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

The United States-South Africa tax treaty reduces the withholding rate on interest payments to 0%. This means interest paid between residents of these two countries is exempt from withholding tax at source. This is particularly beneficial for cross-border debt financing and bank deposits. The 0% rate still requires proper documentation — it does not apply automatically. Interest is fully exempt — United States has 25 such treaties in its network.

Network Comparison

United States

Rank 25 of 64 active treaties (lowest rate = #1)

Lower rates with: Singapore (0%), Slovak Republic (0%), Ukraine (0%)

Higher rates with: Chile (4%), Barbados (5%), Bulgaria (5%)

South Africa

Rank 15 of 37 active treaties (lowest rate = #1)

Lower rates with: Norway (0%), Sweden (0%), Slovak Republic (0%)

Higher rates with: Switzerland (5%), Chile (5%), Saudi Arabia (5%)

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 — the residence country may still tax the income. This is not tax advice.
View full United States-South Africatreaty details →
Guide: Interest withholding tax explained→

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