PLEASE NOTE: THIS INFORMATION WAS ORIGINALLY SUBMITTED BY COOPERS & LYBRAND, CANADA
A protocol to amend the existing tax treaty between Canada and The Netherlands was recently signed at The Hague. The amendments must now clear the legislative process in each country before the changes can be effective.
The two most important amendments are provisions that will:
- eliminate withholding tax on patent and "know-how" royalties; and
- address the issue of the treaty partners assisting each other in collecting taxes from certain taxpayers.
The protocol also includes changes of a technical nature regarding:
- the existing 5% withholding tax imposed on "direct dividends" those paid to a parent or other corporation with a substantial