What is the dividend withholding rate between Australia and South Africa?
Under the Australia-South Africa tax treaty, the withholding rate on dividends is 15% for portfolio investors (general rate). A reduced rate of 5% applies when the beneficial owner is a company holding a qualifying ownership stake (typically 10% or more of voting stock). Note that the reduced rate requires the recipient to file the appropriate treaty benefit claim form before payment. This 15% rate compares to a median of 15% across Australia's 48 active treaty partners, and 15% across South Africa's 37 active partners.
Network Comparison
Australia
Rank 47 of 48 active treaties (lowest rate = #1)
Lower rates with: Turkey (15%), United States (15%), Vietnam (15%)
Higher rates with: Philippines (25%)
South Africa
Rank 10 of 37 active treaties (lowest rate = #1)
Lower rates with: Nigeria (10%), Netherlands (10%), Singapore (10%)
Higher rates with: Canada (15%), Switzerland (15%), Chile (15%)