A foreign company without a Permanent Establishment (PE) in India, but possessing a PAN, is inquiring about the possibility of obtaining a lower withholding tax (WHT) certificate. The company provides IT/ITES services to Indian clients, with all servers and data located outside India. While fees for such services can be subject to a 20% WHT rate in India, or 10% under a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), the query specifically asks if a reduced rate of 2% or 5% is achievable.
29 February 2024
What is the nature of payment. To seek relief in the Withholding Tax Rates, NRI/Foreign Citizen can apply for Lower TDS Certificate (TDS Exemption Certificate) with the Jurisdictional Income Tax Authority.
01 March 2024
If the fees paid by an Indian company to a foreign company for availing of services in relation to computer software are regarded as “fees for technical / included services”, they could be subject to withholding tax in India at the rate of 20% on gross basis .