CONVENTIONS ON TAXATION OF INCOME: IMPLICATIONS FOR AVIATION OR SEA TRANSPORT EMPLOYEES

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32782/2617-5940.1.2026.26

Keywords:

tax convention, double taxation, crew members, Article 15(3) of the OECD MC, tax resident

Abstract

To avoid the double taxation of employment income, employees on board an aircraft or ship engaged in international transport refer to the Article 15(3) of Conventions on the taxation of income and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and capital gains. However, the wording of Article 15(3) varies in different tax conventions. The question arises: what concepts of avoiding double taxation of income are used in the taxation of income of air or sea transport employees, and which of these concepts are the most convenient to implement from the point of view of these employees? The study compares the Article 15(3) in terms of the complexity of tax procedures and the assessment of the employee's time spent on the tax compliance. Research methods include the historical analysis of the development of tax treaties and comparative analysis of the prevention of double taxation of income of employees of international air or sea transport. In particular, Article 15(3) of the OECD Model Tax Convention and the bilateral conventions adopted between Ukraine and such countries as Ireland, Poland, Greece, Romania and Hungary are compared. The finding of the study is the identification of the following basic concepts of taxation of income of air and sea transport workers: • taxation of income only in the country of tax residence of the employee; • taxation of income in the country of tax residence of the employer; • taxation of income by both countries simultaneously. A matrix of tax actions of air or sea transport workers and a comparison of the time they need to spend on fulfilling their tax obligations was also formed. Our analysis confirms that the wording of Article 15(3) in the OECD Model Convention is optimal from the point of view of transport workers, as it entails the least time spent on fulfilling the tax legislation. However, current conventions often grant the right to tax the income of air and sea transport workers either to the country of tax residence of the employer, or to two countries simultaneously, therefore it is important to simplify tax procedures for workers.

References

Atin, S. and Lubis, R. (2019) Implementation of critical path method in project planning and scheduling. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, vol. 662(2). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/662/2/022031

Blaufus, K., Eichfelder, S., Hundsdoerfer, J. (2011) The hidden tax burden of the income tax: Compliance costs of German Individuals. School of Business and Economics, vol. 6. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/45608

Chen, D., Li, Y., Lu, J., Li, Ch. (2024) Do international tax treaties govern financial report quality? Research in International Business and Finance, vol. 69, 102246. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ribaf.2024.102246

Convention between the government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the government of Ireland for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and capital, February 11, 1969. Available at: https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/documents/double-taxation-treaties/n/netherlands.pdf

Dziurdz, K. (2013) Article 15 of the OECD Model: The 183-day rule and the meaning of “Employer”. British Tax Review, vol. 1, 95-108.

Elkins, D. (2021) A scalar conception of tax residence. Virginia Tax Review, vol. 41(2), pp. 149-201.

Erdil, A., Öztürkb, A. (2016) A model approach for taxation management: A case study in airline industry, Turkey. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences. 5th International Conference on Leadership, Technology, Innovation and Business Management, vol. 229, pp. 335–345. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2016.07.144

Eyitayo-Oyesode, O.A. (2019) Source-based taxing rights from the OECD to the UN Model conventions: Unavailing efforts and an argument for reform. Law and Development Review, vol. 13(1), pp. 193–227. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/ldr-2018-0073

Faracik, B., Cernič, J.L., Uvarova, O. (2024) Business and human rights in Central and Eastern Europe: Trends, challenges and prospects. Business and Human Rights Journal, vol. 1, pp. 1–14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/bhj.2024.6

Glukh, M., Serdiuk, V., Selezen, P., Babenko, A. (2021) The OECD Model Tax Convention and its commentaries as a source of interpretation of double taxation treaties in Ukraine. Juridical Tribune, vol. 11(2), pp. 262-272. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24818/TBJ/2021/11/2.08

Hodžić, S. (2019) Tax administrative challenges of the digital economy: the Croatian experience. Ejournal of Tax Research, vol. 16(3), pp. 762-779.

Kalamara, E., Kalligosfyris, Ch., Athanasios, A. (2022) Measuring tax administrations efficiency using data envelopment analysis: evidence from 26 European countries. International Journal of Computational Economics and Econometrics, November 30. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJCEE.2022.10045264

Kofler, G., Lang, M. et al. (2023) Priority rules in tax treaties. European and International Tax Law and Policy Series, vol. 28, 40 p.

Konventsiia mizh Uriadom Ukrainy i Uriadom Hretskoi Respubliky pro unyknennia podviinoho opodatkuvannia ta poperedzhennia podatkovykh ukhylen stosovno podatkiv na dokhody i na maino. [Convention between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of Republic of Greece for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and property]. Law of Ukraine dated May 29, 2001 № 2484-III. Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. (In Ukrainian) Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/300_050#Text

Konventsiia mizh Uriadom Ukrainy ta Uriadom Irlandii pro unyknennia podviinoho opodatkuvannia ta zapobihannia podatkovym ukhylenniam stosovno podatkiv na dokhody ta dokhody vid vidchuzhennia maina. [Convention between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of Ireland for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and capital gains]. Law of Ukraine dated July 15, 2015 № 606-VIII. Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. (In Ukrainian) Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/372_010#Text

Konventsiia mizh Uriadom Ukrainy i Uriadom Respubliky Polshcha pro unyknennia podviinoho opodatkuvannia dokhodiv i maina ta poperedzhennia podatkovykh ukhylen. [Convention between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of Republic of Poland for the avoidance of double taxation of income and capital gains and the prevention of fiscal evasion]. March 11, 1994. Verhovna Rada of Ukraine. (In Ukrainian) Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/616_168#Text

Konventsiia mizh Ukrainoiu i Uhorskoiu Respublikoiu pro unyknennia podviinoho opodatkuvannia dokhodiv i maina ta poperedzhennia podatkovykh ukhylen. [Convention between Ukraine and Republic of Hungary for the avoidance of double taxation of income and property and the prevention of fiscal evasion]. Law of Ukraine dated June 24, 1996 № 137/96-VR. Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. (In Ukrainian) Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/348_630#Text

Konventsiia mizh Uriadom Ukrainy i Uriadom Rumunii pro unyknennia podviinoho opodatkuvannia ta poperedzhennia ukhylen vid splaty podatkiv stosovno dokhodu i kapitalu. [Convention between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of Romania for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of tax evasion with respect to taxes on income and capital gains]. Law of Ukraine dated October 21, 1997 № 586/97-VR. Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/642_002#Text (in Ukrainian)

Kudla, J., Kopczewska, K., Stachowiak-Kudla, M. (2023) Trade, investment and size inequalities between countries and the asymmetry in double taxation agreements. Economic Modelling, vol. 122. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econmod.2023.106244

Navarro, M. (2022) The digitalization of relations between citizens and tax administrations. Biosystems & Biorobotics, vol. 30. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-04305-5_20

OECD. (2019) Article 15 Income from employment in Model tax convention on income and on capital 2017 (Full version). OECD Publishing. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1787/86783786-en

OECD. (2017) Commentary on Article 15 in Model tax convention on income and on capital: Condensed version 2017. OECD Publishing. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1787/mtc_cond-2017-18-en

OECD. (2017) Model tax convention on income and on capital (full version). OECD Publishing, 656 p. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1787/g2g972ee-en.

OECD. (2019) Recommendation of the Council concerning the Model tax convention on income and on capital, OECD/LEGAL/0267, 31 p.

Ormeño-Pérez, R., Oats, L. (2023) Implementing problematic tax regulation: Hysteresis and bureaucratic revolutionaries within tax administrations. The British Accounting Review, vol. 55(3), 101147. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bar.2022.101147

Podatkovy Kodeks Ukrainy. [Tax Code of Ukraine]. Law of Ukraine dated December 2, 2010, № 2755-VI, Verhovna Rada of Ukraine. Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/2755-17#Text (accessed March 29, 2026). (in Ukrainian)

Turina, A. (2020) The progressive policy shift in the debate on the international tax challenges of the digital economy: A “Pretext” for overhaul of the international tax regime? Computer Law & Security Review, vol. 36, 105382. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clsr.2019.105382

United Nations. (2024) Chair’s proposal for draft terms of reference for a United Nations framework convention on international tax cooperation. Available at: https://www.un.org/en/desa/why-world-needs-un-global-tax-convention

United Nations. (2001) United Nations Model double taxation convention between developed and developing countries. 409 p. Available at: https://www.un.org/esa/ffd/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/DoubleTaxation.pdf

West, A., Wilkinson, B. (2024) What do we know about tax treaties and how can accounting research contribute? Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, vol. 54, 100604. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intaccaudtax.2024.100604

Yarotska, T., Fedchuk, S. (2018) Foreign income – problems of double taxation. International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Economy, vol. 8(20), 23-25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31435/rsglobal_ijite

Zheng, J., Bai, S., Gu, Ch., Huang, B. et al. (2024) The role of anti-tax avoidance in tax base flow and international tax competition. Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, vol. 84, 102309. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pacfin.2024.102309

Atin S. and Lubis R. Implementation of critical path method in project planning and scheduling. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 2019. № 662(2). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/662/2/022031. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/662/2/022031

Blaufus K., Eichfelder S., Hundsdoerfer J. The hidden tax burden of the income tax: compliance costs of German individuals. School of Business and Economics. 2011. № 6. URL: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/45608 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1980211

Chen D., Li Y., Lu J., Li Ch. Do international tax treaties govern financial report quality? Research in International Business and Finance. 2024. № 69. 102246. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ribaf.2024.102246 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ribaf.2024.102246

Convention between the government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the government of Ireland for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and capital, February 11, 1969. URL: https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/documents/double-taxation-treaties/n/netherlands.pdf

Dziurdź K. Article 15 of the OECD Model: The 183-day Rule and the Meaning of “Employer”. British Tax Review. 2013. № 1. P. 95-108. DOI: https://doi.org/10.59403/ww776n

Elkins D. A scalar conception of tax Residence. Virginia Tax Review. 2021. № 41(2). P. 149-201. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3889245

Erdil A., Öztürkb A. A Model approach for taxation management: a case study in airline industry, Turkey. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences. 5th International Conference on Leadership, Technology, Innovation and Business Management. 2016. № 229. P. 335–345. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2016.07.144 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2016.07.144

Eyitayo-Oyesode O.A. Source-based taxing rights from the OECD to the UN Model conventions: unavailing efforts and an argument for reform. Law and Development Review. 2019. № 13(1). P. 193–227. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/ldr-2018-0073 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/ldr-2018-0073

Faracik B., Cernič J.L., Uvarova O. Business and human rights in Central and Eastern Europe: trends, challenges and prospects. Business and Human Rights Journal. 2024. № 1. P. 1–14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/bhj.2024.6 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/bhj.2024.6

Glukh M., Serdiuk V., Selezen P., Babenko A. The OECD Model Tax Convention and its commentaries as a source of interpretation of double taxation treaties in Ukraine. Juridical Tribune. 2021. № 11(2). P. 262-272. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24818/TBJ/2021/11/2.08 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24818/TBJ/2021/11/2.08

Hodžić S. Tax administrative challenges of the digital economy: the Croatian experience. Ejournal of Tax Research. 2019. № 16(3). P. 762-779.

Kalamara E., Kalligosfyris Ch., Athanasios A. Measuring tax administrations efficiency using data envelopment analysis: evidence from 26 European countries. International Journal of Computational Economics and Econometrics. November 30, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJCEE.2022.10045264 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJCEE.2022.10045264

Kofler G., Lang M. et al. Priority rules in tax treaties. European and International Tax Law and Policy Series. 2023. № 28. 40 p. DOI: https://doi.org/10.59403/evjkyy

Конвенція між Урядом України і Урядом Грецької Республіки про уникнення подвійного оподаткування та попередження податкових ухилень стосовно податків на доходи і на майно : Закон України від 29 травня 2001 р. № 2484-III / Верховна Рада України. URL: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/300_050#Text

Конвенція між Урядом України та Урядом Ірландії про уникнення подвійного оподаткування та запобігання податковим ухиленням стосовно податків на доходи та доходи від відчуження майна : Закон України від 15 липня 2015 р. № 606-VIII / Верховна Рада України. URL: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/372_010#Text

Конвенція між Урядом України і Урядом Республіки Польща про уникнення подвійного оподаткування доходів і майна та попередження податкових ухилень : 11 березня 1994 р. / Верховна Рада України. URL: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/616_168#Text

Конвенція між Україною і Угорською Республікою про уникнення подвійного оподаткування доходів і майна та попередження податкових ухилень : Закон України від 24 червня 1996 р. № 137/96-ВР / Верховна Рада України. URL: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/348_630#Text

Конвенція між Урядом України і Урядом Румунії

про уникнення подвійного оподаткування та попередження ухилень від сплати податків стосовно доходу і капіталу : Закон України від 21 жовтня 1997 р. № 586/97-ВР / Верховна Рада України. URL: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/642_002#Text

Kudla J., Kopczewska K., Stachowiak-Kudla M. Trade, investment and size inequalities between countries and the asymmetry in double taxation agreements. Economic Modelling. 2023. № 122. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econmod.2023.106244 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econmod.2023.106244

Navarro M. The digitalization of relations between citizens and tax administrations. Biosystems & Biorobotics. 2022. № 30. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-04305-5_20 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-04305-5_20

OECD. Article 15 Income from employment in Model tax convention on income and on capital, 2017 (Full version). OECD Publishing. 2019. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1787/86783786-en. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1787/86783786-en

OECD. Commentary on Article 15 in Model tax convention on income and on capital: Condensed version 2017. OECD Publishing. 2017. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1787/mtc_cond-2017-18-en DOI: https://doi.org/10.1787/mtc_cond-2017-18-en

OECD. Model tax convention on income and on capital (Full version). OECD Publishing. 2017. 77 p. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1787/g2g972ee-en DOI: https://doi.org/10.1787/g2g972ee-en

OECD. Recommendation of the Council concerning the Model tax convention on income and on capital, OECD/LEGAL/0267. 2019. 31 p.

Ormeño-Pérez R., Oats L. Implementing problematic tax regulation: Hysteresis and bureaucratic revolutionaries within tax administrations. The British Accounting Review. 2023. № 55(3). 101147. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bar.2022.101147 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bar.2022.101147

Податковий кодекс України : Закон України від 2 грудня 2010 р. № 2755-VI / Верховна Рада України. URL https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/2755-17#Text (дата звернення: 29.03.2026).

Turina A. The progressive policy shift in the debate on the international tax challenges of the digital economy: A “Pretext” for overhaul of the international tax regime? Computer Law & Security Review. 2020. Vol. 36. 105382. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clsr.2019.105382 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clsr.2019.105382

United Nations. Chair’s Proposal for Draft Terms of Reference for a United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation. 2024. URL: https://www.un.org/en/desa/why-world-needs-un-global-tax-convention

United Nations Model double taxation convention between developed and developing countries. United Nations. 2001. 409 p. URL: https://www.un.org/esa/ffd/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/DoubleTaxation.pdf

West A., Wilkinson B. What do we know about tax treaties and how can accounting research contribute? Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation. 2024. № 54. 100604. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intaccaudtax.2024.100604 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intaccaudtax.2024.100604

Yarotska T., Fedchuk S. Foreign income – problems of double taxation. International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Economy. 2018. № 8(20). P. 23-25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31435/rsglobal_ijite DOI: https://doi.org/10.31435/rsglobal_ijite/30112018/6210

Zheng J., Bai S., Gu Ch., Huang B. et al. The role of anti-tax avoidance in tax base flow and international tax competition.

Pacific-Basin Finance Journal. 2024. № 84. 102309. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pacfin.2024.102309 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pacfin.2024.102309

Downloads

Published

2026-06-24

How to Cite

Yarotska, T., Harazha, O., & Starodub, D. (2026). CONVENTIONS ON TAXATION OF INCOME: IMPLICATIONS FOR AVIATION OR SEA TRANSPORT EMPLOYEES. Collection of Scientific Papers of the State Tax University, (1), 171–178. https://doi.org/10.32782/2617-5940.1.2026.26