MATERIAL TAX CONSIDERATION
The following description is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of all tax consequences relating to our ordinary shares or Warrants (sometimes
referred to collectively or individually as our “securities”). You should consult your own tax advisor concerning the tax consequences of your particular situation, as well as any tax consequences that may arise under the laws of any state, local,
non-U.S. or other taxing jurisdiction.
Israeli Tax Considerations and Government Programs
The following is a brief summary of the material Israeli tax laws applicable to us and certain Israeli Government programs that benefit us. This section also
contains a discussion of material Israeli tax consequences concerning the ownership and disposition of our securities purchased in this offering by investors who are non-Israeli resident shareholders. This summary does not discuss all the aspects
of Israeli tax law that may be relevant to a particular investor in light of his or her personal investment circumstances or to some types of investors subject to special treatment under Israeli law. Examples of such investors include residents of
Israel or traders in securities who are subject to special tax regimes not covered in this discussion. Because parts of this discussion are based on new tax legislation that has not yet been subject to judicial or administrative interpretation, we
cannot assure you that the appropriate tax authorities or the courts will accept the views expressed in this discussion. The discussion below is subject to change, including due to amendments under Israeli law or changes to the applicable judicial
or administrative interpretations of Israeli law, which change could affect the tax consequences described below.
The following description is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of all tax consequences relating to the ownership or
disposition of our ordinary shares. You should consult your own tax advisor concerning the tax consequences of your particular situation, as well as any tax consequences that may arise under the laws of any state, local, non-U.S., including Israel,
or other taxing jurisdiction.
General Corporate Tax Structure in Israel
Israeli resident companies are generally subject to corporate tax, currently at the rate of 23% (effective as of January 1, 2018) of a company’s taxable
income. However, the effective tax rate payable by a company that derives income from an Approved Enterprise, a Benefited Enterprise a Preferred Enterprise or a Priority Technological Enterprise (as discussed below) may be considerably less.
Capital gains derived by an Israeli resident company are subject to tax at the prevailing corporate tax rate.
Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxes), 5729-1969
The Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxes), 5729-1969, generally referred to as the Industry Encouragement Law, provides several tax benefits for
“Industrial Companies.” The Industry Encouragement Law defines an “Industrial Company” as a company resident in Israel, of which 90% or more of its income in any tax year, other than income from certain government loans, is derived from an
“Industrial Enterprise” owned by it and located in Israel or in the “Area” (as such term is defined under Section 3A of the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance (New Version), 5721-1961, referred to as the Ordinance). An “Industrial Enterprise” is defined
as an enterprise whose principal activity in a given tax year is industrial production.
The following corporate tax benefits, among others, are available to Industrial Companies:
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amortization over an eight-year period, beginning from the year in which such rights were first used, of the cost of purchased know-how and patents and rights to use a patent and know-how which are used for the development or advancement
of the Industrial Enterprise;
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under limited conditions, an election to file consolidated tax returns with related Israeli Industrial Companies; and
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expenses related to a public offering are deductible in equal amounts over three years beginning from the year of the offering.
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Eligibility for the benefits under the Industry Encouragement Law is not subject to receipt of prior approval from any governmental
authority. We believe that we may qualify as an “Industrial Company” within the meaning of the Industry Encouragement Law; however, there can be no assurance that we will qualify as an Industrial Company or that the benefits described above will be
available in the future.
Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 5719-1959
The Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 5719-1959, generally referred to as the Investment Law, was originally enacted in
order to provide certain incentives for capital investments in production facilities (or other eligible assets).
The Investment Law has been amended several times in recent years, primarily: Amendment 60, effective as of April 1, 2005, referred to as
the 2005 Amendment; Amendment 68, effective as of January 1, 2011, referred to as the 2011 Amendment; Amendment 71, effective as of January 1, 2014, referred to as the 2014 Amendment; and Amendment 73, effective as of January 1, 2017, referred to
as the 2017 Amendment. Pursuant to the foregoing amendments, generally tax benefits that were granted in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Law prior to each such amendment remain in force; however, any benefits granted subsequent to
the respective amendment are subject to the provisions of the Investment Law as amended.
Tax Benefits Prior to the 2005 Amendment
Prior to the 2005 Amendment, a capital investment in eligible production facilities (or other eligible assets) could, upon application to
the Investment Center of the Israeli Ministry of Economy (formerly named the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor), be designated as an “Approved Enterprise” and accordingly, entitled to certain tax benefits under the Investment Law. Each
certificate of approval for an Approved Enterprise relates to a specific investment program in the Approved Enterprise, delineated both by the financial scope of the investment and by the physical characteristics of the facility or the asset. We do
not have any Approved Enterprises.
Tax Benefits Subsequent to the 2005 Amendment
Pursuant to the 2005 Amendment, a company whose facilities meet certain criteria set forth in the 2005 Amendment may claim certain tax
benefits offered by the Investment Law (as further described below) directly in its tax returns, without the need to obtain prior approval. In order to receive the tax benefits, a company must make an investment which meets all of the conditions,
including exceeding a minimum entitling investment amount, set forth in the Investment Law. Such investment allows a company to receive “Benefited Enterprise” status, and may be made over a period of no more than three years ending at the end of
the year in which the company chose to have the tax benefits apply to its Benefited Enterprise, referred to as the “Year of Election.”
The extent of the tax benefits available under the 2005 Amendment to qualifying income of a Benefited Enterprise depends on, among other
things, the geographic location in Israel of the Benefited Enterprise. The location will also determine the period for which tax benefits are available. Under the “Exemption Track” the tax benefits include an exemption from corporate tax on
undistributed income generated by the Benefited Enterprise for a period of two to ten years, depending on the geographic location of the Benefited Enterprise in Israel, and a reduced corporate tax rate of 10% to 25% for the remainder of the
benefits period, depending on the level of foreign investment in the company in each year. The benefits period is for a duration of seven or ten years, depending on the location of the Benefited Enterprise, from the later of the first year in which
the company generated taxable income from its Benefited Enterprise and the Year of Election, but in any event not more than 12 or 14 years from the Year of Election, depending on the location of the Benefited Enterprise. A company qualifying for
tax benefits under the Exemption Track which pays a dividend (as well as a deemed dividend, such as investments in foreign resident subsidiaries, granting loans to related parties, repurchases of shares, acquisitions of securities/shares, capital
reductions and additional events which reflect the transfer of funds out of the Benefitted Enterprise activity) out of income derived during the tax exemption period by its Benefited Enterprise will be subject to corporate tax in respect of the
amount of the dividend (grossed-up to reflect the pre-tax income that it would have had to earn in order to distribute the dividend) at the corporate tax rate which would have otherwise been applicable. Dividends paid out of income attributed to a
Benefited Enterprise are generally subject to withholding tax at source at the rate of 15% or such lower rate as may be provided in an applicable tax treaty (subject to the receipt in advance of a valid certificate from the ITA allowing for a
reduced tax rate). Applying reduced tax rates in accordance with a certain tax treaty is subject to the receipt in advance of a valid certificate from the Israel Tax Authority allowing for a reduced tax rate.
The benefits available to a Benefited Enterprise are subject to the fulfillment of conditions stipulated in the Investment Law and its
regulations. If a company does not meet these conditions, it may be required to refund the amount of tax benefits, as adjusted by the Israeli consumer price index, plus interest, or other monetary penalties.
We currently have one Benefited Enterprise program under the Investment Law, which, we believe, entitles us to certain tax benefits with
respect to income to be derived from our Benefited Enterprise. We chose 2010 as the Year of Election. We believe that we are located in the Zone A specified development zone and therefore, believe we are entitled to a 10-year benefit period, during
which taxable income from our Benefited Enterprise program (once generated) will be tax exempt, commencing with the year we will first earn taxable income relating to such enterprise, subject to a 14-year limitation from the Year of Election, and
therefore, the tax benefit period will in any event end in 2023.
Tax Benefits under the 2011 Amendment and the 2014 Amendment
The 2011 Amendment canceled the availability of the benefits granted to companies under the Investment Law prior to 2011 and, instead,
introduced new benefits for income generated by a “Preferred Company” through its “Preferred Enterprise” (as such terms are defined in the Investment Law) as of January 1, 2011. The definition of a Preferred Company includes a company incorporated
in Israel that is not wholly-owned by a governmental entity, and that, among other things, owns a Preferred Enterprise and is controlled and managed from Israel. Under the 2014 Amendment, effective as of January 1, 2014, a Preferred Company is
entitled to a reduced corporate tax rate of 16% with respect to its income derived by its Preferred Enterprise in 2014 and thereafter, unless the Preferred Enterprise is located in a specified development zone (referred to as “Zone A”), in which
case the rate will be 9% for the tax years 2014-2016 and, pursuant to the 2017 Amendment (as discussed below), 7.5% from 2017 and thereafter. We believe our facilities are located in the Zone A specified development zone.
Dividends paid out of income attributed to a Preferred Enterprise are generally subject to withholding tax at source at the rate of 20%
or such lower rate as may be provided in an applicable tax treaty (subject to the receipt in advance of a valid certificate from the ITA allowing for a reduced tax rate). However, if such dividends are paid to an Israeli company, no tax is required
to be withheld (although, if such dividends are subsequently distributed to individuals or a non-Israeli company, withholding tax at a rate of 20% or such lower rate as may be provided in an applicable tax treaty will apply).
The 2011 Amendment also provided transitional provisions to address companies already enjoying existing tax benefits under the Investment
Law. These transitional provisions provide, among other things, that unless an irrevocable request is made to apply the provisions of the Investment Law as amended in 2011 with respect to income to be derived as of January 1, 2011, a Benefited
Enterprise can elect to continue to benefit from the benefits provided to it before the 2011 Amendment came into effect, provided that certain conditions are met.
We examined the possible effect, if any, of the provisions of the 2011 Amendment on our financial statements and decided not to apply the
new benefits under the 2011 Amendment.
Tax Benefits under the 2017 Amendment
The 2017 Amendment was enacted as part of the Economic Efficiency Law that was published on December 29, 2016, and became effective as of
January 1, 2017. The 2017 Amendment provides new tax benefits for two types of “Technological Enterprises”, as described below, and is in addition to the other existing tax beneficial programs under the Investment Law.
The 2017 Amendment provides two new tax incentive tracks – the “Priority Technological Enterprise” track and “Special Priority
Technological Enterprise” track (as such terms are defined in the Investment Law). The benefits available to a Priority Technological Enterprise or Special Priority Technological Enterprise are subject to the fulfillment of conditions stipulated in
the Investment Law.
A Priority Technological Enterprise is entitled (among other things) to a reduced corporate tax rate of 12% with respect to its income
which qualifies as “Preferred Technology Income”, as defined in the Investment Law, unless the Priority Technological Enterprise is located in a specified development zone (referred to as “Zone A”), in which case the rate will be 7.5%. A Special
Priority Technological Enterprises is entitled to a reduced corporate tax rate of 6% with respect to its Preferred Technology Income, regardless of the company’s geographic location within Israel.
Our company does not qualify as a Priority Technological Enterprise or Special Priority Technological Enterprise, within the meanings of
the Investment Law.
The termination or substantial reduction of any of the benefits available under the Investment Law could materially increase our future
tax liabilities.
The Encouragement of Research, Development and Technological Innovation in the Industry Law 5744-1984 (formerly known
as the Encouragement of Industrial Research and Development Law, 5744-1984)
Under the Encouragement of Research, Development and Technological Innovation in the Industry Law 5744-1984 (formerly known as the
Encouragement of Industrial Research and Development Law, 5744-1984), referred to as the Innovation Law, research and development programs which meet specified criteria and are approved by the Israel Innovation Authority, or the IIA, of the
Ministry of Economy and Industry (formerly the Office of the Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Economy and Industry) are eligible for grants.
Under the Innovation Law as currently in effect, the grants awarded are typically up to 50% of the project’s approved expenditures. The
grantee is required to pay royalties to the State of Israel from the sale of products (and associated services) developed using IIA funding. Regulations under the Innovation Law, as currently in effect, generally provide for the payment of
royalties of 3% or 5% (and at an increased rate under certain circumstances) on sales of products and services based on technology and know-how developed using IIA grants, until 100% (which may be increased under certain circumstances) of the
grant, linked to the U.S. dollar and bearing interest at the LIBOR rate, is repaid. The terms of the Israeli government participation require that products developed with IIA funded be manufactured in Israel, unless the IIA approved grant program
includes a pre-determined portion of manufacturing that may be performed outside Israel (as certain of our IIA approved grants included). The approval of the IIA is required for the transferring of manufacturing outside Israel in excess of such
pre-determined portion (however, only a notice to the IIA, as opposed to approval, is required for the transfer outside Israel of up to 10% of the cumulative manufacturing in excess of such pre-approved portion). If manufacturing of IIA-funded
products is transferred outside Israel (following IIA approval) in excess of the pre-determined percentage included in the grant approval, then the royalty repayment rate is increased by 1% with respect to the additional approved percentage to be
manufactured outside Israel and the royalty repayment for the entire approved program may be increased to up to three times the amount of the grants received, depending on the percentage manufactured outside Israel (plus accrued interest). For
example, during 2019, we provided notice to the IIA with respect to the transfer of manufacturing outside of Israel of our C-Scan Track in an amount that represents less than 10% of cumulative deviation exceeding the pre-determined portion to be
manufactured abroad that was included in our grant approval. This may increase our royalty repayment ceiling to 120% of the revenues of the C-Scan Track and the repayment rate may increase by 1% for the part of manufacturing carried out abroad. We
are continuing to explore whether certain other components of C-Scan can be assembled outside of Israel. For example, in preparation for commercialization in the U.S., we are continuing to explore whether it would be possible to assemble the
capsule without the X-ray source in Israel, and have the X-ray source subsequently assembled into C-Scan at a certified radioisotope production facility or at a distribution center outside Israel. Over the years, we received approval of grant
applications that included a certain predetermined percentage of manufacturing to be performed outside of Israel of the X-ray source but additional examination of these approvals and consequent manufacturing is required to determine liabilities to
the IIA, if any. IIA prior approval is also required for the transfer of IIA-funded know-how to a third party outside of Israel (including by way of license), which we may not receive (and any such approval would be subject to payment of a
redemption fee, calculated according to a formula under the Innovation Law, which may be in the amount of up to six times the amount of the grants received, (less paid royalties, if any, and depreciation, but no less than the total grants
received), plus accrued interest. Even following the full repayment of any IIA grants, we must nevertheless continue to comply with the requirements of the Innovation Law. If we fail to comply with any of the conditions and restrictions imposed by
the Innovation Law and regulations and guidelines thereunder, or by the specific terms under which we received the grants, we may be required to refund any grants previously received together with interest and penalties, and, in certain
circumstances, may be subject to criminal charges.
As of December 31, 2020, we had received funding from the IIA for the financing of a portion of our research and development expenditures
in an aggregate amount of approximately $5.6 million. As of December 31, 2020, we had not paid any royalties to the IIA and had a contingent obligation to the IIA in the amount of approximately $6.1 million. In January 2021, we received an
additional IIA grant to support the funding of our transition from research and development to manufacturing in the amount of up to $750,000 (along with a co-investment by us of the same amount), subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the
grant approval, of which we received approximately $260,000 in January 2021.
Taxation of our Shareholders
Capital Gains Taxes Applicable to Non-Israeli Resident Shareholders. A non-Israeli resident who
derives capital gains from the sale of securities of an Israeli resident company will be exempt from Israeli tax so long as (i) the capital gains are not attributed to a permanent establishment that the non-resident maintains in Israel, (ii) the
securities were not received from a relative or in a tax free reorganization transaction and (iii) the securities are not traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange on the date of sale. However, non-Israeli corporations will not be entitled to the
foregoing exemption if Israeli residents: (i) have a controlling interest of 25% or more in such non-Israeli corporation; or (ii) are the beneficiaries of, or are entitled to, 25% or more of the revenues or profits of such non-Israeli corporation,
whether directly or indirectly. In addition, such exemption is not applicable to a person whose gains from selling or otherwise disposing of the shares are deemed to be business income.
Additionally, a sale of securities by a non-Israeli resident may be exempt from Israeli capital gains tax under the provisions of an
applicable tax treaty. For example, under the Convention Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the State of Israel with respect to Taxes on Income, as amended, generally referred to as the United States-Israel
Tax Treaty, the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares by a shareholder who (i) is a U.S. resident (for purposes of the treaty); (ii) holds the shares as a capital asset; and (iii) is entitled to claim the benefits afforded to such person by
the treaty, is generally exempt from Israeli capital gains tax. Such exemption will not apply if, among other things: (i) the capital gain arising from such sale, exchange or other disposition is treated as industrial or commercial profits
attributed to a permanent establishment in Israel, subject to certain conditions; (ii) the shareholder holds, directly or indirectly, shares representing 10% or more of the voting capital of the corporation during any part of the 12-month period
preceding the disposition, subject to certain conditions; (iii) the capital gain arising from such sale, exchange or disposition is treated as royalties; or (iv) such U.S. resident is an individual and was present in Israel for 183 days or more
during the relevant taxable year. In such case, the sale, exchange or disposition of our securities would be subject to Israeli tax, to the extent applicable; however, under the United States-Israel Tax Treaty, the taxpayer would be permitted to
claim a credit for such taxes against the U.S. federal income tax imposed with respect to such sale, exchange or disposition, subject to the limitations under U.S. law applicable to foreign tax credits. The United States-Israel Tax Treaty does not
relate to U.S. state or local taxes. The United States-Israel Tax Treaty is currently under review and subject to change.
In some instances where our shareholders may be liable for Israeli tax on the sale of their securities, the payment of the consideration
may be subject to the withholding of Israeli tax at source. Shareholders may be required to demonstrate that they are exempt from tax on their capital gains and to obtain an exemption from withholding tax certificate from the Israel Tax Authority
in order to avoid withholding at source at the time of sale (i.e., resident certificate or other documentation).
Taxation of Non-Israeli Shareholders on Receipt of Dividends. Non-Israeli residents are
generally subject to Israeli withholding tax on the receipt of dividends paid on our ordinary shares at the rate of 25%, unless relief is provided in a treaty between Israel and the shareholder’s country of residence (subject to the receipt of a
valid certificate from the Israeli Tax Authority allowing for a reduced tax rate). With respect to a person who is a “substantial shareholder” at the time of receiving the dividend or at any time during the preceding 12 months, the applicable
withholding tax rate is 30%, unless such “substantial shareholder” holds such shares through a nominee company, in which case the rate is 25%. A “substantial shareholder” is generally a person who alone or together with such person’s relative (as
such term is defined in the Ordinance) or another person who collaborates with such person on a permanent basis, holds, directly or indirectly, at least 10% of any of the “means of control” of the corporation. “Means of control” generally include
the right to vote, receive profits, nominate a director or an executive officer, receive assets upon liquidation, or order someone who holds any of the aforesaid rights how to act, regardless of the source of such right.
Furthermore, subject to the receipt in advance of a valid certificate from the ITA allowing for a reduced tax rate, a distribution of
dividends to non-Israeli residents is subject to withholding tax at source at a rate of 15% if the dividend is distributed from income attributed to an Approved Enterprise or a Benefited Enterprise and 20% if the dividend is distributed from income
attributed to a Preferred Enterprise or a Priority Technological Enterprise, unless a reduced tax rate is provided under an applicable tax treaty. We cannot assure you that in the event we declare a dividend we will designate the income out of
which the dividend is paid in a manner that will reduce shareholders’ tax liability.
Under the United States-Israel Tax Treaty, the maximum rate of tax withheld at source in Israel on dividends paid to a holder of our
ordinary shares who is a U.S. resident (for purposes of the United States-Israel Tax Treaty) is 25%. With respect to dividends paid to a U.S. corporation that held 10% or more of the capital of the paying corporation throughout the tax year in
which the dividend is distributed and the preceding tax year and provided that not more than 25% of the gross income of the paying corporation for such prior taxable year (if any) consists of certain interest or dividends, the maximum rate of tax
withheld at source is 12.5%; provided, however, that if the paying corporation is an Approved Enterprise, the applicable withholding tax rate under such circumstances is reduced to 15% (rather than 12.5%). We believe that the reference in the
United States-Israel Tax Treaty to an Approved Enterprise under the Investment Law is deemed to include also a Benefitted Enterprise Preferred Enterprise and Priority Technological Enterprise under the Investment Law. The United States-Israel Tax
Treaty is currently under review and subject to change.
U.S. residents who are subject to Israeli withholding tax on a dividend may be entitled to a credit or deduction for U.S. federal income
tax purposes in the amount of the taxes withheld, subject to detailed rules contained in U.S. tax legislation.
A non-Israeli resident who receives dividends from which tax was withheld is generally exempt from the obligation to file tax returns in
Israel with respect to such income, provided that (i) such income was not generated from business conducted in Israel by the taxpayer, (ii) the taxpayer has no other taxable sources of income in Israel with respect to which a tax return is required
to be filed, and (iii) the taxpayer is not obligated to pay excess tax (as further explained below).
Exercise or Lapse of Warrants. A holder of a Warrant generally will not recognize gain or loss upon the exercise of a Warrant for
cash. An ordinary share acquired pursuant to the exercise of a Warrant for cash generally will have a tax basis equal to the holder’s tax basis in the Warrant, increased by the amount paid to exercise the Warrant. The holding period of such
ordinary share generally would begin on the day after the date of exercise of the Warrant. If a Warrant is allowed to lapse unexercised, the holder generally will recognize a capital loss equal to such holder’s tax basis in the Warrant.
It is possible that a cashless exercise would be treated as a taxable exchange in which gain or loss is recognized. In such event, a holder could be deemed to have surrendered a
number of Warrants with a fair market value equal to the exercise price for the number of Warrants deemed exercised. For this purpose, the number of Warrants deemed exercised would be equal to the number of Warrants that would entitle the holder
to receive upon exercise the number of ordinary shares issued pursuant to the cashless exercise of the Warrants. In this situation, the holder would recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the fair market value
of the Warrants deemed surrendered to pay the exercise price and the holder’s tax basis in the Warrants deemed surrendered.
Adjustments with Respect to Warrants. The terms of the Warrants provide for an adjustment to the number of ordinary shares for which the
warrant may be exercised or adjustment to the exercise price of the warrant in certain events. An adjustment of the exercise price or an adjustment that has the effect of preventing dilution generally is not taxable. However, the holders of the
Warrants may be treated as receiving a constructive distribution from us if, for example, the adjustment increases the warrant holders’ proportionate interest in our assets or earnings and profits (e.g., through a decrease in the exercise price of
the Warrants) as a result of a distribution of cash to the holders of our ordinary shares, which is taxable to the holders of such ordinary shares as described under “—Taxation of our Shareholders,” above. Such constructive distribution would be
subject to tax as described under that section in the same manner as if the holders of the Warrants received a cash distribution from us equal to the fair market value of such increased interest. Holders of Warrants are urged to consult their own
tax advisors on these issues.
Surtax
Subject to the provisions of an applicable tax treaty, individuals who are subject to tax in Israel are also subject to an additional tax at a rate of 3% on annual income
(including, but not limited to, dividends, interest and capital gain) exceeding NIS 647,640 for 2021, which amount is linked to the annual change in the Israeli consumer price index.
Estate and Gift Tax
Israeli law presently does not impose estate or gift taxes.
EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR IN OUR SECURITIES IS URGED TO CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO SUCH INVESTOR OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP
AND DISPOSITION OF OUR SECURITIES, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF ANY ISRAELI TAX LAWS AND ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATIES.
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following are certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our securities. The discussion below of the U.S. federal
income tax consequences to “U.S. Holders” will apply to a beneficial owner of our securities that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
• an individual citizen or resident of the United States;
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a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation) that is created or organized (or treated as created or organized) in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
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an estate whose income is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or
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a trust if (i) a U.S. court can exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more U.S. persons are authorized to control all substantial decisions of the trust; or (ii) it has a valid election in effect under
applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
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A beneficial owner of our securities that is described above is referred to herein as a “U.S. Holder.” If a beneficial owner of our securities is not described as a U.S. Holder
and is not an entity treated as a partnership or other pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such owner will be considered a “Non-U.S. Holder.” Certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership
and disposition of our securities applicable specifically to Non-U.S. Holders are described below under the heading “Non-U.S. Holders.”
This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), its legislative history, Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, published rulings
and court decisions, all as currently in effect. These authorities are subject to change or differing interpretations, possibly on a retroactive basis.
This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to any particular holder based on such holder’s individual circumstances. In
particular, this discussion considers only holders that own and hold our securities as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment), and does not address the potential application of the
alternative minimum tax or the U.S. federal income tax consequences to holders that are subject to special rules, including, but not limited to:
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financial institutions or financial services entities;
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persons that are subject to the mark-to-market accounting rules under Section 475 of the Code;
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governments or agencies or instrumentalities thereof;
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regulated investment companies;
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real estate investment trusts;
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• certain expatriates or former long-term residents of the United States;
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persons that actually or constructively own 5% or more of our shares (by vote or value);
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persons that acquired our securities pursuant to an exercise of employee options, in connection with employee incentive plans or otherwise as compensation;
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persons that hold our securities as part of a straddle, constructive sale, hedging, conversion or other integrated transaction;
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persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar;
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passive foreign investment companies; or
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controlled foreign corporations.
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This discussion does not address any aspect of U.S. federal non-income tax laws, such as gift or estate tax laws, or state, local or non-U.S. tax laws or, except as discussed
herein, any tax reporting obligations applicable to a holder of our securities. Additionally, this discussion does not consider the tax treatment of partnerships or other pass-through entities or persons who hold our securities through such
entities. If a partnership (or other entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is the beneficial owner of our securities, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner (or person or entity treated
as a partner) in such partnership and each person treated as a partner thereof generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. This discussion also assumes that any distribution made (or deemed made) to a
holder in respect of our securities and any consideration received (or deemed received) by a holder in connection with the sale or other disposition of our securities will be in U.S. dollars. In addition, this discussion also assumes that we will
be and have been treated as a foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In this regard, as described in “Risk Factors – Risks Related to Taxation” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, filed
with the SEC on March 18, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference, there is a risk that we could be treated as a domestic (U.S.) corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes by reason of the transactions related to our acquisition of
all of the business operations and substantially all of the assets of Check-Cap LLC on May 31, 2009. Moreover, this discussion assumes that a holder owns a sufficient number of Warrants such that the holder will not have a fractional warrant upon
the exercise of a Warrant.
We have not sought, and will not seek, a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) or an opinion of counsel as to any U.S. federal income tax consequence described
herein. The IRS may disagree with the description herein, and its determination may be upheld by a court. Moreover, there can be no assurance that future legislation, regulations, administrative rulings or court decisions will not adversely
affect the accuracy of the statements in this discussion.
EACH HOLDER OF OUR SECURITIES IS URGED TO CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO SUCH HOLDER OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION
OF OUR SECURITIES INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, AND NON-U.S. TAX LAWS, AS WELL AS U.S. FEDERAL TAX LAWS AND ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATIES.
Allocation of Purchase Price
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, an ordinary share and Warrant issued together in this offering should be treated as an investment unit. For U.S. federal income tax
purposes, each U.S. Holder must allocate the purchase price of such investment unit between that ordinary share and Warrant based on the relative fair market value of each at the time of issuance. The purchase price allocated to each ordinary share
and Warrant generally will be the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in such security. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the allocation of the purchase price for an ordinary share and Warrant.
Taxation of Cash Distributions
As noted above, we currently do not intend to pay cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. Subject to the passive foreign investment company, or PFIC,
rules discussed below, a U.S. Holder generally will be required to include in gross income as ordinary income the amount of any cash dividend paid in respect of our ordinary shares. A cash distribution on our ordinary shares generally will be
treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes). Such dividend generally will not be
eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to U.S. corporations in respect of dividends received from other U.S. corporations. The portion of such cash distribution, if any, in excess of such earnings and profits will be
applied against and reduce (but not below zero) the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the ordinary shares. Any remaining excess generally will be treated as gain from the sale or other taxable disposition of such ordinary shares.
With respect to non-corporate U.S. Holders, any such cash dividends may be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the lower applicable regular long term capital gains tax rate (see “— Taxation on
the Disposition of Ordinary Shares or Warrants” below) provided that (a) our ordinary shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States or we are eligible for the benefits of the United States-Israel Tax Treaty,
(b) we are not a PFIC, as discussed below, for either the taxable year in which the dividend was paid or the preceding taxable year, and (c) certain holding period requirements are met. Therefore, if our ordinary shares are not readily tradable
on an established securities market, and we are not eligible for the benefits of the United States-Israel Tax Treaty, then cash dividends paid by us to non-corporate U.S. Holders with respect to such ordinary shares will not be subject to U.S.
federal income tax at the lower regular long term capital gains tax rate. Under published IRS authority, shares are considered for purposes of clause (a) above to be readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States only
if they are listed on certain exchanges, which presently include the Nasdaq Capital Market. As discussed below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules,” we believe that we were a PFIC for our 2020 taxable year and we may be a PFIC for
the 2021 taxable year. Because PFIC status is determined annually and is based on our income, assets and activities for the entire taxable year, it is not possible to determine with certainty whether we will be characterized as a PFIC for the
2021 taxable year until after the close of the year, and there can be no assurance that we will not be classified as a PFIC in any future year. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of the lower rate for
dividends paid with respect to our ordinary shares.
Dividends paid to a U.S. Holder with respect to our ordinary shares generally will be foreign source income, which may be relevant in calculating such U.S. Holder’s foreign tax
credit limitations. Subject to certain conditions and limitations, Israeli tax withheld on dividends may be deducted from such U.S. Holder’s taxable income or credited against such U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. The limitation
on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. For this purpose, dividends that we distribute generally should constitute “passive category income,” or, in the case of certain U.S.
Holders, “general category income.” A foreign tax credit for foreign taxes imposed on distributions may be denied if a U.S. Holder does not satisfy certain minimum holding period requirements. The rules relating to the determination of the foreign
tax credit are complex, and U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors to determine whether and to what extent they will be entitled to this credit.
Adjustments with respect to Warrants
The terms of the Warrants provide for an adjustment to the number of shares for which the warrant may be exercised or to the exercise price of the Warrant in certain events. An
adjustment that has the effect of preventing dilution generally is not taxable. However, the U.S. Holders of the Warrants would be treated as receiving a constructive distribution from us if, for example, the adjustment increases the Warrant
holders’ proportionate interest in our assets or earnings and profits (e.g., through a decrease in the exercise price of the Warrants) as a result of a distribution of cash to the holders of our ordinary shares, which is taxable to the U.S. Holders
of such ordinary shares as described under “Taxation of Cash Distributions” above. Such constructive distribution would be subject to tax as described under that section in the same manner as if the U.S. Holders of the Warrants received a cash
distribution from us equal to the fair market value of such increased interest. U.S. Holders of Warrants are urged to consult their own tax advisors on these issues.
Taxation on the Disposition of Ordinary Shares or Warrants
Upon a sale or other taxable disposition of our ordinary shares or Warrants, and subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or
loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized and the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the securities.
The regular U.S. federal income tax rate on capital gains recognized by U.S. Holders generally is the same as the regular U.S. federal income tax rate on ordinary income, except
that long term capital gains recognized by non-corporate U.S. Holders generally are subject to U.S. federal income tax at preferential rates. Capital gain or loss will constitute long term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder’s holding period
for the securities exceeds one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to various limitations. Any such gain or loss that a U.S. Holder recognizes generally will be treated as U.S. source income or loss for foreign tax credit
limitation purposes.
If an Israeli capital gains tax applies to any gains from the disposition of our ordinary shares by a U.S. Holder, such tax may be treated as a foreign tax eligible for a
deduction from such holder’s U.S. federal taxable income or a foreign tax credit against such holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability (subject to certain conditions and limitations). In addition, if such Israeli tax applies to any such gain, a
U.S. Holder may be entitled to certain benefits under the United States-Israel Tax Treaty, if such holder is considered a resident of the United States for purposes of, and otherwise meets the requirements of, the United States-Israel Tax Treaty.
U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the deduction or credit for any such Israeli tax and their eligibility for the benefits of the United States-Israel Tax Treaty.
Additional Taxes
U.S. Holders that are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds generally may be subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on unearned income,
including, without limitation, dividends on, and gains from the sale or other taxable disposition of, our ordinary shares or Warrants, subject to certain limitations and exceptions. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the
effect, if any, of such tax on their ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares or Warrants.
Exercise or Lapse of Warrants
Subject to the discussion under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company” below, a U.S. Holder generally will not recognize gain or loss upon the exercise of a Warrant for cash. An
ordinary share acquired pursuant to the exercise of a Warrant for cash generally will have a tax basis equal to the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Warrant, increased by the amount paid to exercise the Warrant. The holding period of such ordinary
share generally would begin on the day after the date of exercise of the Warrant. If a Warrant is allowed to lapse unexercised, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize a capital loss equal to such holder’s tax basis in the Warrant.
The tax consequences of a cashless exercise of Warrants are unclear and could differ from the consequences described above. It is possible that a cashless exercise could be a
taxable event. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the cashless exercise of Warrants, including with respect to whether the exercise is a taxable event, and their holding period
and tax basis in the ordinary shares received.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
A foreign (i.e., non-U.S.) corporation will be a PFIC if either (a) at least 75% of its gross income in a taxable year of the foreign corporation, including its pro rata share of
the gross income of any corporation in which it is considered to own at least 25% of the shares by value, is passive income, or (b) at least 50% of the average value of its assets in a taxable year of the foreign corporation, including its pro rata
share of the assets of any corporation in which it is considered to own at least 25% of the shares by value, are held for the production of, or produce, passive income. Passive income generally includes dividends, interest, rents and royalties
(other than certain rents or royalties derived from the active conduct of a trade or business), and gains from the disposition of passive assets. Assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income may include cash, even if held as
working capital or raised in a public offering, as well as marketable securities and other assets that may produce passive income.
We believe that we were a PFIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 2020 and we may be a PFIC for the taxable year ending December 31, 2021. Our actual PFIC status for our
current taxable year or any subsequent taxable year is uncertain and will not be determinable until after the end of such taxable year. Accordingly, there can be no assurance with respect to our status as a PFIC for our taxable year ending
December 31, 2021 or any subsequent taxable year.
If we are determined to be a PFIC for any taxable year (or portion thereof) that is included in the holding period of a U.S. Holder of our ordinary shares or Warrants, and the
U.S. Holder did not make a timely QEF election for our first taxable year as a PFIC in which the U.S. Holder held (or was deemed to hold) the ordinary shares, a purging election, a QEF election along with a purging election, or a mark-to-market
election, each as described below, such holder generally will be subject to special rules for regular U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to:
• any gain recognized by the U.S. Holder on the sale or other disposition of its ordinary shares or Warrants; and
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any “excess distribution” made to the U.S. Holder (generally, any distributions to such U.S. Holder during a taxable year of the U.S. Holder that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received by such U.S. Holder in
respect of the ordinary shares during the three preceding taxable years of such U.S. Holder or, if shorter, such U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ordinary shares).
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Under these rules,
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U.S. Holder’s gain or excess distribution will be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ordinary shares or Warrants;
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the amount allocated to the U.S. Holder’s taxable year in which the U.S. Holder recognized the gain or received the excess distribution or to the period in the U.S. Holder’s holding period before the first day of our first taxable year
in which we qualified as a PFIC will be taxed as ordinary income;
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the amount allocated to other taxable years (or portions thereof) of the U.S. Holder and included in its holding period will be taxed at the highest ordinary tax rate in effect for that year and applicable to the U.S. Holder; and
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the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed in respect of the tax attributable to each such other taxable year of the U.S. Holder.
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Although a determination as to our PFIC status is made annually, an initial determination that we are a PFIC generally will apply for subsequent years to a U.S. Holder that held
(or was deemed to hold) our ordinary shares or Warrants while we were a PFIC, whether or not we meet the test for PFIC status in those subsequent years. If we are determined to be a PFIC in any taxable year, and then cease to meet the test for
PFIC status in a subsequent taxable year, a U.S. Holder may be able to make a purging election to eliminate this continuing PFIC status with respect to its ordinary shares in certain circumstances. A purging election generally creates a deemed
sale of such ordinary shares at their fair market value on the last day of our tax year during which we qualified as a PFIC (or, in the case of a purging election made in connection with a QEF election, the first day of our taxable year in which
qualify as a QEF with respect to such U.S. Holder). Any gain recognized by the purging election generally will be treated as an excess distribution subject to the special tax and interest charge rules described above. As a result of the purging
election, the U.S. Holder generally will increase the adjusted basis in its ordinary shares by the amount of gain recognized and will also have a new holding period in its ordinary shares for purposes of the PFIC rules.
A U.S. Holder may not make a QEF election with respect to its Warrants. As a result, if a U.S. Holder sells or otherwise disposes of such Warrants (other than upon exercise
thereof), any gain recognized generally will be subject to special tax and interest charge rules treating the gain as an excess distribution, as described above, if we were a PFIC at any time during the period the U.S. Holder held the Warrants. If
a U.S. Holder that exercises such Warrants properly makes a QEF election with respect to the newly acquired ordinary shares (or has previously made a QEF election with respect to our ordinary shares), the QEF election will apply to the newly
acquired ordinary shares, but the adverse tax consequences attributable to the period prior to exercise of the Warrants, adjusted to take into account the current income inclusions resulting from the QEF election, will continue to apply with
respect to such newly acquired ordinary shares, unless the U.S. Holder makes a “purging election” that creates a deemed sale of such ordinary shares at their fair market value. The gain recognized by the purging election will be subject to the
special tax and interest charge rules treating the gain as an excess distribution, as described above.
In general, if we are determined to be a PFIC, a U.S. Holder may avoid the PFIC tax consequences described above with respect to the ordinary shares by making a timely QEF
election (or a QEF election along with a purging election). Pursuant to the QEF election, a U.S. Holder generally will be required to include in income its pro rata share of our net capital gains (as long term capital gain) and other earnings and
profits (as ordinary income), on a current basis, in each case whether or not distributed, in the taxable year of the U.S. Holder in which or with which our taxable year ends if we are treated as a PFIC for that taxable year. However, a U.S.
Holder may make a QEF election only if we agree to provide certain tax information to such holder annually. At this time, we do not intend to provide U.S. Holders with such information as may be required to make a QEF election effective.
Alternatively, if a U.S. Holder, at the close of its taxable year, owns ordinary shares in a PFIC that are treated as marketable stock, the U.S. Holder may make a mark-to-market
election with respect to such ordinary shares for such taxable year. If the U.S. Holder makes a valid mark-to-market election for the first taxable year of the U.S. Holder in which the U.S. Holder holds (or is deemed to hold) the ordinary shares
and for which we are determined to be a PFIC, such holder generally will not be subject to the PFIC rules described above with respect to its ordinary shares as long as such shares continue to be treated as marketable stock. Instead, in general,
the U.S. Holder will include as ordinary income for each year that we are treated as a PFIC the excess, if any, of the fair market value of its ordinary shares at the end of its taxable year over the adjusted tax basis in its ordinary shares. The
U.S. Holder also will be allowed to take an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the adjusted tax basis of its ordinary shares over the fair market value of its ordinary shares at the end of its taxable year (but only to the extent of
the net amount of previously included income as a result of the mark-to-market election). The U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its ordinary shares will be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amounts, and any further gain recognized on a
sale or other taxable disposition of the ordinary shares in a taxable year in which we are treated as a PFIC generally will be treated as ordinary income. Special tax rules may also apply if a U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election for a
taxable year after the first taxable year in which the U.S. Holder holds (or is deemed to hold) our ordinary shares and for which we are determined to be a PFIC. Currently a mark-to-market election may not be made with respect to warrants.
The mark-to-market election is available only for stock that is regularly traded on a national securities exchange that is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission, including the Nasdaq Capital Market, or on a foreign exchange or market that is regulated or supervised by a governmental authority of the country in which the exchange or market is located and which (A) meets certain requirements, that
are enforced by law, relating to trading volume, listing, financial disclosure, surveillance and other requirements that are designed to (i) prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, (ii) remove impediments to and perfect the
mechanism of a free and open, fair and orderly, market and (iii) protect investors and (B) has rules that effectively promote the active trading of listed stock. Although our ordinary shares are currently listed and traded on the Nasdaq Capital
Market, U.S. Holders nevertheless should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability and tax consequences of a mark-to-market election with respect to our ordinary shares under their particular circumstances.
If we are a PFIC and, at any time, have a foreign subsidiary that is classified as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder of our ordinary shares generally should be deemed to own a portion of the
shares of such lower-tier PFIC, and generally could incur liability for the deferred tax and interest charge described above if we receive a distribution from, or dispose of all or part of our interest in, or the U.S. Holder were otherwise deemed
to have disposed of an interest in, the lower-tier PFIC. A mark-to-market election generally would not be available with respect to such a lower-tier PFIC. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax issues raised
by lower-tier PFICs.
A U.S. Holder that owns (or is deemed to own) ordinary shares in a PFIC during any taxable year of the U.S. Holder may have to file an IRS Form 8621 (whether or not a
mark-to-market election or QEF election is or has been made) with such U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax return and provide such other information as may be required by the U.S. Treasury Department.
The rules dealing with PFICs and purging and mark-to-market elections are very complex and are affected by various factors in addition to those described above. Accordingly,
U.S. Holders of our securities should consult their own tax advisors concerning the application of the PFIC rules to our securities under their particular circumstances.
Non-U.S. Holders
Dividends paid or deemed paid to a Non-U.S. Holder with respect to our ordinary shares (and with respect to our Warrants, in the case of constructive distributions described
under “—Adjustments with respect to Warrants” above) generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless such dividends are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and,
if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base that such holder maintains or maintained in the United States).
In addition, a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain attributable to a sale or other taxable disposition of our securities unless
such gain is effectively connected with its conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base that such holder maintains or
maintained in the United States) or the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of such sale or other disposition and certain other conditions are met (in which case, such gain
from U.S. sources generally is subject to U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate or a lower applicable tax treaty rate).
Dividends and gains that are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax
treaty, are attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base that such holder maintains or maintained in the United States) generally will be subject to regular U.S. federal income tax at the same regular U.S. federal income tax rates as
applicable to a comparable U.S. Holder and, in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, may also be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate or a lower applicable tax treaty rate.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
In general, information reporting for U.S. federal income tax purposes should apply to distributions made on our securities within the United States to a U.S. Holder (other than
an exempt recipient) and to the proceeds from sales and other dispositions of our securities by a U.S. Holder (other than an exempt recipient) to or through a U.S. office of a broker. Payments made (and sales and other dispositions effected at an
office) outside the United States will be subject to information reporting in limited circumstances. In addition, certain information concerning a U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its securities and adjustments to that tax basis and whether any
gain or loss with respect to such securities is long term or short term also may be required to be reported to the IRS, and certain holders may be required to file an IRS Form 8938 (Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets) to report their
interest in our securities.
Moreover, backup withholding of U.S. federal income tax generally will apply to dividends paid on our securities to a U.S. Holder (other than an exempt recipient) and the
proceeds from sales and other dispositions of our securities by a U.S. Holder (other than an exempt recipient), in each case who:
• fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number;
• is notified by the IRS that backup withholding is required; or
• in certain circumstances, fails to comply with applicable certification requirements.
A Non-U.S. Holder generally may eliminate the requirement for information reporting and backup withholding by providing certification of its foreign status, under penalties of
perjury, on a duly executed applicable IRS Form W-8 or by otherwise establishing an exemption.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the amount of any backup withholding will be allowed as a credit against a U.S. Holder’s or a Non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal
income tax liability and may entitle such holder to a refund, provided that certain required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding information reporting, the application of backup withholding and the availability of and procedures for obtaining an
exemption from backup withholding in their particular circumstances.
THE DISCUSSION ABOVE IS A GENERAL SUMMARY. IT DOES NOT COVER ALL TAX MATTERS THAT MAY BE OF IMPORTANCE TO A PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR. EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR IS
URGED TO CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR ABOUT THE TAX CONSEQUENCES RELATING TO THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR ORDINARY SHARES IN LIGHT OF THE INVESTOR’S OWN CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING THE CONSEQUENCES OF ANY PROPOSED CHANGE IN APPLICABLE
LAWS.