Wages and Pensions Paid by a Foreign Government

Wages, salaries, pensions, and annuities paid by the governments of the following countries to their residents who are present in the United States as nonresident aliens generally are exempt from U.S. income tax. The conditions under which the income is exempt are stated for each of the countries listed.

Exemption under U.S. tax law.   Employees of foreign countries who do not qualify under a tax treaty provision and employees of international organizations should see if they can qualify for exemption under U.S. tax law.

If you work for a foreign government in the United States, your foreign government salary is exempt from U.S. tax if you perform services similar to those performed by U.S. government employees in that foreign country and that foreign government grants an equivalent exemption. If you work for an international organization in the United States, your salary from that source is exempt from U.S. tax. See chapter 10 of Publication 519 for more information.

Australia

Salaries, wages, and similar income, including pensions, paid by Australia, its political subdivisions, agencies, or authorities to its citizens (other than U.S. citizens) for performing governmental functions as an employee of any of the above entities are exempt from U.S. income tax.

Austria

Wages, salaries, similar income, and pensions and annuities paid from public funds of Austria, its political subdivisions, or its local authorities, to citizens of Austria for performing governmental functions as an employee are exempt from U.S. tax.

However, this exemption does not apply to payments for services performed in connection with a trade or business carried on by Austria or its political subdivisions or local authorities.

Barbados

Income, including a pension, paid from the public funds of Barbados, or its political subdivisions or local authorities, to a citizen of Barbados for performing governmental functions is exempt from U.S. income tax.

However, this exemption does not apply to payments for services in connection with a business carried on by Barbados or its political subdivisions or local authorities.

Belgium

Wages, salaries, similar income, and pensions and annuities paid by, or from public funds of, Belgium, its political subdivisions, or its local authorities, to citizens of Belgium (or to citizens of countries other than the United States or Belgium who come to the United States and are employed by Belgium or its political subdivisions or local authorities) for performing governmental functions are exempt from U.S. tax.

However, this exemption does not apply to payments for services performed in connection with a trade or business carried on by Belgium or its political subdivisions or local authorities.

Canada

Wages, salaries, and similar income (other than pensions) paid by Canada or by a Canadian political subdivision or local authority to a citizen of Canada for performing governmental functions are exempt from U.S. income tax. This exemption does not apply, however, to payments for services performed in connection with a trade or business carried on by Canada or its political subdivisions or local authorities.

Also see Publication 597, Information on the United States - Canada Income Tax Treaty.

China, People's Republic of

Income, other than a pension, paid by the People's Republic of China or its political subdivisions or local authorities to an individual for services performed for the paying governmental body is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply to payments for services performed in the United States by a resident of the United States who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident only to perform the services.

Pensions paid by the People's Republic of China for services performed for China are exempt from U.S. income tax unless the recipient is both a citizen and a resident of the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions for services performed in connection with a business carried on by the People's Republic of China or its subdivisions or local authorities.

Commonwealth of Independent States

Wages, salaries, and similar income paid by the C.I.S. or a member of the C.I.S. to its citizens for personal services performed as an employee of a governmental agency or institution of the C.I.S. or a member of the C.I.S. (excluding local government employees) in the discharge of governmental functions are exempt from U.S. income tax. For this purpose, persons engaged in commercial activities are not considered engaged in the discharge of governmental functions.

Cyprus

Wages, salaries, and similar income, including pensions, annuities, and similar benefits, paid from public funds of Cyprus to a citizen of Cyprus for labor or personal services performed as an employee of Cyprus in the discharge of governmental functions are exempt from U.S. income tax.

Czech Republic

Income, including a pension, paid from the public funds of the Czech Republic, its political subdivisions, or local authorities to a Czech citizen for services performed in the discharge of governmental functions is exempt from U.S. income tax. This exemption does not apply to income paid for services performed in connection with a business carried on by the Czech Republic, its political subdivisions, or local authorities.

Denmark

Note:    See the effective dates of the new treaty under Important Changes at the beginning of this publication.

New treaty.    Income, other than a pension, paid from public funds of Denmark, its political subdivisions, or local authorities to an individual for services performed for the paying governmental body in the discharge of governmental functions is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply if the services are performed in the United States by a resident of the United States who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident only to perform the services.

Pensions paid from the public funds of Denmark, its political subdivisions, or local authorities for services performed for Denmark are exempt from U.S. income tax unless the recipient is either a resident or citizen of the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions for services performed in connection with a trade or business carried on by Denmark, its political subdivisions, or local authorities.

Former treaty.   Wages, salaries, and similar income and pensions paid by Denmark, or any public authority in Denmark, to individuals living in the United States are exempt from U.S. income tax. This exemption does not apply to citizens of the United States or alien residents of the United States.

Egypt

Wages, salaries, and similar income, including pensions, annuities, and similar benefits, paid from public funds of the Arab Republic of Egypt to a citizen of Egypt (or to a citizen of another country who comes to the United States specifically to work for the Government of Egypt) for labor or personal services performed as an employee of the national Government of Egypt, or any of its agencies, in the discharge of governmental functions are exempt from U.S. income tax.

This exemption does not apply to U.S. citizens or to alien residents of the United States. The exemption also does not apply to payments for services performed in connection with a trade or business carried on by Egypt or any of its agencies.

Estonia

Income, other than a pension, paid by or from public funds of Estonia, its political subdivisions, or local authorities to an individual for services performed as an employee for the paying governmental body in the discharge of governmental functions is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply if the services are performed in the United States by a resident of the United States who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident only to perform the services.

Pensions paid by or from the public funds of Estonia, its political subdivisions, or local authorities for services performed for Estonia are exempt from U.S. income tax unless the recipient is both a resident and citizen of the United States.

Finland

Income, other than a pension, paid by Finland, its political subdivisions, statutory bodies, or local authorities to an individual for services performed for the paying governmental body is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply to payments for services performed in the United States by a U.S. resident who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident only to perform the services.

Pensions paid by Finland for services performed for Finland are exempt from U.S. income tax unless the recipient is a resident and citizen of the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions for services performed in connection with a trade or business carried on by Finland or its political subdivisions, statutory bodies, or local authorities.

France

Income, including pensions, paid by the French Government or a local authority thereof to an individual in the United States for services performed for France (or for a local authority of France) in the discharge of governmental functions is exempt from U.S. tax. This exemption does not apply to a person who is both a resident and citizen of the United States and not a French national.

This exemption does not apply to any income or pensions paid because of services (or past services) performed in connection with a business carried on by the French Government (or a local authority thereof).

Germany

Wages, salaries, and similar income and pensions paid by Germany, its Laender, or municipalities, or their public pension funds are exempt from U.S. income tax if paid to individuals other than U.S. citizens and other than individuals admitted to the United States for permanent residence.

Greece

Wages, salaries, and similar income and pensions paid by Greece or its subdivisions to individuals living in the United States for services rendered to Greece or its subdivisions are exempt from U.S. income tax. This exemption does not apply to citizens of the United States or alien residents of the United States.

Hungary

Income (other than a pension) paid by the Republic of Hungary or its political subdivisions for labor or personal services performed for the paying governmental body is exempt from U.S. tax. However, the exemption does not apply to payments for services performed in the United States by a resident of the United States who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a resident of the United States only to perform the services.

Pensions paid by Hungary for services performed for Hungary are exempt from U.S. income tax unless the recipient is both a citizen and a resident of the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions for services performed in connection with a trade or business carried on by Hungary or its subdivisions.

Iceland

Wages, salaries, and similar income, including pensions and similar benefits, paid by or from public funds of the Republic of Iceland, a political subdivision, or a local authority to a citizen of Iceland (other than a U.S. citizen or one admitted to the United States for permanent residence) for labor or personal services performed for Iceland or its political subdivisions or local authorities in the discharge of governmental functions are exempt from U.S. tax.

India

Income, other than a pension, paid by India, its political subdivisions, or local authorities to an individual for services performed for the paying governmental body is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply if the services are performed in the United States by a U.S. resident who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident only to perform the services.

Pensions paid by India for services performed for India are exempt from U.S. tax unless the individual is both a resident and citizen of the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions for services performed in connection with a business carried on by India, its subdivisions, or local authorities.

Indonesia

Income, other than a pension, paid by Indonesia, its political subdivisions, or local authorities to an individual for services performed for the paying governmental body is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply if the services are performed in the United States by a U.S. resident who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident only to perform the services.

Pensions paid by Indonesia for services performed for Indonesia are exempt from U.S. tax.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions for services performed in connection with a trade or business carried on by Indonesia, its subdivisions, or local authorities.

Ireland

Income, other than a pension, paid by Ireland or its political subdivisions or local authorities to an individual for services performed for the paying governmental body is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply to payments for services performed in the United States by a resident of the United States who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident only to perform the services.

Pensions paid by Ireland for services performed for Ireland are exempt from U.S. income tax unless the recipient is both a resident and citizen of the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions for services performed in connection with a business carried on by Ireland or its subdivisions or local authorities.

Israel

Wages, salaries, and similar income, including pensions and similar benefits, paid from public funds by the national government of Israel or its agencies, for services performed in the discharge of governmental functions, are exempt from U.S. income tax. This exemption does not apply to citizens of the United States or alien residents of the United States.

Italy

Income, other than a pension, paid by Italy or by an Italian political or administrative subdivision or local authority to an individual for services performed for the paying governmental body is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply to payments for services performed in the United States by a resident of the United States who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident only to perform the services.

The spouse and dependent children of an individual, however, are not subject to the second restriction if that individual is receiving exempt income for governmental services performed for Italy and that individual does not come under either of the restrictions.

Pensions paid by Italy for services performed for Italy are exempt from U.S. income tax unless the recipient is both a citizen and a resident of the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions for services performed in connection with a trade or business carried on by Italy or its subdivisions or local authorities.

Jamaica

Income, other than a pension, paid by the Government of Jamaica or its political subdivisions or local authorities for personal services performed for the paying governmental body is exempt from U.S. income tax.

This exemption does not apply to payments for services performed in the United States by an individual who is a citizen and resident of the United States.

Pensions paid by Jamaica for services performed for Jamaica generally are exempt from U.S. income tax. However, if the recipient of the pension is a citizen and resident of the United States and was a U.S. citizen at the time the services were performed, the pension is taxable in the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions for services performed in connection with a trade or business carried on by Jamaica or its subdivisions or local authorities.

Japan

Salaries, wages, and similar income, including pensions and similar benefits, paid by Japan or out of funds to which Japan or any of its local authorities contributes to an individual who is a national of Japan (other than a U.S. citizen or one admitted to the United States for permanent residence) for labor or personal services performed as an employee of the Government of Japan or any of its local authorities are exempt from U.S. income tax.

Kazakstan

Income, other than a pension, paid by Kazakstan, or its subdivisions or local authorities to an individual for government services is exempt from U.S. tax. However, the exemption does not apply if the services are performed in the United States by a U.S. resident who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident solely for the purpose of performing the services.

These exemptions do not apply to income for services performed in connection with a business.

Pensions paid by Kazakstan, or its subdivisions or local authorities for services performed for Kazakstan is exempt from U.S. tax unless the individual is both a resident and citizen of the United States.

Korea, Republic of

Wages, salaries, and similar income, including pensions and similar benefits, paid from public funds of the Republic of Korea to a citizen of Korea (other than a U.S. citizen or an individual admitted to the United States for permanent residence) for services performed as an employee of Korea discharging government functions are exempt from U.S. income tax.

Latvia

Income, other than a pension, paid by or from public funds of Latvia, its political subdivisions, or local authorities to an individual for services performed as an employee for the paying governmental body in the discharge of governmental functions is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply if the services are performed in the United States by a resident of the United States who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident only to perform the services.

Pensions paid by or from the public funds of Latvia, its political subdivisions, or local authorities for services performed for Latvia are exempt from U.S. income tax unless the recipient is both a resident and citizen of the United States.

Lithuania

Income, other than a pension, paid by or from public funds of Lithuania, its political subdivisions, or local authorities to an individual for services performed as an employee for the paying governmental body in the discharge of governmental functions is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply if the services are performed in the United States by a resident of the United States who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident only to perform the services.

Pensions paid by or from the public funds of Lithuania, its political subdivisions, or local authorities for services performed for Lithuania are exempt from U.S. income tax unless the recipient is both a resident and citizen of the United States.

Luxembourg

Note:    See the effective dates of the new treaty under Important Changes at the beginning of this publication.

New treaty.    Income, other than a pension, paid by Luxembourg, its political subdivisions, or local authorities to an individual for services performed for the paying governmental body is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply if the services are performed in the United States by a resident of the United States who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident only to perform the services.

Pensions paid by Luxembourg, its political subdivisions, or local authorities for services performed for Luxembourg are exempt from U.S. income tax unless the recipient is both a resident and citizen of the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions for services performed in connection with a trade or business carried on by Luxembourg, its political subdivisions, or local authorities.

Former treaty.   Wages, salaries, and similar income, and pensions, annuities, and similar benefits paid by Luxembourg, its political subdivisions, or its compulsory social security funds for services performed for Luxembourg or its political subdivisions in discharge of governmental functions are exempt from U.S. income tax. These amounts are exempt only if they are paid to individuals other than U.S. citizens or individuals admitted to the United States for permanent residence.

Mexico

Income, other than a pension, paid by Mexico, its political subdivisions, or local authorities to an individual for services performed for the paying governmental body is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply if the services are performed in the United States by a U.S. resident who either:

1. Is a U.S. national, or
2. Did not become a resident of the United States solely for purposes of performing the services.

Pensions paid by Mexico, its political subdivisions, or local authorities for services performed for the paying governmental body are exempt from U.S. income tax unless the individual is both a resident and national of the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions connected with commercial or industrial activities carried on by Mexico, its political subdivisions, or local authorities.

Morocco

Wages, salaries, and similar income, including pensions and similar benefits, paid from public funds of the Kingdom of Morocco to a citizen of Morocco (other than a U.S. citizen or an individual admitted to the United States for permanent residence) for labor or personal services performed for Morocco or for any of its political subdivisions or local authorities in the discharge of governmental functions are exempt from U.S. income tax.

Netherlands

Income, other than a pension, paid by the Netherlands, its political subdivisions, or local authorities to an individual for services performed for the paying governmental body is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply if the services are rendered in the United States and the individual is a U.S. resident who either:

1. Is a U.S. national, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident solely for the purpose of performing the services.

Pensions paid by the Netherlands for services performed for the Netherlands are exempt from U.S. income tax unless the individual is both a resident and national of the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions for services performed in connection with a business carried on by the Netherlands, its political subdivisions, or local authorities.

New Zealand

Income (other than pensions) paid by the Government of New Zealand, its political subdivisions, or local authorities for services performed in the discharge of governmental functions is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the income is not exempt if the services are performed in the United States by a U.S. citizen resident in the United States or by a resident of the United States who did not become a resident only to perform the services.

Pensions paid by New Zealand in consideration for past governmental services are exempt from U.S. income tax unless paid to U.S. citizens resident in the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to payments for services performed in connection with any trade or business carried on for profit by the Government of New Zealand (or its subdivisions or local authorities).

Norway

Wages, salaries, and similar income, including pensions and similar benefits paid by or from public funds of Norway or its political subdivisions or local authorities to a citizen of Norway for labor or personal services performed for Norway or any of its political subdivisions or local authorities in the discharge of governmental functions are exempt from U.S. income tax.

Pakistan

Income, including pensions and annuities, paid to certain individuals by or on behalf of the Government of Pakistan or the Government of a Province in Pakistan or one of its local authorities for services performed in the discharge of functions of that Government or local authority is exempt from U.S. income tax. To be exempt from tax, these payments must be made to citizens of Pakistan who do not have immigrant status in the United States. This exemption does not apply to payments for services performed in connection with any trade or business carried on for profit.

Philippines

Wages, salaries, and similar income, including pensions, annuities, and similar benefits, paid from public funds of the Republic of the Philippines to a citizen of the Philippines (or to a citizen of another country other than the United States who comes to the United States specifically to work for the Government of the Philippines) for labor or personal services performed as an employee of the national Government of the Philippines or any of its agencies in the discharge of governmental functions are exempt from U.S. income tax.

Poland

Wages, salaries, and similar income, including pensions, annuities, and similar benefits, paid from public funds of Poland to a citizen of Poland (other than a U.S. citizen or one admitted to the United States for permanent residence) for labor or personal services performed as an employee of the national Government of Poland in the discharge of governmental functions are exempt from U.S. income tax.

Portugal

Income, other than a pension, paid by Portugal, its political or administrative subdivisions, or local authorities to an individual for services performed for the paying governmental body is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply to payments for services performed in the United States by a U.S. resident who either:

1. Is a U.S. national, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident only to perform the services.

Pensions paid by Portugal for services performed for Portugal are exempt from U.S. income tax unless the recipient is a resident and national of the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions for services performed in connection with a business carried on by Portugal or its political or administrative subdivisions, or local authorities.

Romania

Wages, salaries, and similar income, including pensions, annuities, and similar benefits, paid from public funds of Romania to a citizen of Romania (other than a U.S. citizen or one admitted to the United States for permanent residence) for labor or personal services performed as an employee of the national Government of Romania in the discharge of governmental functions are exempt from U.S. income tax.

Russia

Income, other than a pension, paid by Russia, its republics, or local authorities to an individual for government services is exempt from U.S. tax. However, the exemption does not apply if the services are performed in the United States by a U.S. resident who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident solely for the purpose of performing the services.

Pensions paid by Russia, its republics, or local authorities for services performed for Russia is exempt from U.S. tax unless the individual is both a resident and citizen of the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions for services performed in connection with a business.

Slovak Republic

Income, including a pension, paid from the public funds of the Slovak Republic, its political subdivisions, or local authorities to a Slovak citizen for services performed in the discharge of governmental functions is exempt from U.S. income tax. This exemption does not apply to income paid for services performed in connection with a business carried on by the Slovak Republic, its political subdivisions, or local authorities.

South Africa

Income, other than a pension, paid by South Africa or its political subdivisions or local authorities to an individual for services performed for the paying governmental body is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply to payments for services performed in the United States by a resident of the United States who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident only to perform the services.

Pensions paid by South Africa for services performed for South Africa are exempt from U.S. income tax unless the recipient is both a resident and citizen of the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions for services performed in connection with a business carried on by South Africa or its subdivisions or local authorities.

Spain

Income, other than a pension, paid by Spain, its political subdivisions, or local authorities to an individual for services performed for the paying governmental body is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply to payments for services performed in the United States by a resident of the United States who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident only to perform the services.

Pensions paid by Spain, its political subdivisions, or local authorities for services performed for Spain are exempt from U.S. tax unless the individual is a citizen and resident of the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions for services performed in connection with a trade or business carried on by Spain, its subdivisions, or local authorities.

Sweden

Income, other than a pension, paid by Sweden, its political subdivisions, or local authorities to an individual for services performed for the paying governmental body is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply if the services are performed in the United States by a U.S. resident who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident solely for the purpose of performing the services.

Pensions paid by Sweden, its political subdivisions, or local authorities for services performed for Sweden are exempt from U.S. tax unless the individual is both a resident and citizen of the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions for services performed in connection with a business carried on by Sweden, its political subdivisions, or local authorities.

Switzerland

Income, other than a pension, paid by Switzerland or its political subdivisions or local authorities to an individual for services performed for the paying governmental body is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply to payments for services performed in the United States by a resident of the United States who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident only to perform the services.

Pensions paid by Switzerland for services performed for Switzerland are exempt from U.S. income tax unless the recipient is both a resident and citizen of the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions for services performed in connection with a business carried on by Switzerland or its subdivisions or local authorities.

Thailand

Income, other than a pension, paid by Thailand or its political subdivisions or local authorities to an individual for services performed for the paying governmental body is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply to payments for services performed in the United States by a resident of the United States who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident only to perform the services.

Pensions paid by Thailand for services performed for Thailand are exempt from U.S. income tax unless the recipient is both a resident and citizen of the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions for services performed in connection with a business carried on by Thailand or its subdivisions or local authorities.

Trinidad and Tobago

Wages, salaries and similar income and pensions, annuities, and similar benefits paid by or from the public funds of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to a national of that country for services performed for Trinidad and Tobago in the discharge of governmental functions are exempt from U.S. tax.

Tunisia

Income, other than a pension, paid by Tunisia, its political subdivisions, or local authorities to a Tunisian citizen for personal services performed in the discharge of governmental functions is exempt from U.S. income tax.

Pensions paid by Tunisia, its political subdivisions, or local authorities for services performed for Tunisia are exempt from U.S. income tax unless the recipient is a U.S. citizen.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions for services performed in connection with a trade or business carried on by Tunisia, its political subdivisions, or local authorities.

Turkey

Income, other than a pension, paid by Turkey or its political subdivisions or local authorities to an individual for services performed for the paying governmental body is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply to payments for services performed in the United States by a resident of the United States who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident only to perform the services.

Pensions paid by Turkey for services performed for Turkey are exempt from U.S. income tax unless the recipient is both a resident and citizen of the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions for services performed in connection with a business carried on by Turkey or its subdivisions or local authorities.

Ukraine

Note:    See the effective dates of the new treaty under Important Changes at the beginning of this publication. For information on the old provisions, see Commonwealth of Independent States.

Income, other than a pension, paid from public funds of Ukraine, its political subdivisions, or local authorities to an individual for services performed in the discharge of governmental functions is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply if the services are performed in the United States by a resident of the United States who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident only to perform the services.

Pensions paid by, or by funds created by, Ukraine, its political subdivisions, or local authorities for services performed for Ukraine are exempt from U.S. income tax unless the recipient is both a resident and citizen of the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to income or pensions for services performed in connection with a trade or business carried on by Ukraine, its political subdivisions, or local authorities.

United Kingdom

Income, other than a pension, paid by the United Kingdom to employees for services performed for the United Kingdom is exempt from U.S. income tax. The exemption does not extend to employees of a political subdivision or local authority of the United Kingdom. The exemption does not apply if the services are performed in the United States and the recipient is both a citizen and a resident of the United States.

Pensions paid by the United Kingdom or its political subdivisions or local authorities to individuals for services performed in the discharge of governmental functions are exempt from U.S. income tax, unless the recipient is both a citizen and a resident of the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to payments or pensions for services performed in connection with a business carried on by or on behalf of the United Kingdom.

Venezuela

Income, other than a pension, paid by Venezuela, its political subdivisions, or local authorities to an individual for services performed for the paying governmental body is exempt from U.S. income tax. However, the exemption does not apply to payments for services performed in the United States by a resident of the United States who either:

1. Is a U.S. citizen, or
2. Did not become a U.S. resident only to perform the services.

Pensions paid by Venezuela, its political subdivisions, or local authorities for services performed for Venezuela are exempt from U.S. income tax unless the recipient is both a resident and citizen of the United States.

These exemptions do not apply to payments or pensions for services performed in connection with a business carried on by Venezuela, its political subdivisions, or local authorities.

Explanation of Tables

The paragraphs below describe the tables that follow and provide additional information that may make the tables more useful to you.

In the tables, you will see the term New Treaty; the effective date of a new treaty is shown under Important Changes at the beginning of this publication.

Table 1

This table lists the income tax rates on such income as interest, dividends, capital gains, rents, and royalties. The income code numbers shown in this table are the same as the income codes on Form 1042-S, Foreign Person's U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding.

Interest.   If you are a nonresident alien who receives interest that is not effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business, you do not include the interest in income if it is paid on deposits with banks, on accounts or deposits with certain financial institutions, or on certain amounts held by insurance companies. These amounts are exempt from U.S. tax even though they are considered to be income from a U.S. source. Also exempt from U.S. tax (although considered from U.S. sources) is certain portfolio interest on obligations issued after July 18, 1984. See Publication 519 for more information.

Table 2

This table lists the different kinds of personal service income that may be fully or partly exempt from U.S. income tax. You must meet all of the treaty requirements before the item of income can be exempt from U.S. income tax. The income code numbers shown in this table are the same as the income codes on Form 1042-S, Foreign Person's U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding.

Independent personal services.   The term independent personal services generally means services you perform for your own account if you receive the income and bear the losses arising from those services. Examples of these services are those provided by physicians, lawyers, engineers, dentists, and accountants who perform personal services as sole proprietors or partners.

Dependent personal services.   Dependent personal services usually are those you perform for someone else as an employee.

Table 3

This table lists the countries that have tax treaties with the United States. Some treaties are published in the Internal Revenue Bulletins (I.R.B.) and the Cumulative Bulletins (C.B.), which contain official matters of the Internal Revenue Service. The column headed Citation shows the number of the I.R.B. or C.B. and the page on which a particular treaty may be found.

Regulations implementing some treaties were issued as Treasury Decisions (T.D.). Other treaties are explained by Treasury explanation. The fifth column lists the T.D. numbers and the I.R.B. or C.B. in which each T.D. or Treasury explanation is printed.

You can subscribe to the I.R.B. or buy volumes of the C.B. from the Government Printing Office or you are welcome to read them in most Internal Revenue Service offices. Many public libraries and business organizations subscribe to a commercial tax service that publishes the treaties and regulations or explanations.

How To Get Tax Help

You can get help with unresolved tax issues, order free publications and forms, ask tax questions, and get more information from the IRS in several ways. By selecting the method that is best for you, you will have quick and easy access to tax help.

Contacting your Taxpayer Advocate.   If you have attempted to deal with an IRS problem unsuccessfully, you should contact your Taxpayer Advocate.

The Taxpayer Advocate represents your interests and concerns within the IRS by protecting your rights and resolving problems that have not been fixed through normal channels. While Taxpayer Advocates cannot change the tax law or make a technical tax decision, they can clear up problems that resulted from previous contacts and ensure that your case is given a complete and impartial review.

To contact your Taxpayer Advocate:

• Call the Taxpayer Advocate at 1-877-777-4778.
• Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
• Call, write, or fax the Taxpayer Advocate office in your area.
• Call 1-800-829-4059 if you are a TTY/TDD user.

For more information, see Publication 1546, The Taxpayer Advocate Service of the IRS.

Free tax services.   To find out what services are available, get Publication 910, Guide to Free Tax Services. It contains a list of free tax publications and an index of tax topics. It also describes other free tax information services, including tax education and assistance programs and a list of TeleTax topics.

Personal computer. With your personal computer and modem, you can access the IRS on the Internet at www.irs.gov. While visiting our web site, you can select:

• Frequently Asked Tax Questions (located under Taxpayer Help & Ed) to find answers to questions you may have.
• Forms & Pubs to download forms and publications or search for forms and publications by topic or keyword.
• Fill-in Forms (located under Forms & Pubs) to enter information while the form is displayed and then print the completed form.
• Tax Info For You to view Internal Revenue Bulletins published in the last few years.
• Tax Regs in English to search regulations and the Internal Revenue Code (under United States Code (USC)).
• Digital Dispatch and IRS Local News Net (both located under Tax Info For Business) to receive our electronic newsletters on hot tax issues and news.
• Small Business Corner (located under Tax Info For Business) to get information on starting and operating a small business.

You can also reach us with your computer using File Transfer Protocol at ftp.irs.gov.

TaxFax Service. Using the phone attached to your fax machine, you can receive forms and instructions by calling 703-368-9694. Follow the directions from the prompts. When you order forms, enter the catalog number for the form you need. The items you request will be faxed to you.

Phone. Many services are available by phone.
 
 

• Ordering forms, instructions, and publications. Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current and prior year forms, instructions, and publications.
• Asking tax questions. Call the IRS with your tax questions at 1-800-829-1040.
• TTY/TDD equipment. If you have access to TTY/TDD equipment, call 1-800-829-4059 to ask tax questions or to order forms and publications.
• TeleTax topics. Call 1-800-829-4477 to listen to pre-recorded messages covering various tax topics.

Evaluating the quality of our telephone services. To ensure that IRS representatives give accurate, courteous, and professional answers, we evaluate the quality of our telephone services in several ways.

• A second IRS representative sometimes monitors live telephone calls. That person only evaluates the IRS assistor and does not keep a record of any taxpayer's name or tax identification number.
• We sometimes record telephone calls to evaluate IRS assistors objectively. We hold these recordings no longer than one week and use them only to measure the quality of assistance.
• We value our customers' opinions. Throughout this year, we will be surveying our customers for their opinions on our service.

Walk-in. You can walk in to many post offices, libraries, and IRS offices to pick up certain forms, instructions, and publications. Also, some libraries and IRS offices have:

• An extensive collection of products available to print from a CD-ROM or photocopy from reproducible proofs.
• The Internal Revenue Code, regulations, Internal Revenue Bulletins, and Cumulative Bulletins available for research purposes.

Mail. You can send your order for forms, instructions, and publications to the Distribution Center nearest to you and receive a response within 10 workdays after your request is received. Find the address that applies to your part of the country.

• Western part of U.S.:
  Western Area Distribution Center
  Rancho Cordova, CA 95743-0001
• Central part of U.S.:
  Central Area Distribution Center
  P.O. Box 8903
  Bloomington, IL 61702-8903
• Eastern part of U.S. and foreign addresses:
  Eastern Area Distribution Center
  P.O. Box 85074
  Richmond, VA 23261-5074

CD-ROM. You can order IRS Publication 1796, Federal Tax Products on CD-ROM, and obtain:
 

• Current tax forms, instructions, and publications.
• Prior-year tax forms, instructions, and publications.
• Popular tax forms which may be filled in electronically, printed out for submission, and saved for recordkeeping.
• Internal Revenue Bulletins.

The CD-ROM can be purchased from National Technical Information Service (NTIS) by calling 1-877-233-6767 or on the Internet at www.irs.gov/ cdorders. The first release is available in mid-December and the final release is available in late January.

IRS Publication 3207, Small Business Resource Guide, is an interactive CD-ROM that contains information important to small businesses. It is available in mid-February. You can get one free copy by calling 1-800-829-3676.

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