Supreme Court Verdict on Cross-Border Taxation: Hyatt’s India Operations Fall Under PE, Income Taxable
The Supreme Court of India upheld the Delhi High Court's ruling that Hyatt International Southwest Asia Ltd. had a Permanent Establishment (PE) in India under Article 5(1) of the India-UAE Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). The Court emphasized that a fixed place of business PE exists if the enterprise has a right to use and control a physical location for its business activities, regardless of exclusive possession. The appellant's extensive control over hotel operations under the Strategic Oversight Services Agreement (SOSA) satisfied the "disposal test" and established a PE. Consequently, the income derived from these activities was deemed taxable in India under Article 7 of the DTAA. The appeals were dismissed, affirming the tax liability.
Facts Of The Case:
Hyatt Internation...