In a significant ruling with respect to the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements the SC stated that a notification under section 90(1) of Income tax is a “necessary and a mandatory” condition for a court, authority, or tribunal to give effect to a tax treaty that has the effect of altering existing provisions of law.

The ruling essentially implies that a country can claim benefits under DTAA from the time of its treaty pact and not a later date when some other country would have gained from entering another treaty.

Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs), also known as Tax Treaties, are bilateral agreements between two countries to address and alleviate the issue of double taxation of income.

Double taxation can occur when a taxpayer is liable to pay tax on the same income in two different countries – the country where the income is earned (source country) and the country where the taxpayer is a resident (residence country).

DTAAs are designed to prevent this double taxation and promote international trade and investment by allocating taxing rights between the two countries.

India has entered into Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) with several countries to prevent double taxation of income and promote cross-border trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

The primary objectives of these DTAAs are to allocate taxing rights, specify tax rates, and provide mechanisms for relieving double taxation. Below are some key aspects of India's DTAA network:

1. Bilateral Agreements: India has signed DTAAs with numerous countries, and each agreement is bilateral, meaning it applies to the tax relationship between India and a specific country.
2. Residency Rules: DTAAs define criteria for determining an individual's or a company's tax residency status. This is essential in determining which country has the primary right to tax the income.
3. Taxation of Various Types of Income: DTAAs outline rules for the taxation of various types of income, such as business profits, dividends, interest, royalties, and capital gains. These agreements specify how each type of income is to be taxed and allocated between the two countries.
4. Tax Rates: DTAAs often specify the maximum rates of tax that the source country (the country where income is generated) can impose on income. These rates are generally lower than the standard tax rates in each country, which can encourage cross-border investment.
5. Tax Credit or Exemption: DTAAs provide mechanisms to avoid double taxation through a tax credit or exemption system. This means that if a taxpayer has paid tax in one country, they can often claim a credit for that tax paid when filing their tax return in their home country.
6. Anti-Avoidance Provisions: DTAAs may include anti-avoidance provisions to prevent taxpayers from abusing the agreement for tax evasion purposes. These provisions are designed to ensure that the benefits of the agreement are not misused.
7. Exchange of Information: DTAAs often include provisions for the exchange of tax-related information between the tax authorities of the two countries. This is important for preventing tax evasion and ensuring compliance with the agreement.
8. Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP): DTAAs typically contain a MAP provision, which allows taxpayers to seek resolution if they believe they have been subjected to taxation not in accordance with the agreement. The MAP process usually involves negotiations between the tax authorities of both countries.
9. Limitation of Benefits (LOB): Some DTAAs include LOB provisions to prevent third-country residents from taking advantage of the treaty to reduce their tax liability. LOB provisions set conditions that a taxpayer must meet to qualify for the treaty benefits.

India's DTAA network is extensive and continually evolving as new agreements are signed and existing ones are amended. The specific terms and provisions of each agreement may vary from one country to another, and it's important for individuals and businesses engaged in international transactions to understand the implications of the relevant DTAA to ensure they are not subjected to double taxation.

Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) hold significant importance in the realm of international taxation and have several key advantages and benefits:

1. Preventing Double Taxation: The primary purpose of DTAAs is to eliminate or reduce the burden of double taxation on the same income or profits. This ensures that taxpayers are not subjected to taxation in both their country of residence and the country where the income is generated. This reduces the overall tax liability of individuals and businesses engaged in cross-border activities.
2. Promoting Cross-Border Investment: DTAAs play a crucial role in encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI) and cross-border trade by providing a predictable and favorable tax environment. Lower withholding tax rates and reduced tax on capital gains can make it more attractive for individuals and businesses to invest in foreign countries.
3. Avoidance of Tax Evasion and Tax Fraud: DTAAs typically include provisions for the exchange of tax-related information between the tax authorities of the two treaty countries. This information exchange helps combat tax evasion and tax fraud, as tax authorities can monitor the financial activities of their residents in the other country.
4. Clarity and Certainty: DTAAs provide clarity and certainty regarding the tax treatment of various types of income. This is especially important for multinational corporations and individuals engaged in international transactions. Knowing the tax implications in advance helps in better financial planning and investment decisions.
5. Reducing Compliance Costs: With DTAAs in place, taxpayers do not have to navigate complex international tax systems. They can utilize provisions such as tax credits or exemptions to reduce their tax liability. This can significantly reduce compliance costs and administrative burdens for businesses and individuals.
6. Preventing Discrimination: DTAAs often include provisions that ensure residents of one country are not subjected to discriminatory taxation in the other country. This promotes fairness and equality in the tax treatment of individuals and businesses, irrespective of their nationality.
7. Promoting Economic Cooperation: DTAAs can foster economic cooperation between countries, as they create a framework for mutual understanding and collaboration in tax matters. These agreements can enhance diplomatic and economic relations between treaty partners.
8. Conflict Resolution: DTAAs include a Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) that allows taxpayers to seek resolution in case of disputes or issues arising from the interpretation or application of the treaty. This dispute resolution mechanism can prevent lengthy legal battles and provide a means for resolving tax conflicts more amicably.
9. Incentives for Innovation and Intellectual Property: Many DTAAs include favorable provisions for royalties and intellectual property income, which can incentivize businesses to engage in research and development activities and the licensing of intellectual property across borders.
10. Trade Facilitation: By reducing tax barriers and uncertainties, DTAAs can enhance the ease of doing business, boost cross-border trade, and facilitate the flow of goods and services between treaty partners.

In summary, DTAAs are crucial tools in international tax law that promote economic growth, encourage cross-border investments, and ensure that taxpayers are not unfairly burdened with double taxation. They provide a framework for equitable and predictable tax treatment, benefiting both individuals and businesses involved in international activities and strengthening the economic relationships between treaty countries.