TABLE OF ARTICLES
Treaties » UNITED STATES – CANADA INCOME TAX CONVENTION
UNITED STATES – CANADA INCOME TAX CONVENTION
Convention Signed at Washington, D.C. on September 26,1980; Protocol Signed at Ottawa June 14, 1983;
Protocol Signed at Washington, D.C., March 28,1984;
Ratification Advised by the Senate of the United States of America on June 28, 1984; Entered into Force August 16, 1984.
GENERAL EFFECTIVE DATE UNDER ARTICLE XXX: 1 JANUARY 1985
TABLE OF ARTICLES
CONVENTION WITH CANADA WITH RESPECT TO TAXES ON INCOME AND CAPITAL
MESSAGE
FROM
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
TRANSMITTING
A CONVENTION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CANADA WITH RESPECT TO TAXES ON INCOME AND CAPITAL, SIGNED AT WASHINGTON ON SEPTEMBER 26, 1980, WITH A RELATED EXCHANGE OF NOTES
LETTER OF SUBMITTAL
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Washington, October 16, 1980.
THE PRESIDENT,
The White House.
THE PRESIDENT: I have the honor to submit to you, with a view to its transmission to the Senate for advice and consent to ratification, a Convention between the United States of America and Canada with respect to Taxes on Income and Capital (the Convention), signed at Washington on September 26, 1980, and a related exchange of notes signed on the same day.
The existing income tax convention with Canada, which was signed in 1942 and amended for supplementary conventions in 1950, 1956 and 1966, is the second oldest United States tax convention in force. The new Convention revises the existing convention by accommodating changes in United States and Canadian law, with particular reference to Canada’s 1971 tax reform, as well as changes in treaty policy.
The Convention is based, in general, on the United States and OECD model conventions. It deviates from the models, however, in a number of important respects in order to take account of particular features of Canadian law and its interaction with United States law, the unique economic relationship between the United States and Canada, and the provisions of the existing convention.
Like the existing convention, the new Convention provides that the business profits of a resident of one Contracting State will not be subject to tax by the other State except to the extent that they are attributable to a permanent establishment which the resident has in the other State. The definition of a permanent establishment in the new Convention is more comprehensive than that in the existing convention and is very similar to the definition in the United States model.
The Convention follows the normal practice of providing reciprocal exemption for international shipping and air transport income. It goes beyond the model, however, by exempting on a reciprocal basis, as in the existing convention, income from the international operation of motor vehicles. It also adds an exemption for railroad operating income and a limited exemption for income from the rental of railway equipment, motor vehicles, trailers, and containers.
The Convention establishes maximum reciprocal rates of withholding at source for dividends, interest. and royalties. Although the rates exceed those in the United States model for several types of income, there are a number of significant reductions in withholding rates in comparison with the existing convention.
Portfolio dividends remain subject to a maximum 15 percent rate of tax at source. The maximum rate of tax at source on direct investment dividends is, however, reduced to 10 percent, from the 15 percent rate provided in the existing convention. This reduced rate also applies to the Canadian tax on branch profits, presently being imposed at a rate of 15 percent. Unlike the existing convention, the Convention preserves for the United States its right to impose tax on dividends paid by a Canadian corporation where at least 50 percent of the gross income of that corporation is attributable to a United States permanent establishment of that corporation.
As in the existing convention, the maximum rate of withholding tax at source on interest is set at 15 percent. However, the new Convention provides several exceptions to that rule under which interest is exempt at source. Interest derived, guaranteed, or insured by a Contracting State, political subdivision, local authority, or instrumentality is exempt at source, as is interest paid by an entity not subject to tax in the source State and interest on trade credits between persons dealing at arm’s length.
Artistic royalties, other than motion picture royalties, continue to be exempt at source. All other royalties are subject to a maximum source country tax rate of 10 percent, as compared to 15 percent under the existing convention.
Under the existing convention gains from the sale or exchange of capital assets are generally exempt from tax in the source State. The new Convention introduces a number of important modifications to that rule. As in the United States model, gains from the alienation of real property and property forming part of a permanent establishment may be taxed where the property or permanent establishment is situated. Consistent with current United States treaty policy, but not reflected in the United States model. the Convention further provides that gain from the alienation of shares in a corporation or interest in a partnership, estate, or trust, the property of which consists principally of real property, may be taxed by the country where the property is situated. A number of special rules are also provided which relate to specific aspects of Canadian tax treatment of capital gains when property is transferred by gift or when an individual gives up Canadian residence. These rules are designed to mesh the United States and Canadian tax systems in such cases.
In general, the rules in the Convention relating to the treatment of personal services income follow the pattern of the United States model. There are, however, some exceptions. In addition to the normal tests for the exemption of income from dependent personal services in the country where such services are rendered, a dollar threshold of $10,000 is provided. A special rule, not found in other United States conventions, is provided for reduced withholding, under certain circumstances, on remuneration from independent personal services.
The new Convention provides, as in the existing convention and United States model, that pensions and annuities are generally taxable in the State of residence of the recipient. However, it also provides that taxation by the residence State shall not exceed the amount that would be taxable if the recipient were a resident of the other State: and taxation is allowed in the State in which the payments arise, at a rate not in excess of 15 percent.
The Convention repeats, with certain modifications and refinements, the rules in the existing convention providing for reciprocal exemption of income derived by charitable organization of the other State and for the deductibility of contributions by residents of one State to such organizations in the other.
As in the model, items of income not dealt with elsewhere in the Convention are taxable in the State of residence of the recipient. However, in the Convention, such income is also taxable in the other State if it arises there.
In addition to the normal rules for the avoidance of double taxation, the Convention contains a rule not found in either the model or the existing convention for eliminating double taxation of United States citizens who are residents in Canada. Under Canadian law, the credit for foreign taxes on dividends, interest, and royalties is limited to 15 percent. Though the United States withholding rates under the Convention on these forms of income do not exceed 15 percent, United States citizens are subject to United States tax at normal progressive rates. Under the new Convention the United States agrees to give Canada the primary right to any tax on such income in excess of 15 percent, with the United States retaining only a residual right to tax.
The nondiscrimination protection of the Convention is somewhat narrower than the United States model, but is broader than the protection in the existing convention. In a rule not found in any other United States income tax treaty, expenses incurred by a resident of a Contracting State with respect to a convention or conference held in the other State are deductible to the same extent as if the convention were held in the State of residence.
Under the mutual agreement procedures of the Convention, if one State adjusts the accounts of a taxpayer the other State may make a corresponding adjustment (to the benefit of the taxpayer) even after the statute of limitations has run, if that other State has received notice of the case within six years from the end of the year to which the case relates. No such waiver of the statute is provided for in the existing convention. If, on the other hand, appropriate notice is not given, and the case involves an adjustment of arrangements between related persons, the first State agrees to withdraw the adjustment.
The Convention provides a number of transitional rules to protect taxpayer rights in going from the existing to the new convention.
The Convention provides for the termination of the United States-Canada estate tax convention of 1961. That convention is presently operative only on the United States side, because Canada has repealed its Federal estate tax. A 1928 note between the United States and Canada, providing relief from double taxation of shipping profits, is also terminated by the terms of the new Convention.
In an exchange of notes signed at the time of the signing of the Convention, it is agreed that the competent authorities of the two States will work out procedures for certifying the eligibility of organizations to receive tax exempt income and deductible contributions. The note also recognizes Canada’s objections to the so-called “unitary apportionment” system used in several states of the United States to assess the income of corporations doing business in the state.
The Convention is subject to ratification. It will enter into force upon the exchange of instruments of ratification. Subject to transitional rules, the Convention will have effect, for taxes withheld at the source, for amounts paid or credited on or after the first day of the second month following entry into force; and for other taxes, for taxable years beginning on or after the first of January following entry into force.
The Convention will remain in force indefinitely unless terminated by one of the Contracting States. It may be terminated, on six months diplomatic notice, after five years from its entry into force, or earlier in the event of significant changes in the law of either country which cannot be accommodated through negotiations.
A technical memorandum explaining in detail the provisions of the Convention is being prepared by the Department of the Treasury and will be submitted to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
The Department of the Treasury, with the cooperation of the Department of State, was primarily responsible for the negotiation of the Convention. It has the approval of both Departments.
Respectfully submitted,
EDMUND S. MUSKIE.
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
THE WHITE HOUSE. November 12, 1980.
To the Senate of the United States:
I transmit herewith, for Senate advice and consent to ratification, a Convention between the United States of America and Canada with respect to Taxes on Income and Capital (the Convention), signed at Washington on September 26, 1980, and a related exchange of notes for the information of the Senate. I also transmit the report of the Department of State with respect to the Convention.
The Convention will replace the existing tax convention with Canada, signed in 1942, as amended by supplementary conventions signed in 1950, 1956 and 1966. It is based, in general, on the United States and OECD model conventions but deviates from the models in a number of important respects in order to take account of particular features of Canadian law and its interaction with United States law, the unique economic relationship between the United States and Canada, and the provisions of the existing convention.
As in the existing convention, the new Convention provides that the business profits of a resident of one Contracting State will not be subject to tax by the other State except to the extent that they are attributable to a permanent establishment which the resident has in the other State. The definition of a permanent establishment in the Convention is more comprehensive than that in the existing convention and is very similar to the definition in the United States model.
The Convention establishes maximum reciprocal rates of withholding at source for dividends, interest, and royalties. Although the rates exceed those in the United States model for several types of income, there are a number of significant reductions in withholding rates in comparison with the existing convention.
I recommend that the Senate give early and favorable consideration to the Convention and give advice and consent to its ratification.
JIMMY CARTER
CONVENTION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CANADA WITH RESPECT TO TAXES ON INCOME AND ON CAPITAL
The United States of America and Canada,
Desiring to conclude a Convention for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and on capital,
Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE I
Personal Scope
This Convention is generally applicable to persons who are residents of one or both of the Contracting States.ARTICLE II
Taxes Covered
ARTICLE III
General Definitions
ARTICLE IV
Residence
The spouse and dependent children residing with such an individual and meeting the requirements of subparagraph (b) above shall also be deemed to be residents of the first-mentioned State.
ARTICLE V
Permanent Establishment
ARTICLE VI
Income from Real Property
ARTICLE VII
Business Profits
ARTICLE VIII
Transportation
ARTICLE IX
Related Persons
ARTICLE X
Dividends
This paragraph shall not affect the taxation of the company in respect of the profits out of which the dividends are paid.
ARTICLE XI
Interest
ARTICLE XII
Royalties
ARTICLE XIII
Gains
ARTICLE XIV
Independent Personal Services
Income derived by an individual who is a resident of a Contracting State in respect of independent personal services may be taxed in that State. Such income may also be taxed in the other Contracting State if the individual has or had a fixed base regularly available to him in that other State but only to the extent that the income is attributable to the fixed base.
ARTICLE XV
Dependent Personal Services
ARTICLE XVI
Artistes and Athletes
ARTICLE XVII
Withholding of Taxes in Respect of Independent Personal Services
ARTICLE XVIII
Pensions and Annuities
ARTICLE XIX
Government Service
Remuneration, other than a pension, paid by a Contracting State or a political subdivision or local authority thereof to a citizen of that State in respect of services rendered in the discharge of functions of a governmental nature shall be taxable only in that State. However, the provisions of Article XIV, (Independent Personal Services), XV (Dependent Personal Services), or XVI (Artistes and Athletes), as the case may be, shall apply, and the preceding sentence shall not apply to remuneration paid in respect of services rendered in connection with a trade or business carried on by a Contracting State or a political subdivision or local authority thereof.
ARTICLE XX
Students
Payments which a student, apprentice or business trainee, who is or was immediately before visiting a Contracting State a resident of the other Contracting State, and who is present in the first-mentioned State for the purpose of his full-time education or training, receives for the purpose of his maintenance, education or training shall not be taxed in that State provided that such payments are made to him from outside that State.
ARTICLE XXI
Exempt Organizations
ARTICLE XXII
Other Income
ARTICLE XXIII
Capital
ARTICLE XXIV
Elimination of Double Taxation
ARTICLE XXV
Non-Discrimination
ARTICLE XXVI
Mutual Agreement Procedure
ARTICLE XXVII
Exchange of Information
ARTICLE XXVIII
Diplomatic Agents and Consular Officers
Nothing in this Convention shall affect the fiscal privileges of diplomatic agents or consular officers under the general rules of international law or under the provisions of special agreements.
ARTICLE XXIX
Miscellaneous Rules
ARTICLE XXX
Entry into Force
ARTICLE XXXI
Termination
In witness whereof, the undersigned, being duly authorized thereto by their respective Governments, have signed this Convention.
Done in two copies at Washington this twenty-sixth day of September, 1980, in the English and French languages, each text being equally authentic.
For the Government of the United States of America:
G. WILLIAM MILLER.
For the Government of Canada:
ALLAN J. MACEACHERN.
NOTES OF EXCHANGE
WASHINGTON D.C., September 26, 1980.
HON. G. WILLIAM MILLER,
Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D.C.
SIR: I have the honour to refer to the Convention between Canada and the United States of America with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital, signed today, and to confirm certain understandings reached between the two Governments with respect to the Convention.
Accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.
ALLAN J. MacEachern,
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Canada.
SEPTEMBER 26, 1980.
Hon. ALLAN J. MacEachern,
Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Finance of Canada.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your Note of September 26, 1980, which reads as follows:
“I have the honour to refer to the Convention between Canada and the United States of America with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital, signed today, and to confirm certain understandings reached between the two Governments with respect to the Convention.
1) In French, the term ” société” also means a “corporation” within the meaning of Canadian law.
2) The competent authorities of each of the Contracting States shall review the procedures and requirements for an organization of the other Contracting State to establish its status as a religious, scientific, literary, educational or charitable organization entitled to exemption under paragraph 1 of Article XXI (Exempt Organizations), or as an eligible recipient of the charitable contributions or gifts referred to in paragraphs 5 and 6 of Article with a view to avoiding duplicate application by such organizations to the administering agencies of both Contracting States.
If a Contracting State determines that the other Contracting State maintains procedures to determine such status and rules for qualification that are compatible with such procedures and rules of the first- mentioned Contracting State, it is contemplated that such first-mentioned Contracting State shall accept the certification of the administering agency of the other Contracting State as to such status for the purpose of making the necessary determinations under paragraphs 1, 5 and 6 of Article XXI.
It is further agreed that the term “family,” as used in paragraphs 5 and 6 of Article XXI means an individual’s brothers and sisters (whether by whole or half-blood, or by adoption), spouse, ancestors, lineal descendants and adopted descendants.
3) It is the position of Canada that the so-called “unitary apportionment” method used by certain states of the United States to allocate income to United States offices or subsidiaries of Canadian companies results in inequitable taxation and imposes excessive administrative burdens on Canadian companies doing business in those Under that method the profit of a Canadian company on its United States business is not determined on the basis of arm’s-length relations but is derived from a formula taking account of the income of the Canadian company and its world-wide subsidiaries as well as the assets, payroll and sales of all such companies. For a Canadian multinational company with many subsidiaries in different countries to have to submit its books and records for all of these companies to a state of the United States imposes a costly burden. It is understood that the Senate of the United States has not consented to any limitation on the taxing jurisdiction of the states by a treaty and that a provision which would have restricted the use of unitary apportionment in the case of United Kingdom corporations was recently rejected by the Senate. Canada continues to be concerned about this issue as it affects Canadian multinationals. If an acceptable provision on this subject can be devised, the United States agrees to reopen discussions with Canada on this subject.
4) I have the honour to propose to you that the present Note and your reply thereto shall constitute an agreement between our two Governments on these “
I confirm these understandings on behalf of the Government of the United States of America. These understandings constitute an agreement between our two Governments on this matter, which will enter into force on the date of entry into force of the Convention between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Canada with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital which was signed today.
Accept, Sir, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.
J. WILLIAM MILLER.
PROTOCOL 1
PROTOCOL AMENDING THE 1980 TAX CONVENTION
WITH CANADA
MESSAGE
FROM
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
TRANSMITTING
A PROTOCOL AMENDING THE 1980 CONVENTION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CANADA WITH RESPECT
TO TAXES ON INCOME AND ON CAPITAL, SIGNED AT OTTAWA ON JUNE 14, 1983, WITH A RELATED EXCHANGE OF NOTES
LETTER OF SUBMITTAL (PROTOCOL 1)
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Washington, September 2, 1983.
The PRESIDENT,
The White House.
THE PRESIDENT: I have the honor to submit to you, with a view to its transmission to the Senate for advice and consent to ratification, the Protocol amending the Convention between the United States and Canada with respect to taxes on income and on capital, signed at Washington on September 26.
1980, which Protocol was signed at Ottawa on June 14, 1983. Also submitted for transmission to the Senate is a related exchange of notes.
The Convention was transmitted to the Senate on November 12, 1980, but Senate consideration of the Convention was delayed until certain technical problems in the text had been resolved. The Protocol resolves these technical problems by clarifying the language of the Convention to assure that its original intent is fulfilled. In addition, the Protocol introduces new rules not previously considered.
A necessary change is found in Articles IX and XIII of the Protocol. Paragraph 3 of Article IX amends paragraph 6 of Article XVIII (Pensions and Annuities) of the Convention by splitting the rule in the paragraph relating to the taxation of alimony and child support payments into two subparagraphs.
This is done to permit proper cross-referencing in paragraph 3(a) of Article XXIX (Miscellaneous Rules) of the Convention. Article XIII of the Protocol amends Article XXIX to assure that the United States will preserve its full right to tax pensions, annuities, and alimony received by United States citizens who are resident in Canada.
Article VI of the Protocol makes some significant changes to Article XIII (Gains) of the Convention. Paragraph 3 of Article XIII has been rewritten to enable the United States to exercise its full taxing right under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (section 897 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended). Further, paragraph 9 of Article XIII has been modified to clarify the circumstances under which a resident of one Contracting State, upon alienating a capital asset, is entitled to an exemption from tax in the other State with respect to appreciation prior to the Conventions entry into force.
Paragraph 2 of Article VII of the Protocol introduces a new paragraph 4 to Article XVI (Artistes and Athletes) of the Convention, through which a bonus paid as inducement to an athlete resident in one State to sign a contract with an employer resident in the other State may be taxed in the latter State. but at a rate not to exceed 15 percent of the amount of the bonus. In the convention, as signed, the treatment of such bonuses in the State of residence of the employer is unclear, and, in any event, recipients of bonuses are not protected by a limit on the rate of tax in such State.
The Protocol is subject to ratification and will enter into force upon the exchange at Washington of instruments of ratification and shall thereupon have effect in accordance with Article XXX (Entry into Force) of the Convention.
An exchange of notes dealing with tax rates for natural resource royalties is also transmitted.
Although a limit on such rates was set by the 1942 Convention, the pending Convention does not set such a limit. This exchange of notes assures that, in the event either State significantly raises its statutory tax rates, negotiations to provide an appropriate limit to such tax rate will be resumed at the request of either.
A technical memorandum explaining in detail the provisions of the Protocol is being prepared by the Department of the Treasury and will be submitted to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
The Department of the Treasury, with the cooperation of the Department of State, was primarily responsible for the negotiation of the Protocol. It has the approval of both Departments.
Respectively submitted,
GEORGE P. SHULTZ.
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL (PROTOCOL 1)
THE WHITE HOUSE, September 21, 1983.
To the Senate of the United States:
I transmit herewith, for Senate advice and consent to ratification, a Protocol signed at Ottawa on June 14, 1983, amending the Convention between the United States and Canada with respect to taxes on income and on capital, signed at Washington on September 26, 1980. I also transmit a related exchange of notes and the report of the Department of State with respect to the Protocol.
Senate consideration of the Convention, which was transmitted for advice and consent to ratification by letter dated November 12, 1980, has been delayed pending the correction of certain technical problems in its text. The Protocol resolves these technical problems by clarifying the language of the Convention to assure that its original intent is fulfilled.
In addition, the Protocol makes a necessary change regarding pensions, annuities and alimony and amends the Convention to permit the United States to exercise its full taxing right, under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Act, section 897 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Protocol also includes a new rule which affects an athlete resident in one State who is a recipient of a bonus from an employer resident in another State. The new rule protects such a recipient by limiting the rate of tax in the State of the employer.
It is most desirable that this Protocol, together with the Convention, be considered by the Senate as soon as possible and that the Senate give advice and consent to ratification of both instruments.
RONALD REAGAN.
PROTOCOL AMENDING THE CONVENTION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES
OF’ AMERICA AND CANADA WITH RESPECT TO TAXES ON INCOME AND
ON CAPITAL SIGNED AT WASHINGTON ON SEPTEMBER 26, 1980
The United States of America and Canada,
Desiring to conclude a Protocol to amend the Convention with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital signed at Washington on September 26,1980 (hereinafter referred to as “the Convention”),
Have Agreed as Follows:
ARTICLE 1
Subparagraph 1(h) of Article III (General Definitions) of the Convention shall be deleted and replaced by the following:
“(h) The term “international traffic” with reference to a resident of a Contracting State means any voyage of a ship or aircraft to transport passengers or property (whether or not operated or used by that resident) except where the principal purpose of the voyage is to transport passengers or property between places within the other Contracting State;”
ARTICLE II
Paragraph 4 of Article V (Permanent Establishment) shall be deleted and replaced by the following: “4. The use of an installation or drilling rig or ship in a Contracting State to explore for or exploit natural resources constitutes a permanent establishment if, but only if, such use is for more than three months in any twelve-month period.”
ARTICLE III
Article VI (Income from Real Property) shall be deleted and replaced by the following:
ARTICLE IV
Paragraph 1 of Article VIII (Transportation) shall be deleted and replaced by the following: “1. Notwithstanding the provisions of Articles VII (Business Profits), XII (Royalties) and XIII (Gains), profits derived by a resident of a Contracting State from the operation of ships or aircraft in international traffic, and gains derived by a resident of a Contracting State from the alienation of ships, aircraft or containers (including trailers and related equipment for the transport of containers) used principally in international traffic, shall be exempt from tax in the other Contracting State.”
ARTICLE V
ARTICLE VI
ARTICLE VII
ARTICLE VIII
“2. Where the competent authority of a Contracting State considers that an amount that would otherwise be deducted or withheld from any amount paid or credited to an individual who is a resident of the other Contracting State in respect of the performance of personal services in the first-mentioned State is excessive in relation to the estimated tax liability for the taxable year of that individual in the first- mentioned State, it may determine that a lesser amount will be deducted or withheld.”
ARTICLE IX
ARTICLE X
Paragraph 2 of Article XXI (Exempt Organizations) shall be deleted and replaced by the following: “2. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 3 income referred to in Article X (Dividends) and XI (Interest) derived by:
ARTICLE XI
ARTICLE XII
Paragraph 6 of Article XXV (Non-Discrimination) shall be deleted and replaced by the following:
“6. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article XXIV (Elimination of Double Taxation), the taxation on a permanent establishment which a resident of a Contracting State has in the other Contracting State shall not be less favorably levied in the other State than the taxation levied on residents of the other State carrying on the same activities. This paragraph shall not be construed as obliging a Contracting State:
ARTICLE XIII
ARTICLE XIV
Paragraph 3 of Article XXX (Entry into Force) shall be deleted and replaced by the following: “3. For the purposes of applying the United States foreign tax credit in relation to taxes paid or accrued to Canada:
ARTICLE XV
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being duly authorized thereto by their respective Governments, have signed this Protocol.
Done in two copies at Ottawa this 14th day of June, 1983, in the English and French languages, each text being equally authentic.
DONE in duplicate at Sydney day of August 1982 this sixth day of August 1982
| FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE OF CANADA | FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA |
| (s) Marc Lalonde | (s) Paul H. Robinson, Jr. |
NOTES OF EXCHANGE (PROTOCOL 1)
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, June 14,1983.
His Excellency PAUL H. ROBINSON, Jr.,
Ambassador of the United States of America,
Ottawa, Ontario.
EXCELLENCY: The Convention between Canada and the United States of America, with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital signed at Washington on September 26, 1980, as amended by the Protocol signed today, provides that income from real property, including natural resources, may be taxed by the Contracting State in which the real property is situated under the statutory rules of that State. This rule is the international standard, consistent with the OECD Model Double Taxation Convention on Income and on Capital and with recent tax conventions of both countries.
The 1942 Convention provides a 15% limit on the statutory rate of tax at which royalties including natural resource royalties may be taxed. Concern has been expressed by persons receiving natural resource royalties that the new Convention provides no limitation in the tax rate that either country may impose. Canada and the United States agree that if either country increases the statutory tax rate which now applies to such natural resource royalties paid to non-residents (25% in Canada and 30% in the United States), negotiations will be resumed promptly upon request by either country with a view to considering an amendment to the Convention to provide an appropriate limit to the rate at which such royalties may be taxed.
Accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
MARC LALONDE
Minister of Finance.
OTTAWA, June 14, 1983.
Hon. MARC LALONDE,
Minister of Finance.
SIR: The Convention between Canada and the United States of America, with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital signed at Washington on September 26, 1980, as amended by the Protocol signed today, provides that income from real property, including natural resources; may be taxed by the Contracting State in which the real property is situated under the statutory rules of the State. This rule is the international standard, consistent with the OECD Model Double Taxation Convention on Income and on Capital and with recent tax conventions of both countries.
The 1942 Convention provides a 15 percent limit on the statutory rate of tax at which royalties including natural resource royalties may be taxed. Concern has been expressed by persons receiving natural resource royalties that the new Convention provides no limitation in the tax rate that either country may impose. Canada and the United States agree that if either country increases the statutory tax rate which now applies to such natural resource royalties paid to non-residents (25 percent in Canada and 30 percent in the United States), negotiations will be resumed promptly upon request by either country with a view to considering an amendment to the Convention to provide an appropriate limit to the rate at which such royalties may be taxed.
Accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.
(s) PAUL H. ROBINSON, Jr.,
I certify that this is an accurate copy of the original.
MARIO RUGGIA,
Vice Consul, U.S. Embassy,
Ottawa, Canada.
PROTOCOL 2
A SECOND PROTOCOL AMENDING THE 1980 TAX CONVENTION WITH CANADA
MESSAGE
FROM
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
TRANSMITTING
A SECOND PROTOCOL, SIGNED AT WASHINGTON ON MARCH 28, 1984, AMENDING
THE CONVENTION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CANADA WITH
RESPECT TO TAXES ON INCOME AND ON CAPITAL SIGNED AT WASHINGTON ON
SEPTEMBER 26, 1980, AS AMENDED BY THE PROTOCOL SIGNED AT OTTAWA ON
JUNE 14, 1983
LETTER OF SUBMITTAL (PROTOCOL 2)
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Washington, April 2, 1984.
THE PRESIDENT,
The White House.
THE PRESIDENT: I have the honor to submit to you, with a view to its transmission to the Senate for advice and consent to ratification, the Second Protocol Amending the Convention between the United States of America and Canada with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital, signed at Washington on September 26, 1980, as amended by the Protocol signed at Ottawa on June 14, 1983. The second protocol was signed at Washington on March 28, 1984. The convention and first protocol are awaiting consideration by the Senate.
Since the convention and first protocol were negotiated, new social security legislation has been enacted. The Social Security Amendments of 1983 (Pub. L. 98-21, 97 Stat. 65, Apr. 20, 1983) provide in part that social security benefits paid to nonresident aliens henceforth will be subject to an effective 15 percent withholding tax. As the legislative history makes clear, however, Congress did not intend to override the treatment of such benefits in existing income tax treaties (1983 U.S. Code Cong. & Adm. News 143, 169). The Canadian government has requested that the pending income tax convention be amended to exempt Canadian residents from such withholding.
Under the second protocol, each party agrees not to tax social security benefits it pays to residents of the other country. The United States, however, will exempt only those Canadian residents who are not United States citizens; United States citizens will continue to be taxable to the extent provided under United States law. In addition, each party agrees to tax its own residents on only one half the social security benefits they derive from the other country.
The second protocol, like the convention and the first protocol, is subject to ratification. It will enter into force upon the exchange of instruments of ratification, which will take place at Ottawa. and shall thereupon have effect in accordance with Article XXX (Entry into Force) of the convention.
A technical memorandum explaining in detail the provisions of the second protocol is being prepared by the Department of the Treasury and will be submitted separately to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
The Department of the Treasury, with the cooperation of the Department of State, was primarily responsible for the negotiation of the second protocol. It has the approval of both Departments.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE P. SHULTZ.
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL (PROTOCOL 2)
THE WHITE HOUSE, April 18,1984.
To the Senate of the United States:
I transmit herewith, for Senate advice and consent to ratification, a Second Protocol, signed at Washington on March 28, 1984, Amending the Convention between the United States and Canada with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital, signed at Washington on September 26, 1980, as amended by a Protocol signed at Ottawa on June 14, 1983. I also transmit the report of the Department of State with respect to the second protocol.
The Social Security Amendments of 1983 were enacted since the negotiation of the convention and first protocol. They provide in part that social security benefits paid to nonresident aliens henceforth will be subject to an effective 15 percent withholding tax. The Canadian Government has requested that the pending convention be amended to exempt Canadian residents from such withholding.
The second protocol would amend Article XVIII (Pensions and Annuities) of the convention, so as to provide that social security benefits paid by one party to residents of the other “shall be taxable only in that other State.” However, United States citizens resident in Canada will continue to be taxable to the extent provided under United States law.
It is most desirable that this second protocol, together with the convention and first protocol, be considered by the Senate as soon as possible and that the Senate give advice and consent to ratification of the convention and two amending protocols.
RONALD REAGAN.
SECOND PROTOCOL AMENDING THE CONVENTION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CANADA WITH RESPECT TO TAXES ON INCOME AND ON CAPITAL SIGNED AT WASHINGTON ON SEPTEMBER 26, 1980, AS AMENDED BY
THE PROTOCOL SIGNED AT OTTAWA ON JUNE 14, 1983
The United States of America and Canada,
Desiring to conclude a second Protocol to amend the Convention with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital signed at Washington on September 26, 1980, as amended by the Protocol signed at Ottawa on June 14, 1983 (hereinafter referred to as “the Convention”),
Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE I
Paragraph 5 of Article XVIII (Pensions and Annuities) of the Convention shall be deleted and replaced by the following:
“5. Benefits under the social security legislation in a Contracting State paid to a resident of the other Contracting State shall be taxable as follows:
ARTICLE II
ARTICLE III
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being duly authorized thereto by their respective Government, have signed this Protocol.
DONE in duplicate at Washington, this 28th day of March 1984, in the English and French languages, the two texts being equally authentic.
| FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA |
| (s) Kenneth W. Dam | (s) Allan E. Gotlieb |
PROTOCOL 3
A REVISED PROTOCOL AMENDING THE 1980
TAX CONVENTION WITH CANADA
MESSAGE
FROM
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
TRANSMITTING
A REVISED PROTOCOL AMENDING THE CONVENTION BETWEEN THE UNITED
STATES AND CANADA WITH RESPECT TO TAXES ON INCOME AND ON CAPITAL
SIGNED AT WASHINGTON ON SEPTEMBER 26, 1980, AS AMENDED BY THE
PROTOCOLS SIGNED ON JUNE 14, 1983 AND MARCH 28, 1984
LETTER OF SUBMITTAL (PROTOCOL 3)
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Washington, April 12, 1995.
THE PRESIDENT,
The White House.
THE PRESIDENT: I have the honor to submit to you, with a view to its transmission to the Senate for advice and consent to ratification, a revised Protocol Amending the Convention between the United States and Canada with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital signed at Washington on September 26, 1980, as amended by the Protocols signed on June 14, 1983 and March 28, 1984. The revised Protocol would replace the Protocol to the Convention between the United States and Canada signed at Washington on August 31, 1994, which was transmitted to the Senate with a message from
the President dated September 14, 1994, and which is now pending in the Committee on Foreign Relations. The Protocol makes a number of amendments to the Convention. The most significant amendments are described below, in the order in which they appear in the Protocol. The revised Protocol makes technical changes intended to clarify the operation of some of the death tax provisions and to ensure that certain rules for entry into force operate properly.
The Convention currently provides for adjustments to related party transactions to reflect the amounts of income and expense that would have been reported in unrelated party transactions. It also provides for the other Contracting State to make correlative adjustments. However, unlike most of the United States tax treaties, the present Convention requires the State making the first adjustment to withdraw it if the initial adjustment has not been reported to the other Contracting State within six years of the year to which the first adjustment relates. This has created a potential for abuse. The Protocol will remove the obligation of the first-mentioned State to withdraw its adjustment in those circumstances.
The Protocol also reduces the withholding rates charged by one country on payments of certain classes of dividends, interest and royalties to residents of the other country. The withholding rate on dividends is reduced from 10 to 5 percent, phased in over two years, for a corporate shareholder that owns at least 10 percent of the voting stock of the paying company and is the beneficial owner of the dividends. The Protocol adds, in what has become established U.S. tax treaty policy, a rule to ensure that dividends paid by non-taxable “conduit” entities, such as U.S.-regulated investment companies (RICs) and real estate investment trusts (REITs), will not receive unjustified treaty benefits. In addition, the small individual shareholder benefits for REITs will be allowed to the estate of such an individual for up to five years.
The general withholding rate on interest will be reduced from 15 to 10 percent. The exemption in the present treaty for interest on trade credits will be broadened to include not only interest received by the seller but also interest received by other holders of trade credits. Real estate mortgage investment conduit (REMIC) excess inclusions will be taxable by the United States at full statutory rates. Most
classes of royalties, including software royalties, will be exempt from withholding by the country in which the royalty arises.
Social security benefits, under the Protocol, are subject to tax only in the country making the payment. This change reflects U.S. tax treaty policy.
The scope of the non-discrimination article is broadened to include all national-level taxes in both Contracting States. Under the present Convention, the non-discrimination provisions are limited, with respect to taxes imposed by Canada, to taxes imposed under the Canadian Income Tax Act.
The Protocol strengthens levels of cooperation between the tax authorities of the Contracting States.
It provides that the Contracting States may, by mutual agreement, implement an arbitration procedure for the resolution of disputes under the Convention. The Protocol also adds a detailed set of rules under which each State will assist the other in the collection of its taxes.
The information exchange provision is also broadened to include all national taxes. With respect to Canadian taxes, the present Convention covers only taxes imposed under the Income Tax Act and any national taxes on estates and gifts. The Protocol also provides for consultation and, if appropriate, renegotiation (subject to the usual ratification procedures) where future domestic legislation materially conflicts with treaty provisions.
The present Convention has no general anti-treaty-shopping rules. The comprehensive “limitations on benefits” provisions add to the treaty by the Protocol are, at Canada’s request, primarily unilateral. These provisions protect the United States against use of the treaty by “treaty shoppers” seeking to gain unintended U.S. treaty benefits through Canada.
The Protocol adds rules to the Convention concerning taxation at death. The United States and Canada have different methods for imposing taxation at death. The United States imposes an estate tax, while Canada imposes an income tax on certain gains deemed realized at death. The Protocol contains many provisions which reduce the impact of taxes imposed at death by one Contracting State on residents of the other. First, the Protocol provides a limited U.S. estate tax waiver for small estates of Canadian resident decedents. Second, it provides a pro rata unified credit by the United States for estates of Canadian resident decedents. Third, it allows a limited U.S. “marital credit” for estates of Canadian resident decedents and of Canadian-citizen decedents resident in the United States. Fourth, the Protocol allows a credit against U.S. estate tax for Canadian income tax on certain income, profits, and gains realized in the year of death and on certain gains deemed realized at death by Canadian residents, and vice versa. Fifth, certain U.S. qualified domestic trusts” would be allowed to qualify as Canadian spousal trusts for purposes of Canadian law. Finally, relief would be provided for certain cross-border charitable bequests. The revised Protocol clarifies certain aspects of the computation and coordination of these provisions concerning taxation at death.
The Protocol requires the appropriate authorities of the Contracting States to consult within three years of its entry into force regarding further reductions in withholding rates and the application of the anti-treaty-shopping rules. The appropriate authorities are instructed to consult after three years regarding implementation of the arbitration procedure. The Protocol enters into force upon the exchange of instruments of ratification.
A technical memorandum explaining in detail the provisions of the revised Protocol will be prepared by the Department of the Treasury and will be submitted separately to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
The Department of the Treasury and the Department of State cooperated in the negotiation of the revised Protocol. It has the full approval of both Departments.
Respectfully submitted,
PETER TARNOFF.
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL (PROTOCOL 3)
THE WHITE HOUSE, April 24, 1995.
To the Senate of the United States:
I transmit herewith for Senate advice and consent to ratification, a revised Protocol Amending the Convention Between the United States of America and Canada with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital Signed at Washington on September 26, 1980, as Amended by the Protocols Signed on June 14, 1983, and March 28, 1984. This revised Protocol was signed at Washington on March 17, 1995. Also transmitted for the information of the Senate is the report of the Department of State with respect to the revised Protocol. The principal provisions of the Protocol, as well as the reasons for the technical amendments made in the revised Protocol, are explained in that document.
It is my desire that revised Protocol transmitted herewith be considered in place of the Protocol to the Income Tax Convention with Canada signed at Washington on August 31, 1994, which was transmitted to the Senate with my message dated September 14, 1994, and which is now pending in the Committee on Foreign Relations. I desire, therefore, to withdraw from the Senate the Protocol signed in August 1994.
I recommend that the Senate give early and favorable consideration to the revised Protocol and give its advice and consent to ratification.
WILLIAM J. CLINTON.
PROTOCOL AMENDING THE CONVENTION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA AND CANADA WITH RESPECT TO TAXES ON INCOME AND ON CAPITAL
SIGNED AT WASHINGTON ON SEPTEMBER 26, 1980, AS AMENDED BY THE
PROTOCOLS SIGNED ON JUNE 14, 1983 AND MARCH 28, 1984
The United States of America and Canada, desiring to conclude a Protocol to amend the Convention with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital signed at Washington on September 26, 1980, as amended by the Protocols signed on June 14, 1983 and March 28, 1984 (hereinafter referred to as “the Convention”), have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1
Paragraphs 2 to 4 of Article II (Taxes Covered) of the Convention shall be deleted and replaced by the following:
“2. Notwithstanding paragraph 1, the taxes existing on March 17, 1995 to which the Convention shall apply are:
3. The Convention shall apply also to:
ARTICLE 2
Subparagraphs (c) and (d) of paragraph 1 of Article III (General Definitions) of the Convention shall be deleted and replaced by the following:
“(c) The term “Canadian tax” means the taxes referred to in Article II (Taxes Covered) that are imposed on income by Canada;
(d) The term “United States tax” means the taxes referred to in Article II (Taxes Covered), other than in subparagraph (b)(i) to (iv) of paragraph 2 thereof, that are imposed on income by the United States;”
ARTICLE 3
ARTICLE 4
Paragraphs 3 and 4 of Article IX (Related Persons) of the Convention shall be deleted and replaced by the following:
“3. Where an adjustment is made or to be made by a Contracting State in accordance with paragraph 1, the other Contracting State shall (notwithstanding any time or procedural limitations in the domestic law of that other State) make a corresponding adjustment to the income, loss or tax of the related person in that other State if:
(a) It agrees with the first-mentioned adjustment; and
(b) Within six years from the end of the taxable year to which the first-mentioned adjustment relates, the competent authority of the other State has been notified of the first- mentioned adjustment. The competent authorities, however, may agree to consider cases where the corresponding adjustment would not otherwise be barred by any time or procedural limitations in the other State, even if the notification is not made within the six-year period.
4. In the event that the notification referred to in paragraph 3 is not given within the time period referred to therein, and the competent authorities have not agreed to otherwise consider the case in accordance with paragraph 3(b), the competent authority of the Contracting State which has made or is to make the first-mentioned adjustment may provide relief from double taxation where appropriate.”
ARTICLE 5
ARTICLE 6
ARTICLE 7
ARTICLE 8
Paragraph 8 of Article XIII (Gains) of the Convention shall be deleted and replaced by the following:
“8. Where a resident of a Contracting State alienates property in the course of a corporate or other organization, reorganization, amalgamation, division or similar transaction and profit, gain or income with respect to such alienation is not recognized for the purpose of taxation in that State, if requested to do so by the person who acquires the property, the competent authority of the other Contracting State may agree, in order to avoid double taxation and subject to terms and conditions satisfactory to such competent authority, to defer the recognition of the profit, gain or income with respect to such property for the purpose of taxation in that other State until such time and in such manner as may be stipulated in the agreement.”
ARTICLE 9
ARTICLE 10
1. Paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article XXI (Exempt Organizations) of the Convention shall be deleted and replaced by the following:
“2. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 3, income referred to in Articles X (Dividends) and XI (Interest) derived by:
(a) A trust, company, organization or other arrangement that is a resident of a Contracting State, generally exempt from income taxation in a taxable year in that State and operated exclusively to administer or provide pension, retirement or employee benefits; or
(b) A trust, company, organization or other arrangement that is a resident of a Contracting State, generally exempt from income taxation in a taxable year in that State and operated exclusively to earn income for the benefit of an organization referred to in subparagraph (a);
shall be exempt from income taxation in that taxable year in the other Contracting State.
3. The provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply with respect to the income of a trust, company, organization or other arrangement from carrying on a trade or business or from a related person other than a person referred to in paragraph 1 or 2.”
2. A new sentence shall be added at the end of paragraph 5 of Article XXI (Exempt Organizations) of the Convention as follows:
“For the purposes of this paragraph, a company that is a resident of Canada and that is taxable in the United States as if it were a resident of the United States shall be deemed to be a resident of the United States.”
3. Paragraph 6 of Article XXI (Exempt Organizations) of the Convention shall be deleted and replaced by the following:
“6. For the purposes of Canadian taxation, gifts by a resident of Canada to an organization that is a resident of the United States, that is generally exempt from United States tax and that could qualify in Canada as a registered charity if it were a resident of Canada and created or established in Canada, shall be treated as gifts to a registered charity; however, no relief from taxation shall be available in any taxation year with respect to such gifts (other than such gifts to a college or university at which the resident or a member of the resident’s family is or was enrolled) to the extent that such relief would exceed the amount of relief that would be available under the Income Tax Act if the only income of the resident for that year were the resident’s income arising in the United States. The preceding sentence shall not be interpreted to allow in any taxation year relief from taxation for gifts to registered charities in excess of the amount of relief allowed under the percentage limitations of the laws of Canada in respect of relief for gifts to registered charities.”
ARTICLE 11
A new paragraph 3 shall be added to Article XXII (Other Income) of the Convention as follows:
“3. Losses incurred by a resident of a Contracting State with respect to wagering transactions the gains on which may be taxed in the other Contracting State shall, for the purpose of taxation in that other State, be deductible to the same extent that such losses would be deductible if they were incurred by a resident of that other State.”
ARTICLE 12
ARTICLE 13
ARTICLE 14
ARTICLE 15
A new Article XXVI A (Assistance in Collection) shall be added to the Convention as follows:
“Article XXVI A
Assistance in Collection
ARTICLE 16
ARTICLE 17
1. Paragraph 3(a) of Article XXIX (Miscellaneous Rules) of the Convention shall be deleted and replaced by the following:
“(a) Under paragraphs 3 and 4 of Article IX (Related Persons), paragraphs 6 and 7 of Article XIII (Gains), paragraphs 1, 3, 4, 5, 6(b) and 7 of Article XVIII (Pensions and Annuities), paragraph 5 of Article XXIX (Miscellaneous Rules), paragraphs 1, 5 and 6 of Article XXIX B (Taxes Imposed by Reason of Death), paragraphs 2, 3, 4 and 7 of Article XXIX B (Taxes Imposed by Reason of Death) as applied to the estates of persons other than former citizens referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article, paragraphs 3 and 5 of Article XXX (Entry into Force), and Articles XIX (Government Service), XXI (Exempt Organizations), XXIV (Elimination of Double Taxation) , XXV (Non-Discrimination) and XXVI (Mutual Agreement Procedure);”
2. Paragraphs 5 to 7 of Article XXIX (Miscellaneous Rules) of the Convention shall be deleted and replaced by the following:
“5. Where a person who is a resident of Canada and a shareholder of a United States S corporation requests the competent authority of Canada to do so, the competent authority may agree, subject to terms and conditions satisfactory to such competent authority, to apply the following rules for the purposes of taxation in Canada with respect to the period during which the agreement is effective:
(a) The corporation shall be deemed to be a controlled foreign affiliate of the person;
(b) All the income of the corporation shall be deemed to be foreign accrual property
income;
(c) For the purposes of subsection 20(11) of the Income Tax Act, the amount of the
corporation’s income that is included in the person’s income shall be deemed not to be income from a property; and
(d) Each dividend paid to the person on a share of the capital stock of the corporation shall be excluded from the person’s income and shall be deducted in computing the adjusted cost base to the person of the share.
6. For purposes of paragraph 3 of Article XXII (Consultation) of the General Agreement on Trade in Services, the Contracting States agree that:
(a) A measure falls within the scope of the Convention only if:
(i) The measure relates to a tax to which Article XXV (Non-Discrimination) of the Convention applies; or
(ii) The measure relates to a tax to which Article XXV (Non-Discrimination) of the Convention does not apply and to which any other provision of the Convention applies, but only to the extent that the measure relates to a matter dealt with in that other provision of the Convention; and
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph 3 of Article XXII (Consultation) of the General Agreement on Trade in Services, any doubt as to the interpretation of subparagraph (a) will be
resolved under paragraph 3 of Article XXVI (Mutual Agreement Procedure) of the Convention or any other procedure agreed to by both Contracting States.
7. The appropriate authority of a Contracting State may request consultations with the appropriate authority of the other Contracting State to determine whether change to the Convention is appropriate to respond to changes in the law or policy of that other State. Where domestic legislation enacted by a Contracting State unilaterally removes or significantly limits any material benefit otherwise provided by the Convention, the appropriate authorities shall promptly consult for the purpose of considering an appropriate change to the Convention.”
ARTICLE 18
A new Article XXIX A (Limitation on Benefits) shall be added to the Convention as follows:
“Article XXIX A
Limitation on Benefits
ARTICLE 19
A new Article XXIX B (Taxes Imposed by Reason of Death) shall be added to the Convention as follows:
“Article XXIX B
Taxes Imposed by Reason of Death
ARTICLE 20
ARTICLE 21
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, duly authorized thereto by their respective Governments, have signed this Protocol.
Done in two copies at Washington this seventeenth day of March, 1995, in the English and French languages, each text being equally authentic.
| FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA |
| (s) Richard E. Hecklinger | (s) Robert C. Wright |
PROTOCOL 4
PROTOCOL AMENDING TAX CONVENTION
WITH CANADA
MESSAGE
FROM
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
TRANSMITTING
PROTOCOL AMENDING THE CONVENTION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA AND CANADA WITH RESPECT TO TAXES ON INCOME AND ON CAPITAL
SIGNED AT WASHINGTON ON SEPTEMBER 26, 1980 AS AMENDED BY THE
PROTOCOLS SIGNED ON JUNE 14, 1983, MARCH 28, 1984, AND MARCH 17, 1995,
SIGNED AT OTTAWA ON JULY 29, 1997
LETTER OF SUBMITTAL (PROTOCOL 4)
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Washington, August 12, 1997.
THE PRESIDENT: I have the honor to submit to you, with a view to its transmission to the Senate for advice and consent to ratification, the Protocol Amending the Convention Between the United States of America and Canada with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital Signed at Washington on September 26, 1980 as Amended by the Protocols Signed on June 14, 1983, March 28, 1984 and March 17, 1995, signed at Ottawa on July 29, 1997 (“the proposed Protocol”). The proposed Protocol to the Convention addresses two issues: the taxation of gains from the sale of shares of foreign real-property holding companies and the taxation of social security benefits.
Article 1 of the proposed Protocol deletes and replaces paragraphs 3(a) and 3(b)(ii) of Article XIII of the Convention, which addresses the taxation of capital gains. The revised provisions would define real property situated in the United States and real property situated in Canada in such a way as to deny each country the right under this Convention to tax foreign persons on their income from the sale of the stock of foreign corporations whose assets consist primarily of domestic real estate. Both the United States and Canada currently tax foreign persons on the proceeds from the sale of both domestic real estate and the stock of domestic corporations whose assets consist primarily of domestic real estate.
The current Convention also permits the taxation of income from the sale of stock of foreign companies whose assets consist primarily of domestic real estate. The new limitation on each country’s right to tax gains from the sale of shares of real-property holding companies would be retroactively effective to April 26, 1995.
Article 2 addresses taxation of social security benefits. The treatment of social security benefits by the United States and Canada was last modified by the Protocol Amending the Convention between the United States of America and Canada with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital Signed at Washington on September 26, 1980, as Amended by the Protocols Signed on June 14, 1983 and March 28, 1984, signed at Washington, March 17, 1995 (“the 1995 Protocol”), which applies to social security benefits paid on or after January 1, 1996. The 1995 Protocol amended the Convention to move from residence-based taxation to a system under which social security benefits are taxed by the country paying the benefits (“the source country”) – at a statutory rate of 25.5 percent by the United
States and 25.0 percent by Canada. In addition, Canada permits U.S. recipients of Canadian benefits to file a Canadian tax return and pay tax at lower graduated rates on net income, enabling low-income
U.S. recipients of Canadian social security to pay little or no tax on their benefits. However, the United States taxes at the 25.5 percent rate permitted by the 1995 Protocol. Thus, many Canadian recipients of U.S. benefits found their benefits reduced by 25.5 percent after January 1, 1996.
Article 2 of the proposed Protocol returns to the system of residence-based taxation in place before the 1995 Protocol. Social security benefits will be taxable in only the country in which the recipient lives (“the country of residence”). This, under the proposed Protocol, U.S. social security benefits paid to a resident of Canada would be taxed only by Canada, and, a benefit paid by Canada under its social security legislation to a U.S. resident would be taxed only by the United States. Benefits would be taxed on a net basis at graduated rates, and low-income recipients would not pay any tax. Furthermore, the taxation of benefits by the country of residence takes into account the way the benefits would have been taxed in the source country. For example, since the United States includes only 85 percent of U.S. social security benefits in taxable income, only 85 percent of the U.S. benefits received by Canadians would be subject to Canadian tax.
Article 2 of the proposed Protocol will apply to amounts paid on or after January 1, 1996, the date the current rule took effect. Thus, social security recipients may receive a refund of taxes previously paid although some high-income recipients may be required to pay additional taxes to their country of residence. If, however, as a result of the change, the tax of the country of residence exceeds the amount of the refund there will be neither a refund of source-country tax nor additional tax by the country of residence. Consequently, no one will be subject to a higher rate of tax for the retroactive period. (Nonetheless, in the future, some high-income recipients of benefits will be subject to a higher rate of tax if their average tax rate on these benefits in their country of residence is higher than the current rate of source-country withholding tax.) The proposed Protocol also outlines the rules that the United States and Canada will follow in giving effect to the retroactive application of the changes to the taxation of social security benefits.
The Department of the Treasury and the Department of State cooperated in the negotiation of the proposed Protocol. It has the full approval of both Departments.
Respectfully submitted,
MADELEINE ALBRIGHT.
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL (PROTOCOL 4)
THE WHITE HOUSE, September 23, 1997.
\
To the Senate of the United States:
I transmit herewith for Senate advice and consent to ratification the Protocol Amending the Convention Between the United States of America and Canada with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital Signed at Washington on September 26, 1980 as Amended by the Protocols signed on June 14, 1983, March 28, 1984 and March 17, 1995, signed at Ottawa on July 29, 1997. This Protocol modified the taxation of social security benefits and the taxation of gams from the sale of shares of foreign real-property holding companies.
I recommend that the Senate give early and favorable consideration to this Protocol and give its advice and consent to ratification.
WILLIAM J. CLINTON.
PROTOCOL
AMENDING THE CONVENTION BETWEEN
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CANADA
WITH RESPECT TO TAXES ON INCOME AND ON CAPITAL
SIGNED AT WASHINGTON ON SEPTEMBER 26, 1980
AS AMENDED BY THE PROTOCOLS SIGNED ON JUNE 14,1983,
MARCH 28, 1984 AND MARCH 17, 1995
The United States of America and Canada, desiring to conclude a protocol to amend the Convention Between the United States of America and Canada with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital signed at Washington on September 26, 1980, as amended by the Protocols signed on June 14, 1983, March 28, 1984 and March 17, 1995 (hereinafter referred to as “the Convention”), have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1
ARTICLE 2
ARTICLE 3
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being duly authorized thereto by their respective Governments, have signed this Protocol.
Done at Ottawa in duplicate, in the English and French languages, both texts being equally authentic, this 29th day of July, 1997.
| FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA |
| (s) Vladimir Sambaiew | (s) Michael Leir |