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CA Mohammed S Chokhawala

Content Writer

I'm a chartered accountant, well-versed in the ins and outs of income tax, GST, and keeping the books balanced. Numbers are my thing, I can sift through financial statements and tax codes with the best of them. But there's another side to me – a side that thrives on words, not figures. Writing has always been a passion. Maybe it's the desire to explain complex financial concepts in a clear, understandable way, or perhaps it's the joy of crafting a compelling narrative. Whatever the reason, I've recently started putting pen to paper (or rather, fingers to keyboard) and creating articles and blog posts that make the world of finance less intimidating for everyday people.

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The latest articles by CA Mohammed S Chokhawala


Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) Between India and Netherlands
Updated on Aug 26th, 2026 | 7 min read

India Netherlands DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement) helps the resident of either countries prevent their income being taxed in both the countries. Under DTAA, taxes paid in one country can be claimed as a credit in another country, ensuring that tax is effectively paid in only one country. DTAA Between India and NetherlandsIn 1989, India decided to enter into a double taxation agreement with the Netherlands to help taxpayers avoid paying income taxes in both the Netherlands and India. This DTAA applies to different types of taxes, such as dividends and income taxes.The India-Netherlands DTAA was founded on the values of justice and equity. It established a tax credit and exemption mechanism to prevent double taxation of income received. This means that if an Indian resident generates income in the Netherlands, they will only be taxed in India and not in the Netherlands.


Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) Between India and Singapore
Updated on Aug 26th, 2026 | 7 min read

India Singapore DTAA (Double Tax Avoidance Agreement) helps taxpayers who are residents in either countries to prevent their income from being taxed in both the countries.  Under DTAA,  taxes paid in one country can be claimed as a credit in another country, ensuring that tax is effectively paid in only one country. Indian business owners intending to start their businesses and people earning income in foreign countries benefit most from the DTAA between India and Singapore. DTAA between India and SingaporeThe DTAA tax treaty helps to avoid double taxation on income generated from the two countries and reduces the tax burden on the residents of both India and Singapore. This convention was signed in 1994 and last amended in 2017. As per the latest amendment, the Multilateral Instruments of OECD (The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) came into force for Singapore and India. As per this agreement, a resident of Singapore earning income from India is entitled to the same treatment of tax as Indian residents earning income from India. DTAA helps to eliminate different types of taxes on incomes, such as royalties, interest or fees for technical services.


Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) Between India and Ireland
Updated on Aug 26th, 2026 | 8 min read

India Ireland DTAA (Double Tax Avoidance Agreement) helps the residents of either state to prevent their income being taxed from both the countries. It allocates tax rights between Ireland and India, signifying that an entity or person will not be taxed twice on the same income.It covers different types of income like royalties, dividends, interests and fees for technical services where different withholding tax rates are applicable.This treaty also facilitates improvement in trade relationships and economic growth.DTAA between India and IrelandThe India-Ireland DTAA is a bilateral arrangement to promote investment and trade between the two nations.  Moreover, under this Convention, the residents of both nations are entitled to certain tax exemptions and credits.Even though the Convention possesses a standard Article of non-discrimination, as per the agreed protocol, India has the right to charge an Irish Company permanently established in India at a tax rate which is higher than that imposed on the profits of a similar Indian company.  Moreover, it also eliminates the payment of double taxes on earnings from aircraft and shipping at international traffic.Significance of DTAA for India and IrelandIndia and Ireland share significant commercial and cultural links. Ireland is India's most substantial retail partner in the European Union (EU).


Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) Between India and Mauritius
Updated on Aug 26th, 2026 | 7 min read

 India Mauritius DTAA (Double Tax Avoidance Agreement) helps the resident of either countries prevent their income being taxed in both the countries.  The conventions of DTAA signed between India and Mauritius will be applicable to residents of one or both contracting states. The agreement specifies the DTAA rates for income like interest (up to 7.5%) , royalty (up to 10%), fees for technical services (15%) and so on. What is DTAA Between India and Mauritius?The Government of India and the Government of Mauritius came to a unanimous decision on 6th December 1983 regarding the avoidance of double taxation.On 7th March 2024, India and Mauritius signed a protocol amending the DTAA. A key point of revision was the introduction of a new article to satisfy the principal purpose test. However it is to be noted that the protocol is yet to be ratified.This agreement has a total of 6 chapters with further divisions into 38 Articles.


Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) Between India and Hong Kong
Updated on Aug 26th, 2026 | 9 min read

India Hong Kong DTAA (Double Tax Avoidance Agreement) helps taxpayers who are residents of either countries from to prevent the same income being taxed twice. Under DTAA,  taxes paid in one country can be claimed as a credit in another country, ensuring that tax is effectively paid in only one country. This helps to avoid such unfair tax systems and maintain strong trade relations between countries.DTAA between India and Hong KongDTAA convention applies to individuals who are residents of both or one of the two Contracting Parties, i.e., India and Hong Kong. When an Indian resident earns income that, under the terms of DTAA, may be taxed in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, India shall deduct from the resident's income a tax amount equal to the tax payable to the former.Alternatively, when a resident of Hong Kong has income sources in India, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will deduct tax at the rate applicable to the latter. As per India Hong Kong DTAA, if an individual is a resident in both countries, the residential status of that person is determined as per the following:Centre of Vital InterestsProcess of Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP)Availability of permanent homeHabitual abodeRight of nationalityMoreover, this tax treaty allows different investors from India and Hong Kong to gain tax benefits and improve commercial relations. Having a low tax regime makes Hong Kong an attractive location for trade for investors from India.


Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) Between India and China
Updated on Aug 26th, 2026 | 8 min read

The Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and China aims to help taxpayers avoid paying taxes twice in both countries. The treaty now covers income tax levied by People's republic of China on individuals and enterprises, income tax levied in India, and sharing of financial information between the two countries.DTAA Between India and ChinaThe agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of India to avoid double taxes and prevent fiscal evasion of income taxes was signed on July 18, 1994, and came into force on November 21, 1994, in New Delhi. However, the treaty was amended between the two nations through a protocol signed on November 26, 2018. The amendment changed the existing provision related to information exchange and adhered to all international standards. The tax benefits will allow businesses to invest more money in foreign firms and achieve commercial growth.Taxes Covered Under DTAAAs per Article 2 of India China DTAA, the taxes covered under the treaty are as follows:It regards taxes on income, tax on total income or elements of income as well as that which includes gaining taxes from alienating immovable or movable property and capital appreciation taxes.DTAA agreement will apply to taxes that are as follows:China (or "Chinese Tax"):Enterprise Income Tax Individual Income TaxIndia (or "Indian Tax"):Income tax including surcharges Important Points:This treaty applies to taxes on earnings imposed on behalf of the Contracting State, local authorities, or any political subdivision, irrespective of how they are levied.DTAA also applies to any substantially similar or identical taxes, applicable after the signing of the agreement in addition to existing taxes referred to above.The Contracting State will notify any changes to one another in their respective tax laws within a reasonable time after making changes.India - China DTAA Tax RatesDTAA between India and China discusses withholding tax rates on different types of income, such as interest, royalties, technical service fees and many more.


Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) Between India and Canada
Updated on Aug 26th, 2026 | 8 min read

The Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and Canada is a bilateral tax treaty for eliminating double income taxation in both countries. Individuals and entities earning income in both countries are not required to pay tax twice on the same income. As per the treaty, the dividend income is taxed at 25% in most cases, royalty at 10-20%, and interest at 15%.  DTAA Between India and CanadaAccording to the Indian Canada DTAA, if an Indian resident has taxable capital gains in Canada, India will permit a deduction from the resident's capital gains tax equal to the amount paid in Canada. This agreement covers different types of income, such as business profits, royalties, capital gains, dividends, and others.


Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) Between India and Germany
Updated on Aug 26th, 2026 | 4 min read

India Germany DTAA (Double Tax Avoidance Agreement) helps the residents of either countries prevent their income being taxed in both the countries. Under this agreement, taxes paid in one country can be claimed as a credit in another country, ensuring that tax is effectively paid in only one country. The DTAA between India and Germany has 29 articles that discuss the regulations on how double taxation can be avoided. It covers income like dividend, interest, royalty, capital gains, etc.Students living in Germany also fall under the DTAA as they can enjoy tax benefits on their earnings under Article 20 of India Germany DTAA.Taxes Covered Under DTAAUnder the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and Germany, various sources of income have been considered for tax relief. These include income which falls under the tax slabs of either India, Germany or both countries. Here are the types of taxes that the India-Germany DTAA covers:Here is a list of applied taxes in the Federal Republic of Germany (i.e.


Budget 2025 - Date, Time, When and Where to Watch Live?
Updated on Aug 26th, 2026 | 6 min read

The Union Budget is presented every year by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1st. This budget will be the second Budget of the Modi government’s third term and Nirmala Sitharaman’s eighth consecutive budget presentation, which includes one interim budget. In this article, we will answer your questions about the date, time, and where to watch the Budget. Usually, the budget session is conducted in two parts. For the upcoming financial year 2025-2026, the first session will last until February 13th,2025.


What is Section 194D and Section 194DA under Income Tax Act?
Updated on Aug 26th, 2026 | 11 min read

Similar to tax deductions done at various income sources such as salary, interest income, and house rent, tax deductions at source (TDS) are also required to be done on insurance commission and life insurance premium payments. Section 194D and Section 194DA under the Income Tax Act, 1961 are the provisions applicable respectively. Let us look into these provisions in detail.Budget 2025 Update In the budget 2025, the threshold limit for deduction of tax under section 194D has been increased from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000 which will be effective from 1st April, 2025. What is Section 194D?Section 194D basically covers TDS on insurance commission. Any payments made by way of:Any remuneration/reward in the form of commission or otherwise, For soliciting or procuring insurance business (including business relating to the continuance, renewal or revival of policies of insurance) The deduction must be made at the time of crediting the money to the payee’s account or at the time of payment in the form of cash, cheque, draft, or any other mode. Tax is deductible only if the amount paid or payable or the aggregate of the amounts of such income paid or payable during the financial year exceeds Rs 15,000.If you purchase any life insurance plans (other than ULIP) on or after April 1, 2023, and the aggregate premium exceeds INR 5,00,000 in a fiscal year, the money received on maturity will be taxable. Section 10(10D) will not provide an exemption to anyone.Who is Eligible under Section 194D?Any person who makes a payment to a resident person (Individuals, Hindu Undivided Family(HUF), companies or other taxpayers) in the form of remuneration or reward as part of the insurance business should deduct tax.The provisions of TDS deduction under Section 194D are applicable to resident individuals only, in the case of non-residents Section 195 will be applicable. Time Limits of Deduction of TDS for Section 194D?Tax is deducted at the earlier of the following cases:At the time of credit of commission in the payee’s account.When the actual payment is made in cash, cheque, draft, or other modes.Rate of TDS Deduction under Section 194DAccording to Section 194D, the tax is deducted at different rates based on the type of payee:Individuals or HUF: 5%*Domestic companies: 10%Payee does not provide PAN: 20%*It is to be noted that this rate is proposed to be reduced to 2% with effect from 1st April 2025.You must also know that surcharge and health and education cess will not be applicable to these rates.Exceptions under Section 194DTax need not be deducted from the amount the payer credits to the payee’s account in the following cases:The commission paid is within Rs 15,000.A self-declaration is available through Form 15G/15H. Penalty for Late DeductionIf the deductor forgets to deduct TDS when sending a payment, interest is owed.


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