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What is the dividend withholding rate between United States and South Africa?

Under the United States-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 United States's 64 active treaty partners, and 15% across South Africa's 37 active partners.

Network Comparison

United States

Rank 56 of 64 active treaties (lowest rate = #1)

Lower rates with: Ukraine (15%), Venezuela (15%), Vietnam (15%)

Higher rates with: Tunisia (20%), Turkey (20%), Israel (25%)

South Africa

Rank 37 of 37 active treaties (lowest rate = #1)

Lower rates with: Russia (15%), Sweden (15%), Slovak Republic (15%)

Sources

Data last reviewed: 2026-04-07

Important: Treaty rates require proper claim forms (e.g., IRS Form W-8BEN for U.S. treaties, HMRC DT-Individual for U.K. treaties, CRA Form NR301 for Canadian treaties) filed before payment. Limitation on Benefits (LOB) provisions may restrict eligibility. A 0% withholding rate does not mean no tax β€” the residence country may still tax the income. This is not tax advice.

Related Questions: United States - South Africa