •   All are targeting the 700 million plus Indian population below 30
    •      F1 Race circuit in India is scheduled at Noida in October 2011

          With second largest population in the world and growing per capita
        income levels, India has become one of the top target market for global
                                entertainment industry
4                                                                            CA Romesh S A Sankhe
International tax issues
    in Entertainment
    industry




5                              CA Romesh S A Sankhe
International Film Co-production (1)
• Benefits of international film co-production are as under:
    •   the ability to pool financial resources,
    •   access to the partner government's incentives and subsidies available
        under film co-production treaty,
        • India has a film co-production treaty with Brazil, France, Germany, Italy,
          Switzeland, United Kingdom, etc.
    •   access to the partner's market, or to a third market,
    •   access to a particular project initiated by the partner,
    •   cultural benefits; and
    •   the opportunity to learn from the partner

• Possible tax implications in India on the co-production agreement
    •   Exposure to constitution of ‘Association of Persons (AOP)’
    •   If not deemed as AOP, then the foreign resident is exposed to constitution
        of Permanent Establishment (PE) such as Fixed base PE, Service PE, etc.




6                                                                     CA Romesh S A Sankhe
International Film Co-production (2) | Taxation of AOP
Key tax implications are explained hereunder in brief:

                           Consortium                                AOP

• Status &       • Not treated as ‘separate entity’   • Treated as a separate taxable
  taxation         and hence profits & gains are        entity and hence entire profits
                   taxable in the hands of each         of the project is taxable at
                   member separately                    maximum rate of 30.90%/
                                                        32.45%/42.02%

• Treatment of   • Losses, if any, will be eligible   • Losses, if any, will not be
  Losses           for set off in the hands of each     eligible for set off in the hands
                   member against the gains from        of members, due to separate
                   its other business income,           entity treatment

• Head office    • Deduction of common                • Deduction of common
  expenses         business expenses possible           business expenses difficult




7                                                                         CA Romesh S A Sankhe
International Film Co-production (3) | Taxation of AOP
                            Consortium                                AOP

• Applicability of • Each member can avail the         • Treated as a separate taxable
  tax treaty         treaty benefits as per its          entity, hence each member is
                     eligibility                         not eligible for treaty benefits

• Treatment of    • Members are eligible for tax       • May not be eligible for the
  foreign tax       credit in their host country         foreign tax credit
  credit

• Remuneration    • Cross charges may be               • Remuneration to members is
  cross charges     deductible                           not allowed

• Taxability of
  global income   • Not possible for non-residents     • May be treated as resident,
                                                         hence possible


       If co-production contracts are indivisible contracts then it may result in
                             significant tax inefficiencies
8                                                                          CA Romesh S A Sankhe
International Film Co-production (4) |Alternate structures
Comparison of key tax imperatives between these structures is as under;

                    Particulars                       AOP           LLP           Ind. Co.
    Maximum rate of tax on net profits incase of    30.90%        30.90%          32.45%
    foreign resident members
    Maximum rate of tax on net profits incase of    42.02%        30.90%          32.45%
    foreign resident companies as members
    Payment to corporate members for services      Not allowed   Not allowed      Allowed
    rendered by them
    Payment of interest on capital                 Not allowed   Allowed up          Not
                                                                   to 12%         allowed
    MAT @16.22%, DDT@16.22% & Deemed                  Not           Not         Applicable
    dividend distribution tax                      applicable    applicable
    Liability of members                            Unlimited      Limited        Limited
    Perpetual succession                               No           Yes              Yes

            Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) seems more favorable, however
           foreign participation in LLP can only be possible in open sectors after
                                     government’s approval
9                                                                              CA Romesh S A Sankhe
International Film Co-production (5) | LLP
LLPs brought under the ambit of Alternate Minimum Tax (AMT) from
FY 2011-12

•    Rate of tax = 19.06% on Adjusted Total Income (ATI)

•    ATI = Total taxable income before deduction under chapter VI A or
           section 10AA [profit linked incentives]

•    AMT Credit = AMT less regular income tax

•    Credit carry forward = Ten years
Some key business advantages
• Limited liability
• Option of cash accounting
• No mandatory 10% transfer to reserve unlike companies
• No dividend distribution tax
• Simpler entry and exist formalities
10                                                             CA Romesh S A Sankhe
International Film Co-production (6) | LLP
Incomes which are still out of AMT are as under:

 Stream of income             Normal tax   Minimum          Alternate
                                           Alternate Tax    Minimum
                                           (Company)        Tax (LLP)
 Businesses income under          Nil           20%               Nil
 investment linked
 incentives
 Capital gains exempt under       Nil           20%               Nil
 section 10(38)
 Dividends from foreign           15%           20%               Nil
 subsidiary
 Loss under income tax Act        Nil           20%               Nil
 but profits as per books



     May still be a useful alternative for holding companies, business
     availing investment linked incentives or normal tax benefits, etc.
11                                                              CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Shooting of Films in India
• Section 9(d) - No income accrued on shooting of films in India, if
     • The producer is
      • An Individual who is not a Citizen of India
      • A firm or company not having any partner/shareholder who are citizen or resident
        of India
     • Producer’s operations are confined only to ‘shooting of films’ in India
     • Examples: Mission Impossible 4, Singularity, Eat Pray love, Slumdog
       Millionaire, The Mighty Heart, etc.

Exhibition of Films in India
• Section 9(1)(vi) - Explanation 2 specifically excludes consideration
  received towards sale, distribution or exhibition of cinematographic
  films from the ambit of royalty
     • Whether the same be taxable under 9(1)(i) due to ‘business connection’?
     • Whether the consideration towards Video rights, broadcasting rights, DTH
       rights or music rights may still be taxable as ‘royalty’?


12                                                                       CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Production of Films - Indian branch (1)
• At the initial stages of Indian business, the production of movies may
  be undertaken by the foreign companies through its Indian branch
     •   Branch constitutes fixed base PE in India and hence the foreign company
         will be liable to tax both under the Act as well as tax treaty
     •   Therefore, foreign producers of the Indian films will be governed by the
         provisions of the income tax Act

• Section 285B - Submission of statement by producers of films
     •   Statement in form 52A to assessing officer per film per year, within 30 days
         from end of the financial year or completion of the film, whichever is earlier
     •   Stating the details of persons to whom the aggregate annual payments
         exceeds ` 50,000
     •   Failure to comply may attract penalty of ` 100 per day under 272A




13                                                                       CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Production of Films - Indian branch (2)
• Rule 9A - Deduction of ‘Cost of Production’ for film producer
     •   Outcome of exercise of power given to CBDT u/s 295 (1)
     •   Recognizes the special characteristics of the production expenses which
         may spread over a period beyond a year
     •   Deduction Criteria
             Censor         Exhibition/     Release 90 days     Deduction of ‘Cost of
              Board        Sale of rights   before end of the       production’
           Certification                     financial year
                                                                    Full Deduction
                                                                   Extent of amount
                                                                       realized
                                                                     No Deduction

• ‘Cost of Production’ includes all expenditure incurred on production of
  the film, except
     •   Expenditure incurred on preparation of positive films
     •   Expenditure incurred on advertisement of the film after Censor certificate
     •   Subsidy received from the government will be reduced from the cost
14                                                                      CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Production of Films - Indian branch (3) | Other issues
• Exhibition on a commercial basis’ - Whether it includes paid preview,
  direct online release, direct exhibition on Television, etc.
     •    Yes, as per Vishesh Films Pvt. Ltd vs. Dy. CIT (Mumbai ITAT) ITA No 5569 &
          5570/Mum/2004 dated 27-08-2008
         • The requirement of Rule 9A is exhibition of film and the mode has not been
            prescribed
         • Hence exhibition film on Television on commercial basis clearly falls within the
            ambit of Rule 9A

• ‘Remuneration to actors, artists, etc. paid in Kind’ - Whether liable to
  TDS/withholding tax?
     •    Yes, as per Kanchganga Seas Foods Ltd. v. CIT (SC) [2010-TII-03-SC-INTL] and
          Mr. Amitabh Bachhan Vs DCIT (Mumbai Tribunal) ITA No 1584 & 2509 /Mum/2006
          dated 29th November 2006
         • Remuneration in kind should be properly accounted at its fair market value
         • It should be added to the Cost of production and the TDS needs to be deducted

• Precaution while computing cost of production - Rule 9A may not
  override other provisions of Act, hence the deduction may be subject to
  other conditions such as compliance of section 40(a)(ia), 40A, 43B, etc.
15                                                                          CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Film Artist and Other Professionals | Non-residents
• Income tax Act
     •   No specific section or rule dealing with taxation of artist and professionals
         in the entertainment industry except CBDT circular No. 787 dated 10
         February 2000
     •   Artist / Others
          • If covered under ‘fees for technical services’ [section 9(1)(vii)] or
            ‘royalty’ [section 9(1)(vi)] then taxable at his/her gross income
            @10.30% in the absence of his/her fixed base and availability of PAN
          • In all the other cases, may be taxable at net income pertaining to
            operations carried in India @30.90%, also may have to file return and
            comply with other norms such as tax audit, etc.

• Tax treaty
     •   Artist - Article dealing with “Artists and athletes” generally bestows the
         right of taxation to the source state i.e. Indian income tax Act
     •   Others - Those not covered under the term “Artist” may get covered
         under article dealing with “Independent personal services” and generally
         may not be taxable in India in the absence of their fixed base and number
         of days of stay below the prescribed limit generally 180 days
16                                                                     CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Sportsperson and Sports Association (1) | Non-residents
• Income tax Act - Section 115BBA and CBDT circular No. 787 (supra)
     •   Sportsperson - Person, who is neither Citizen nor resident of India, may
         liable to tax on gross basis @10.30%, subject to the availability of PAN
         on their income earned from participation in any game in India,
         advertisement and contribution of articles relating to any game in India
     •   Sports Association - Association, who is not resident of India, may liable
         to tax on gross basis @10.30%, subject to the availability of PAN on their
         income earned in relation to any game played in India
     •   Withholding of tax on above income covered under section 194E
     •   No income tax return needs to be filed by such Sportspersons and Sports
         associations, if Indian income is restricted to above mentioned sources

• Taxation of others involved in sports
     •   Sportsperson is not defined under the Act, generally it means “a person
         who takes part in sports”
     •   Persons such as Coaches, Supports staff, Umpires, Commentators.
         Cheerleaders, etc. may not be covered under section 115BBA
         • If covered under ‘fees for technical services’ [section 9(1)(vii)] then taxable at
           his/her gross income @10.30% in the absence of his/her fixed base and
17         availability of PAN                                                CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Sportsperson and Sports Association (2) | Non-residents
         • In all the other cases, may be taxable at net income pertaining to operations
           carried in India @30.90%, also may have to file return and comply with other
           norms such as tax audit, etc.
         • If employed by foreign company then short stay exemption may be availed
           according to section 10(6)(vi)

• Tax treaty
     •   Sportspersons - Article dealing with “Artists and athletes” generally
         bestows the right of taxation to the source state i.e. Indian income tax Act
     •   Sports Association - Income earned by such entities will be covered
         under Article dealing with “other income” as stated in CBDT Circular No.
         787 (supra)
     •   Others
         •   May get covered under article dealing with “Independent personal services”
             and generally may not be taxable in India in the absence of their fixed base
             and number of days of stay below the prescribed limit generally 180 days
         •   If employed by foreign company then exemption available under article
             dealing with “Dependent personal services” subject to fulfillment of prescribed
             conditions

18                                                                           CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Foreign Telecasting company (1)
• Income streams of foreign telecasting companies
     • Lease of decoders to cable operators
     • Subscription charges for pay channel
     • Advertising revenues

• Lease of decoders - May deemed to lease of commercial equipment
  and hence taxable as “royalty” under the Income tax Act

• Subscription charges - May not be covered under the term “royalty”
  under the Income tax Act and hence may not be taxable in the absence
  of non-resident’s business connection

• Advertising revenues - Position varied over the years
     •   Option of presumptive taxation on deemed profits i.e. 10% of the gross
         receipts meant for remittance [gross receipts excluding amounts retained
         by advertising agent and Indian agent’s commission] - CBDT Circular
         no.742 dated 2 May 1996 and no.765 dated 15 April 1998
     •   The above circulars were withdrawn vide Circular no.6/2001 dated 5 March
         2001, w.e.f. 31 March 2001
19                                                                  CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Foreign Telecasting company (2)
• Profit attribution incase of PE
     •   If non-resident’s operations are solely carried out through its PE in India
         and if the PE is remunerated at arms length then no further profits could be
         attributed to the non-resident operations in India, as held in
             CBDT Circular no.23/1969 dated 23 July 1969
             CBDT Circular No. 5/2004 dated 28 September 2004
             DIT v. Morgan Stanley and Co Inc [2007] 292 ITR 416 (SC)
             Set Satellite (Singapore) v. DDIT [2008] 218 CTR 452 (Bombay HC)
             Worley Parsons Services Pty. Ltd [2008] 170 Taxman 91 (AAR)
             Galileo International Inc v. DDIT [2009] 180 Taxman 357 (Delhi HC)
             Rolls Royce Plc v. DDIT (Delhi ITAT)
             Amadeus Global Travel v. DDIT (Delhi ITAT)




         Circular 23/1969 was withdrawn vide Circular no. 7 dated 22 October
         2009 - Whether this withdrawal will effect the above stated position ?
20                                                                       CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Foreign Telecasting company (3)
• Profit attribution incase of PE
     •       The withdrawal of circular 23/1969 may not affect the prevailing legal
             position, because:
         •    Most of the above rulings does not refer to Circular 23/1969 including Circular
              5/2004 which is not yet withdrawn, the rulings were passed considering the
              judicial position under section 9(1)(i)(a) which remains unchanged
         •    Supreme court in its ruling in the case of CCE v. M/s Ratan Melting and Wires
              Industries [2008] 220 CTR 98 has held that:
                   “Circulars and instructions issued by the Board are no doubt binding in law
                  on the authorities under the respective statutes, but when the Supreme Court
                  or the High Court declares the law on the question arising for consideration, it
                  would not be appropriate for the Court to direct that the circular should be
                  given effect to and not the view expressed in a decision of this Court or the
                  High Court. So far as the clarifications/circulars issued by the Central
                  Government and of the State Government are concerned they represent
                  merely their understanding of the statutory provisions. They are not binding
                  upon the court. It is for the Court to declare what the particular provision of
                  statute says and it is not for the Executive. Looked at from another angle, a
                  circular which is contrary to the statutory provisions has really no existence in
                  law.”

21                                                                                 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Payment for Transponder (1) | New Skies ruling
• Facilitating the                                   Facts
  signal
  transmitting         Satellite                     •    Dutchco owned and operated satellites
  process                                                 for telecasting companies
• Amplifying the
                                                     •    These satellites were located outside
  signals
                                                          India and there was no presence of
                                                          Dutchco in India
                                                     •    The telecasting companies would relay
                                                          their programmes through the
                                                          communication transponders on the
                                                          satellites by using their own earth
          Uplink                     Downlink             stations to uplink and downlink the
           Earth                       Earth              signals
          station                     station        •    The transmission facility was availed
                                                          of by telecasting companies according
      • Encryption of data         • Downlinking of the   to their needs
        into TV signals              signals
      • Uplinking of the           • Distribution of
        signals                      signals in the
                                     footprint area
 22                                                                              CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Payment for Transponder (2) | New Skies ruling
• Facilitating the                                   Issues
  signal
  transmitting         Satellite                     •    Whether the payment received by Dutchco
  process                                                 from its customers for use of its satellite will
• Amplifying the                                          satisfy the definition of “royalty” under the
  signals                                                 India / Netherland treaty?
                                                     •    Whether the services rendered by Dutchco
                                                          through its satellite amount to “secret
                                                          process” or only “process”?
                                                     •    Whether the process needs to be “secret” to
                                                          be treated as “royalty”?
                                                              Definition of “royalties” in India / Netherlands
                                                              treaty:
          Uplink                     Downlink                 “….means payments…. received as a
           Earth                       Earth                   consideration for the use of, or the right to
                                                               use, any …., secret formula or process,
          station                     station                  or for information….”
                                                              The missing comma
      • Encryption of data         • Downlinking of the       “…., secret formula or process, ….”
        into TV signals              signals                   Should this be interpreted as:
      • Uplinking of the           • Distribution of             A. “secret formula or secret process” ; or
        signals                      signals in the              B. “secret formula, or process” ?
                                     footprint area            What is the significance of there being no
                                                               comma after “formula”?
 23                                                                                             CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Payment for Transponder (3) | New Skies ruling
• Facilitating the                                   Ruling of Special Bench of the
  signal
  transmitting         Satellite                     Tribunal
  process                                               • The services rendered by Dutchco
• Amplifying the
  signals                                                 through its satellite amounts to a
                                                          “process”
                                                        • Payment by telecasting companies is
                                                          for the use of or right to use the
                                                          “process”
                                                        • The process in a transponder is not
                                                          secret
          Uplink                     Downlink           • Process need not be “secret” to be
           Earth                        Earth             characterized as “royalty” under the
          station                      station            treaty – i.e. interpretation B. (“secret
                                                          formula, or process”) is correct
      • Encryption of data         • Downlinking of the
        into TV signals              signals
                                                        • The payment made to Dutchco by
      • Uplinking of the           • Distribution of      telecasting companies will be taxable
        signals                      signals in the       as “royalty”
                                    footprint area
 24                                                                                CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Payment for Transponder (4) | New Skies ruling
• Facilitating the                                   Comments
  signal
  transmitting         Satellite                     •    Key observations of the Tribunal:
  process                                                 •   The process of uplinking and
• Amplifying the                                              downlinking is embedded in the
  signals
                                                              transponder which is used by the
                                                              telecasting companies as per their
                                                              needs through the earth stations owned
                                                              by such companies
                                                          •   Once the process in the transponder is
                                                              predetermined by Dutchco, it is made
                                                              available to the customers
          Uplink                     Downlink             •   Dutchco has no right to interfere in the
           Earth                       Earth                  transmission process
          station                     station             •   Without knowing the process involved
                                                              in the transponder, the telecasting
      • Encryption of data         • Downlinking of the       companies will not be able to telecast
        into TV signals              signals                  their programmes in the desired area at
      • Uplinking of the           • Distribution of          the desired time
        signals                      signals in the
                                     footprint area
 25                                                                                   CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Payment for Transponder (5) | New Skies ruling
• Facilitating the                                   Comments
  signal
  transmitting         Satellite                     •    PanAmSat decision is overruled
  process                                                 •   The word “secret” does not qualify the word
• Amplifying the                                              “process” in the royalty definition under the
  signals                                                     provisions of the Act as well as Tax Treaty

                                                     •    Skycell decision is distinguished
                                                          •   In telecommunication process, customer
                                                              merely makes a request to the service
                                                              provider and does not take part in the
                                                              process unlike the telecasting process

          Uplink                     Downlink        •    ISRO decision is distinguished
           Earth                       Earth              •   The ruling in ISRO was in context of a
          station                     station                 navigational transponder which is different
                                                              from the communication transponder used
      • Encryption of data         • Downlinking of the       by the telecasting companies
        into TV signals              signals
      • Uplinking of the           • Distribution of
        signals                      signals in the
                                     footprint area
 26                                                                                     CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Payment for Transponder (6) | After New Skies ruling
 Verizon Communication Singapore (Chennai ITAT) [January 2011]
 •   While analyzing payments made by Indian customers towards International
     Private Leased Circuit or dedicated bandwidth, the tribunal observed as under:
     •   This capacity is made available on a dedicated basis to the customer for the entire
         contract period, usually a year
     •   The amount received by tax payer from Indian customers is also for the use of a
         ‘process’ and would therefore qualify as royalty under Act as well as treaty
 •   The Delhi special bench ruling in the case New Skies satellite has been referred
     and relied upon

 Asia Satellite Telecommunication (Delhi HC) [January 2011]
 •   The High Court observed that:
     •   The transponder is not distinct and separate from the satellite
     •   The transponder is situated in orbit and merely because the satellite had a footprint in
         India would not mean that the process took place in India
     •   The payment can not be deemed to be the payment for the process
 •   Hence, payment for transponder are not ‘royalty’ under the Act
 •   However, the special bench ruling in the case New Skies satellite has not been
     specifically discussed, reliance placed on Isro (AAR), Ishikawajima Harima
27   Heavy Industries (SC) and OECD commentary                         CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Tax Planning Avenues




28                      CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Intangible Management | Overseas IPR Company
          Step 1                                                               Step 2
                              Benefits of Royalty
       IPR holding co         i.   WHT of 10.51% on repatriation           IPR holding co
         in offshore               instead of 16.22% on DDT                  in offshore
         jurisdiction         ii.  Claim of tax credit possible
                                                                             jurisdiction
                                   unlike DDT
                              iii. Deduction of expenses can be
                                   claimed unlike DDT
                              iv. Reduction in overall group
                                   taxation




                             Vital considerations before
                             planning
Payment of      Sale of IP   i.    Domestic laws direct as well as   Non                  Payment of
sale            located in         indirect of all the countries     exclusive            royalty
proceeds        India        ii.   Other incidental taxes such as    transfer of
                                   R&D cess etc.                     IP
                             iii.  IP valuation
                             iv. Transfer Pricing
                             v.    Logistics
                             vi. General Anti Avoidance rules
                             vii. Controlled Foreign Company
                                   rules
           A Ltd                                                                   A Ltd
  29                                                                               CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Onshore services (1)
Whether onshore services is taxed in India ?
•    “Fees for technical services” under the Act includes any payment for
     rendering of any managerial, technical or consultancy services
•    Hence, taxed @10.51% on gross income under the Act in the absence of PE

 Avenues for Mitigating onshore services taxation in India ?
•    Under certain tax treaties of India, services which does not make
     available any technical knowledge, skill, etc. are excluded from purview of
     FTS and some tax treaties does not have FTS and service PE clause
•    Hence services procured from tax residents of these countries may not be
     liable to withholding tax in the absence of non-resident’s fixed base PE in
     India




        Tax planning is vital in terms cost saving, as most of the times
                    service recipient bears the tax liability

30                                                                   CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Onshore services (2)
           B Inc                                                                           B Inc




                                                                                                   Payment of fees
                                                                                Onshore            100, no WHT (if no
                              How can we save
                                                                                services           PE) due to
                              the tax of 10.51%
                                                                                supply             tax treaty

                                                                                      Operating co
Onshore        Payment of Onshore                                                      in offshore
services       services                  100                                           jurisdiction
supply         + Withholding tax                 Vital considerations
                 (Grossing up) 10.51             before planning
               -------------------------------                                                     Payment of fees
                                                 i.    Domestic laws direct
               Total cost to                           as well as indirect of   Onshore            100, no WHT (if
               the project           110.51            all the countries        services           no PE) due to
                                                 ii.   Other incidental taxes   supply             tax treaty
                                                       such as personnel
                                                       etc.
                                                 iii.  Transfer Pricing
                                                 iv. Logistics
                                                 v.    General Anti
                                                       Avoidance rules
           A Ltd                                                                           A Ltd
31                                                                                                  CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Lease of equipment (1)
Whether lease of equipments is taxed in India ?
•    After the amendment in finance Act 2002, “Royalty” under the Act includes
     payment for use of right to use of any industrial, commercial or scientific
     equipments,
•    Hence, taxed @10.51% on gross income under the Act in the absence of PE

Avenues for Mitigating taxation on lease of equipments in India ?
•    Most of India’s tax treaties on the line of the domestic law, includes payment
     for equipment in the definition of royalty except some countries,
•    Hence, equipments procured from tax resident of the above countries may not
     be liable to withholding tax in the absence of non-resident’s PE in India




        Tax planning is vital in terms cost saving, as most of the times
          lessee bears the tax liability while leasing the equipments

32                                                                   CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Lease of equipment (2)
        B Inc                                                                                B Inc




                                                                                                     Payment of Rent
                               How can we save                                   Supply of           100, no WHT (if no
                                                                                 equipment           PE) due to
                               the tax of 10.51%
                                                                                                     tax treaty

                                                                                       Operating co
Supply of       Payment of Rent 100                                                     in offshore
equipment       + Withholding tax                                                       jurisdiction
                  (Grossing up) 10.51
                -------------------------------   Vital considerations
                Total cost to                     before planning                                    Payment of
                the project           110.51      i.    Domestic laws direct     Supply of           Rent
                                                        as well as indirect of   equipment           100, no WHT (if
                                                        all the countries ,                          no PE) due to
                                                  ii.   Other incidental taxes                       tax treaty
                                                        such as stamp duty
                                                        etc,
                                                  iii.  Transfer Pricing,
                                                  iv. Logistics
                                                  v.    General Anti
            A Ltd                                       Avoidance rules
                                                                                             A Ltd
 33                                                                                                   CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Direct Taxes Code




34                   CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Key amendments for Entertainment industry (1)
 Tax provisions                            Income tax Act                       DTC


 Use or right to use of              Not taxable in certain        Included in ‘royalty’
 transmission by satellite, cable,   cases, based on the
 optic fiber or similar technology   judicial precedents
 the transfer of all or any rights   Not taxable due to specific   Included in ‘royalty’
 in respect of cinematographic       exemption vide explanation
 films                               2 to section 9(1)(vi)
 Shooting of films in India by    Not taxable due to specific      There is no specific
 non-resident who is not a Indian exemption vide section           exemption
 citizen                          9(1)(d)
 Deduction to film producer and      Rule 9A and                   Rules are yet to be notified
 film distributor                    Rule 9B
 Income earned from house            May be considered as          Included in ‘income from
 property such Multiplex, studio,    business income, based on     letting of house property’ and
 stadium, etc.                       the judicial precedents       the standard deduction
                                                                   reduced to 20%
 Development and transfer of a       Not taxable, based on the     Included in ‘fees for technical
 design, drawing, plan or            judicial precedents           services’
 software
35                                                                                  CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Key amendments for Entertainment industry (2)
• Increase in withholding tax rate from 10.51% to 20% for royalty and fees
  for technical services - In the following cases the payments to non-residents
  may liable to higher withholding tax:
     •   India has more than 75 tax treaties, out of which over 30 tax treaties provide for a
         withholding tax rate of 15% to 20%
     •   Resident from a non tax treaty country may liable to higher withholding tax rate of
         20%


• Permanent establishment - No threshold limit has been specified for
  construction site, building site, services rendered etc. hence following
  circumstances may lead to constitution of PE of foreign residents from a non-
  tax treaty country:
     •   Building site, construction site, rendering of services or leasing of equipments within
         India for a day or more



           Gross-up contracts with the non-residents will have be analysed
         carefully, as the same may increase the cost of overseas transactions
36                                                                               CA Romesh S A Sankhe
Open house ..




37                   CA Romesh S A Sankhe
CA Romesh S A Sankhe
(M) 9892 892504
(E) romesh_sankhe@rediffmail.com

The views expressed in this presentation are solely that of the speaker and do not constitute any kind of professional advice. These
views or opinion expressed in this presentation should not be applied or used without a prior professional advice, as the review of the
facts and prevailing judicial position is of utmost importance in the analysis of tax implications.

38

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International Tax Issues In Entertainment Industry_WIRC_5 July 2011

  • 1. International Tax Issues in Entertainment Industry and Profit Attribution to Agency PE Western India Regional Council - ICAI, Intensive Study Course on International Taxation, Mumbai 5 July 2011 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 2. Contents Sector Outlook International Tax Issues ~ Entertainment Industry Agency PE and Profit Attribution Tax Planning Avenues Direct Taxes Code 2 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 3. Sector Outlook | Industry Growth Media & Entertainment Industry in India 1500 1275 1104 Size (in INR Billions) 957 1000 834 587 652 738 500 Projected CAGR growth of 14% 0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Source: FICCI-KPMG report on Entertainment 2011 • Largest film producing market in the world with over 1,000 films released every year and more than 3 billion tickets sold annually • The number of TV channels grown from 5 (1991) to 550 plus (2011), more than 50% were added in the last five years • With successful hosting of ICC Cricket World Cup and annual Indian Premier League (IPL) along with upcoming Formula One Grand Pix (F1 Race) the sports entertainment industry in India is on rise 3 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 4. Sector Outlook | Global Association • India’s association with overseas entertainment industry is growing over the years • “Slumdog Millionaire” the film based in India and shot in India won eight academy awards (Oscar) including best film • Awards for best original score, best song, best lyrics and best sound mixing went to four Indian artists • “Robot (Endhiran)” the highest grosser Indian film collected over INR 375 crores, in which costumes, special effects, stunts, animations were executed by foreign professionals • Over 65 overseas players participates in a mega event of IPL which is for two months every year • International sensations such as Akon, Bryan Adams, Ricky Martin all had their concerts in various cities of India and more such artists will be visiting India in coming months such as Lady Gaga, Shakira, etc. • All are targeting the 700 million plus Indian population below 30 • F1 Race circuit in India is scheduled at Noida in October 2011 With second largest population in the world and growing per capita income levels, India has become one of the top target market for global entertainment industry 4 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 5. International tax issues in Entertainment industry 5 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 6. International Film Co-production (1) • Benefits of international film co-production are as under: • the ability to pool financial resources, • access to the partner government's incentives and subsidies available under film co-production treaty, • India has a film co-production treaty with Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Switzeland, United Kingdom, etc. • access to the partner's market, or to a third market, • access to a particular project initiated by the partner, • cultural benefits; and • the opportunity to learn from the partner • Possible tax implications in India on the co-production agreement • Exposure to constitution of ‘Association of Persons (AOP)’ • If not deemed as AOP, then the foreign resident is exposed to constitution of Permanent Establishment (PE) such as Fixed base PE, Service PE, etc. 6 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 7. International Film Co-production (2) | Taxation of AOP Key tax implications are explained hereunder in brief: Consortium AOP • Status & • Not treated as ‘separate entity’ • Treated as a separate taxable taxation and hence profits & gains are entity and hence entire profits taxable in the hands of each of the project is taxable at member separately maximum rate of 30.90%/ 32.45%/42.02% • Treatment of • Losses, if any, will be eligible • Losses, if any, will not be Losses for set off in the hands of each eligible for set off in the hands member against the gains from of members, due to separate its other business income, entity treatment • Head office • Deduction of common • Deduction of common expenses business expenses possible business expenses difficult 7 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 8. International Film Co-production (3) | Taxation of AOP Consortium AOP • Applicability of • Each member can avail the • Treated as a separate taxable tax treaty treaty benefits as per its entity, hence each member is eligibility not eligible for treaty benefits • Treatment of • Members are eligible for tax • May not be eligible for the foreign tax credit in their host country foreign tax credit credit • Remuneration • Cross charges may be • Remuneration to members is cross charges deductible not allowed • Taxability of global income • Not possible for non-residents • May be treated as resident, hence possible If co-production contracts are indivisible contracts then it may result in significant tax inefficiencies 8 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 9. International Film Co-production (4) |Alternate structures Comparison of key tax imperatives between these structures is as under; Particulars AOP LLP Ind. Co. Maximum rate of tax on net profits incase of 30.90% 30.90% 32.45% foreign resident members Maximum rate of tax on net profits incase of 42.02% 30.90% 32.45% foreign resident companies as members Payment to corporate members for services Not allowed Not allowed Allowed rendered by them Payment of interest on capital Not allowed Allowed up Not to 12% allowed MAT @16.22%, DDT@16.22% & Deemed Not Not Applicable dividend distribution tax applicable applicable Liability of members Unlimited Limited Limited Perpetual succession No Yes Yes Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) seems more favorable, however foreign participation in LLP can only be possible in open sectors after government’s approval 9 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 10. International Film Co-production (5) | LLP LLPs brought under the ambit of Alternate Minimum Tax (AMT) from FY 2011-12 • Rate of tax = 19.06% on Adjusted Total Income (ATI) • ATI = Total taxable income before deduction under chapter VI A or section 10AA [profit linked incentives] • AMT Credit = AMT less regular income tax • Credit carry forward = Ten years Some key business advantages • Limited liability • Option of cash accounting • No mandatory 10% transfer to reserve unlike companies • No dividend distribution tax • Simpler entry and exist formalities 10 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 11. International Film Co-production (6) | LLP Incomes which are still out of AMT are as under: Stream of income Normal tax Minimum Alternate Alternate Tax Minimum (Company) Tax (LLP) Businesses income under Nil 20% Nil investment linked incentives Capital gains exempt under Nil 20% Nil section 10(38) Dividends from foreign 15% 20% Nil subsidiary Loss under income tax Act Nil 20% Nil but profits as per books May still be a useful alternative for holding companies, business availing investment linked incentives or normal tax benefits, etc. 11 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 12. Shooting of Films in India • Section 9(d) - No income accrued on shooting of films in India, if • The producer is • An Individual who is not a Citizen of India • A firm or company not having any partner/shareholder who are citizen or resident of India • Producer’s operations are confined only to ‘shooting of films’ in India • Examples: Mission Impossible 4, Singularity, Eat Pray love, Slumdog Millionaire, The Mighty Heart, etc. Exhibition of Films in India • Section 9(1)(vi) - Explanation 2 specifically excludes consideration received towards sale, distribution or exhibition of cinematographic films from the ambit of royalty • Whether the same be taxable under 9(1)(i) due to ‘business connection’? • Whether the consideration towards Video rights, broadcasting rights, DTH rights or music rights may still be taxable as ‘royalty’? 12 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 13. Production of Films - Indian branch (1) • At the initial stages of Indian business, the production of movies may be undertaken by the foreign companies through its Indian branch • Branch constitutes fixed base PE in India and hence the foreign company will be liable to tax both under the Act as well as tax treaty • Therefore, foreign producers of the Indian films will be governed by the provisions of the income tax Act • Section 285B - Submission of statement by producers of films • Statement in form 52A to assessing officer per film per year, within 30 days from end of the financial year or completion of the film, whichever is earlier • Stating the details of persons to whom the aggregate annual payments exceeds ` 50,000 • Failure to comply may attract penalty of ` 100 per day under 272A 13 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 14. Production of Films - Indian branch (2) • Rule 9A - Deduction of ‘Cost of Production’ for film producer • Outcome of exercise of power given to CBDT u/s 295 (1) • Recognizes the special characteristics of the production expenses which may spread over a period beyond a year • Deduction Criteria Censor Exhibition/ Release 90 days Deduction of ‘Cost of Board Sale of rights before end of the production’ Certification financial year Full Deduction Extent of amount realized No Deduction • ‘Cost of Production’ includes all expenditure incurred on production of the film, except • Expenditure incurred on preparation of positive films • Expenditure incurred on advertisement of the film after Censor certificate • Subsidy received from the government will be reduced from the cost 14 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 15. Production of Films - Indian branch (3) | Other issues • Exhibition on a commercial basis’ - Whether it includes paid preview, direct online release, direct exhibition on Television, etc. • Yes, as per Vishesh Films Pvt. Ltd vs. Dy. CIT (Mumbai ITAT) ITA No 5569 & 5570/Mum/2004 dated 27-08-2008 • The requirement of Rule 9A is exhibition of film and the mode has not been prescribed • Hence exhibition film on Television on commercial basis clearly falls within the ambit of Rule 9A • ‘Remuneration to actors, artists, etc. paid in Kind’ - Whether liable to TDS/withholding tax? • Yes, as per Kanchganga Seas Foods Ltd. v. CIT (SC) [2010-TII-03-SC-INTL] and Mr. Amitabh Bachhan Vs DCIT (Mumbai Tribunal) ITA No 1584 & 2509 /Mum/2006 dated 29th November 2006 • Remuneration in kind should be properly accounted at its fair market value • It should be added to the Cost of production and the TDS needs to be deducted • Precaution while computing cost of production - Rule 9A may not override other provisions of Act, hence the deduction may be subject to other conditions such as compliance of section 40(a)(ia), 40A, 43B, etc. 15 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 16. Film Artist and Other Professionals | Non-residents • Income tax Act • No specific section or rule dealing with taxation of artist and professionals in the entertainment industry except CBDT circular No. 787 dated 10 February 2000 • Artist / Others • If covered under ‘fees for technical services’ [section 9(1)(vii)] or ‘royalty’ [section 9(1)(vi)] then taxable at his/her gross income @10.30% in the absence of his/her fixed base and availability of PAN • In all the other cases, may be taxable at net income pertaining to operations carried in India @30.90%, also may have to file return and comply with other norms such as tax audit, etc. • Tax treaty • Artist - Article dealing with “Artists and athletes” generally bestows the right of taxation to the source state i.e. Indian income tax Act • Others - Those not covered under the term “Artist” may get covered under article dealing with “Independent personal services” and generally may not be taxable in India in the absence of their fixed base and number of days of stay below the prescribed limit generally 180 days 16 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 17. Sportsperson and Sports Association (1) | Non-residents • Income tax Act - Section 115BBA and CBDT circular No. 787 (supra) • Sportsperson - Person, who is neither Citizen nor resident of India, may liable to tax on gross basis @10.30%, subject to the availability of PAN on their income earned from participation in any game in India, advertisement and contribution of articles relating to any game in India • Sports Association - Association, who is not resident of India, may liable to tax on gross basis @10.30%, subject to the availability of PAN on their income earned in relation to any game played in India • Withholding of tax on above income covered under section 194E • No income tax return needs to be filed by such Sportspersons and Sports associations, if Indian income is restricted to above mentioned sources • Taxation of others involved in sports • Sportsperson is not defined under the Act, generally it means “a person who takes part in sports” • Persons such as Coaches, Supports staff, Umpires, Commentators. Cheerleaders, etc. may not be covered under section 115BBA • If covered under ‘fees for technical services’ [section 9(1)(vii)] then taxable at his/her gross income @10.30% in the absence of his/her fixed base and 17 availability of PAN CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 18. Sportsperson and Sports Association (2) | Non-residents • In all the other cases, may be taxable at net income pertaining to operations carried in India @30.90%, also may have to file return and comply with other norms such as tax audit, etc. • If employed by foreign company then short stay exemption may be availed according to section 10(6)(vi) • Tax treaty • Sportspersons - Article dealing with “Artists and athletes” generally bestows the right of taxation to the source state i.e. Indian income tax Act • Sports Association - Income earned by such entities will be covered under Article dealing with “other income” as stated in CBDT Circular No. 787 (supra) • Others • May get covered under article dealing with “Independent personal services” and generally may not be taxable in India in the absence of their fixed base and number of days of stay below the prescribed limit generally 180 days • If employed by foreign company then exemption available under article dealing with “Dependent personal services” subject to fulfillment of prescribed conditions 18 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 19. Foreign Telecasting company (1) • Income streams of foreign telecasting companies • Lease of decoders to cable operators • Subscription charges for pay channel • Advertising revenues • Lease of decoders - May deemed to lease of commercial equipment and hence taxable as “royalty” under the Income tax Act • Subscription charges - May not be covered under the term “royalty” under the Income tax Act and hence may not be taxable in the absence of non-resident’s business connection • Advertising revenues - Position varied over the years • Option of presumptive taxation on deemed profits i.e. 10% of the gross receipts meant for remittance [gross receipts excluding amounts retained by advertising agent and Indian agent’s commission] - CBDT Circular no.742 dated 2 May 1996 and no.765 dated 15 April 1998 • The above circulars were withdrawn vide Circular no.6/2001 dated 5 March 2001, w.e.f. 31 March 2001 19 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 20. Foreign Telecasting company (2) • Profit attribution incase of PE • If non-resident’s operations are solely carried out through its PE in India and if the PE is remunerated at arms length then no further profits could be attributed to the non-resident operations in India, as held in CBDT Circular no.23/1969 dated 23 July 1969 CBDT Circular No. 5/2004 dated 28 September 2004 DIT v. Morgan Stanley and Co Inc [2007] 292 ITR 416 (SC) Set Satellite (Singapore) v. DDIT [2008] 218 CTR 452 (Bombay HC) Worley Parsons Services Pty. Ltd [2008] 170 Taxman 91 (AAR) Galileo International Inc v. DDIT [2009] 180 Taxman 357 (Delhi HC) Rolls Royce Plc v. DDIT (Delhi ITAT) Amadeus Global Travel v. DDIT (Delhi ITAT) Circular 23/1969 was withdrawn vide Circular no. 7 dated 22 October 2009 - Whether this withdrawal will effect the above stated position ? 20 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 21. Foreign Telecasting company (3) • Profit attribution incase of PE • The withdrawal of circular 23/1969 may not affect the prevailing legal position, because: • Most of the above rulings does not refer to Circular 23/1969 including Circular 5/2004 which is not yet withdrawn, the rulings were passed considering the judicial position under section 9(1)(i)(a) which remains unchanged • Supreme court in its ruling in the case of CCE v. M/s Ratan Melting and Wires Industries [2008] 220 CTR 98 has held that: “Circulars and instructions issued by the Board are no doubt binding in law on the authorities under the respective statutes, but when the Supreme Court or the High Court declares the law on the question arising for consideration, it would not be appropriate for the Court to direct that the circular should be given effect to and not the view expressed in a decision of this Court or the High Court. So far as the clarifications/circulars issued by the Central Government and of the State Government are concerned they represent merely their understanding of the statutory provisions. They are not binding upon the court. It is for the Court to declare what the particular provision of statute says and it is not for the Executive. Looked at from another angle, a circular which is contrary to the statutory provisions has really no existence in law.” 21 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 22. Payment for Transponder (1) | New Skies ruling • Facilitating the Facts signal transmitting Satellite • Dutchco owned and operated satellites process for telecasting companies • Amplifying the • These satellites were located outside signals India and there was no presence of Dutchco in India • The telecasting companies would relay their programmes through the communication transponders on the satellites by using their own earth Uplink Downlink stations to uplink and downlink the Earth Earth signals station station • The transmission facility was availed of by telecasting companies according • Encryption of data • Downlinking of the to their needs into TV signals signals • Uplinking of the • Distribution of signals signals in the footprint area 22 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 23. Payment for Transponder (2) | New Skies ruling • Facilitating the Issues signal transmitting Satellite • Whether the payment received by Dutchco process from its customers for use of its satellite will • Amplifying the satisfy the definition of “royalty” under the signals India / Netherland treaty? • Whether the services rendered by Dutchco through its satellite amount to “secret process” or only “process”? • Whether the process needs to be “secret” to be treated as “royalty”? Definition of “royalties” in India / Netherlands treaty: Uplink Downlink “….means payments…. received as a Earth Earth consideration for the use of, or the right to use, any …., secret formula or process, station station or for information….” The missing comma • Encryption of data • Downlinking of the “…., secret formula or process, ….” into TV signals signals Should this be interpreted as: • Uplinking of the • Distribution of A. “secret formula or secret process” ; or signals signals in the B. “secret formula, or process” ? footprint area What is the significance of there being no comma after “formula”? 23 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 24. Payment for Transponder (3) | New Skies ruling • Facilitating the Ruling of Special Bench of the signal transmitting Satellite Tribunal process • The services rendered by Dutchco • Amplifying the signals through its satellite amounts to a “process” • Payment by telecasting companies is for the use of or right to use the “process” • The process in a transponder is not secret Uplink Downlink • Process need not be “secret” to be Earth Earth characterized as “royalty” under the station station treaty – i.e. interpretation B. (“secret formula, or process”) is correct • Encryption of data • Downlinking of the into TV signals signals • The payment made to Dutchco by • Uplinking of the • Distribution of telecasting companies will be taxable signals signals in the as “royalty” footprint area 24 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 25. Payment for Transponder (4) | New Skies ruling • Facilitating the Comments signal transmitting Satellite • Key observations of the Tribunal: process • The process of uplinking and • Amplifying the downlinking is embedded in the signals transponder which is used by the telecasting companies as per their needs through the earth stations owned by such companies • Once the process in the transponder is predetermined by Dutchco, it is made available to the customers Uplink Downlink • Dutchco has no right to interfere in the Earth Earth transmission process station station • Without knowing the process involved in the transponder, the telecasting • Encryption of data • Downlinking of the companies will not be able to telecast into TV signals signals their programmes in the desired area at • Uplinking of the • Distribution of the desired time signals signals in the footprint area 25 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 26. Payment for Transponder (5) | New Skies ruling • Facilitating the Comments signal transmitting Satellite • PanAmSat decision is overruled process • The word “secret” does not qualify the word • Amplifying the “process” in the royalty definition under the signals provisions of the Act as well as Tax Treaty • Skycell decision is distinguished • In telecommunication process, customer merely makes a request to the service provider and does not take part in the process unlike the telecasting process Uplink Downlink • ISRO decision is distinguished Earth Earth • The ruling in ISRO was in context of a station station navigational transponder which is different from the communication transponder used • Encryption of data • Downlinking of the by the telecasting companies into TV signals signals • Uplinking of the • Distribution of signals signals in the footprint area 26 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 27. Payment for Transponder (6) | After New Skies ruling Verizon Communication Singapore (Chennai ITAT) [January 2011] • While analyzing payments made by Indian customers towards International Private Leased Circuit or dedicated bandwidth, the tribunal observed as under: • This capacity is made available on a dedicated basis to the customer for the entire contract period, usually a year • The amount received by tax payer from Indian customers is also for the use of a ‘process’ and would therefore qualify as royalty under Act as well as treaty • The Delhi special bench ruling in the case New Skies satellite has been referred and relied upon Asia Satellite Telecommunication (Delhi HC) [January 2011] • The High Court observed that: • The transponder is not distinct and separate from the satellite • The transponder is situated in orbit and merely because the satellite had a footprint in India would not mean that the process took place in India • The payment can not be deemed to be the payment for the process • Hence, payment for transponder are not ‘royalty’ under the Act • However, the special bench ruling in the case New Skies satellite has not been specifically discussed, reliance placed on Isro (AAR), Ishikawajima Harima 27 Heavy Industries (SC) and OECD commentary CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 28. Tax Planning Avenues 28 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 29. Intangible Management | Overseas IPR Company Step 1 Step 2 Benefits of Royalty IPR holding co i. WHT of 10.51% on repatriation IPR holding co in offshore instead of 16.22% on DDT in offshore jurisdiction ii. Claim of tax credit possible jurisdiction unlike DDT iii. Deduction of expenses can be claimed unlike DDT iv. Reduction in overall group taxation Vital considerations before planning Payment of Sale of IP i. Domestic laws direct as well as Non Payment of sale located in indirect of all the countries exclusive royalty proceeds India ii. Other incidental taxes such as transfer of R&D cess etc. IP iii. IP valuation iv. Transfer Pricing v. Logistics vi. General Anti Avoidance rules vii. Controlled Foreign Company rules A Ltd A Ltd 29 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 30. Onshore services (1) Whether onshore services is taxed in India ? • “Fees for technical services” under the Act includes any payment for rendering of any managerial, technical or consultancy services • Hence, taxed @10.51% on gross income under the Act in the absence of PE Avenues for Mitigating onshore services taxation in India ? • Under certain tax treaties of India, services which does not make available any technical knowledge, skill, etc. are excluded from purview of FTS and some tax treaties does not have FTS and service PE clause • Hence services procured from tax residents of these countries may not be liable to withholding tax in the absence of non-resident’s fixed base PE in India Tax planning is vital in terms cost saving, as most of the times service recipient bears the tax liability 30 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 31. Onshore services (2) B Inc B Inc Payment of fees Onshore 100, no WHT (if no How can we save services PE) due to the tax of 10.51% supply tax treaty Operating co Onshore Payment of Onshore in offshore services services 100 jurisdiction supply + Withholding tax Vital considerations (Grossing up) 10.51 before planning ------------------------------- Payment of fees i. Domestic laws direct Total cost to as well as indirect of Onshore 100, no WHT (if the project 110.51 all the countries services no PE) due to ii. Other incidental taxes supply tax treaty such as personnel etc. iii. Transfer Pricing iv. Logistics v. General Anti Avoidance rules A Ltd A Ltd 31 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 32. Lease of equipment (1) Whether lease of equipments is taxed in India ? • After the amendment in finance Act 2002, “Royalty” under the Act includes payment for use of right to use of any industrial, commercial or scientific equipments, • Hence, taxed @10.51% on gross income under the Act in the absence of PE Avenues for Mitigating taxation on lease of equipments in India ? • Most of India’s tax treaties on the line of the domestic law, includes payment for equipment in the definition of royalty except some countries, • Hence, equipments procured from tax resident of the above countries may not be liable to withholding tax in the absence of non-resident’s PE in India Tax planning is vital in terms cost saving, as most of the times lessee bears the tax liability while leasing the equipments 32 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 33. Lease of equipment (2) B Inc B Inc Payment of Rent How can we save Supply of 100, no WHT (if no equipment PE) due to the tax of 10.51% tax treaty Operating co Supply of Payment of Rent 100 in offshore equipment + Withholding tax jurisdiction (Grossing up) 10.51 ------------------------------- Vital considerations Total cost to before planning Payment of the project 110.51 i. Domestic laws direct Supply of Rent as well as indirect of equipment 100, no WHT (if all the countries , no PE) due to ii. Other incidental taxes tax treaty such as stamp duty etc, iii. Transfer Pricing, iv. Logistics v. General Anti A Ltd Avoidance rules A Ltd 33 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 34. Direct Taxes Code 34 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 35. Key amendments for Entertainment industry (1) Tax provisions Income tax Act DTC Use or right to use of Not taxable in certain Included in ‘royalty’ transmission by satellite, cable, cases, based on the optic fiber or similar technology judicial precedents the transfer of all or any rights Not taxable due to specific Included in ‘royalty’ in respect of cinematographic exemption vide explanation films 2 to section 9(1)(vi) Shooting of films in India by Not taxable due to specific There is no specific non-resident who is not a Indian exemption vide section exemption citizen 9(1)(d) Deduction to film producer and Rule 9A and Rules are yet to be notified film distributor Rule 9B Income earned from house May be considered as Included in ‘income from property such Multiplex, studio, business income, based on letting of house property’ and stadium, etc. the judicial precedents the standard deduction reduced to 20% Development and transfer of a Not taxable, based on the Included in ‘fees for technical design, drawing, plan or judicial precedents services’ software 35 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 36. Key amendments for Entertainment industry (2) • Increase in withholding tax rate from 10.51% to 20% for royalty and fees for technical services - In the following cases the payments to non-residents may liable to higher withholding tax: • India has more than 75 tax treaties, out of which over 30 tax treaties provide for a withholding tax rate of 15% to 20% • Resident from a non tax treaty country may liable to higher withholding tax rate of 20% • Permanent establishment - No threshold limit has been specified for construction site, building site, services rendered etc. hence following circumstances may lead to constitution of PE of foreign residents from a non- tax treaty country: • Building site, construction site, rendering of services or leasing of equipments within India for a day or more Gross-up contracts with the non-residents will have be analysed carefully, as the same may increase the cost of overseas transactions 36 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 37. Open house .. 37 CA Romesh S A Sankhe
  • 38. CA Romesh S A Sankhe (M) 9892 892504 (E) romesh_sankhe@rediffmail.com The views expressed in this presentation are solely that of the speaker and do not constitute any kind of professional advice. These views or opinion expressed in this presentation should not be applied or used without a prior professional advice, as the review of the facts and prevailing judicial position is of utmost importance in the analysis of tax implications. 38