Article 22-28

(1)

A citizen of one of the Contracting States who is a resident of the other Contracting State shall not be subjected in that other Contracting State to more burdensome taxes than a citizen of that other Contracting State who is a resident thereof.

(2)

A citizen of one of the Contracting States who is a resident of the other Contracting State or a permanent establishment which a resident of one of the Contracting States has in the other Contracting State shall not be subject in that other Contracting State to more burdensome taxes than are generally imposed in that other Contracting State or citizens or permanent establishments of residents of third States carrying on the same activities. However, this paragraph shall not require a Contracting State to grant to citizens or permanent establishments of residents of the other Contracting State tax benefits granted by special agreements to citizens or permanent establishments of a third State.

(3)

A corporation of one of the Contracting States, the capital of which is wholly or partly owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by one or more residents of the other Contracting State, shall not be subjected in the first-mentioned Contracting State to any taxation or any requirement connected with taxation which is other or more burdensome than the taxation and requirements to which a corporation of the first-mentioned Contracting State carrying on the same activities, the capital of which is wholly or partly owned or controlled by one or more residents of a third State, is or may be subjected.

However, this paragraph shall not require a Contracting State to grant to corporations which are wholly or partly owned by residents of the other Contracting State tax benefits granted by special agreements to corporations which are wholly or partly owned by residents of a third State.

Where a resident of one of the Contracting States considers that the action of one or both of the Contracting States results or will result for him taxation not in accordance with this Convention, he may, notwithstanding the remedies provided by the national laws of the Contracting States, present his case to the competent authority of Contracting State of which he is a resident or a citizen. Should the resident's claim be considered to have merit by the competent authority of the Contracting State to which the claim is made, it shall endeavor to an agreement with the competent authority of the other Contracting State with a view to the avoidance of taxation not in accordance with the provisions of this Convention.

(2)

The competent authorities of Contracting States shall endeavor to resolve by mutual agreement any difficulties or doubts arising as to the application of this Convention. In particular, the competent authorities of the Contracting States may agree-

(a)

To the same attribution of industrial or commercial profits to a resident of one of the Contracting States and its permanent establishment situated in the other Contracting State;

(b)

To the same allocation of income, deductions, credits, or allowances between a resident of one of the Contracting States and any related person and to the readjustment of taxes imposed by each Contracting State to reflect such allocation;

(c)

To the same determination of the source of particular items of income; or

(d)

To the same characterization of particular items of income.

(3)

The competent authorities of the Contracting States may communicate with each other directly for the purpose of reaching an agreement in the sense of this article. When it seems advisable for the purpose of reaching agreement, the competent authorities may meet together for an exchange of opinions.

(4)

In the event that the competent authorities reach such an agreement, taxes shall be imposed on such income, and refund or credit of taxes shall be allowed, by the Contracting States in accordance with such agreement.

(1)

The competent authorities shall exchange such information as is necessary for carrying out the provisions of this Convention or for the prevention of fraud or for the administration of statutory provisions concerning taxes to which this Convention applies provided the information is of a class that can be obtained under the laws and administrative practices of each Contracting State with respect to its own taxes.

(2)

Any information so exchanged shall be treated as secret, except that such information may be-

(a)

Disclosed to any person charged with the assessment, collection, or enforcement of, or litigation with respect to, the taxes to which this Convention applies, or

(b)

Made part of a public record with respect to the assessment, collection, or enforcement of, or litigation with respect to, the taxes to which this Convention applies.

(3)

No information shall be exchanged which would be contrary to public policy.

(4)

If specifically requested by the competent authority of a Contracting State, the competent authority of the other Contracting State shall provide information under this article in the form of depositions of witnesses and copies of unedited original documents (including books, papers, statements, records, accounts, or writings) to the same extent such depositions and documents can be obtained under the laws and administrative practices of each Contracting State with respect to its own taxes.

(5)

Depositions and evidence which may be furnished in accordance with this article shall not be withheld by reason of any doctrine of law under which international judicial assistance is not accorded in tax matters.

(6)

The exchange of information shall be either on a routine basis or on request with reference to particular cases. The competent authorities of the Contracting States may agree on the list of information which shall be furnished on a routine basis.

Nothing in this Convention shall affect the fiscal privileges of members of diplomatic missions and consular offices under the general rules and norms of international law or under the provisions of special agreements.

(1)

Each of the Contracting States shall endeavor to collect on behalf of the other Contracting State such taxes imposed by that other Contracting State as will ensure that any exemption or reduced rate of tax granted under this Convention by that other Contracting State shall not be enjoyed by persons not entitled to such benefits.

(2)

In no case shall this article be construed so as to impose upon a Contracting State the obligations to carry out measures at variance with the laws or administrative practices of either Contracting State with respect to the collection of its own taxes.

This Convention shall be subject to ratification and instruments of ratification shall be exchanged at Bucharest as soon as possible. It shall enter into force 1-month after the date of exchange of the instruments of ratification. The provisions shall for the first time have effect with respect to income of calendar years or taxable years beginning (or in the case of taxes payable at the source, payments made) on or after January 1, 1974.

(1)

This Convention shall remain in force until terminated by one of the Contracting States. Either Contracting State may terminate the Convention at any time after 5 years from the date on which this Convention enters into force provided that notice of termination has been given through diplomatic channels at least 6-months prior to the end of the calendar year. In such event, the Convention shall cease to have force and effect as respects income of calendar years or taxable years beginning (or, in the case of taxes payable at the source, payments made) on or after January 1, next following the expiration of the 6-month period.

(2)

Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) and upon prior notice to be given through diplomatic channels, the provisions of Article 17 (Social Security Payments) may be terminated by either Contracting State at any time after this Convention enters into force.

DONE at Washington, in duplicate, in the English and Romanian languages, the two texts having equal authenticity, this fourth day of December, 1973.

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
 (s) George P. Schultz.
FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF ROMANIA: 
 (s) Manea Manescu

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