United States – South Africa Tax Treaty
The United States-South Africa tax treaty caps withholding on dividends at 15% for portfolio investors and 5% for qualifying direct investment, with interest payments fully exempt at 0%. Royalties are taxed at a uniform 0% across all categories. Pension distributions are subject to 15% withholding at source. This is one of 64 active treaties in United States's network and one of 37 in South Africa's. The general dividend rate of 15% compares to a median of 15% across United States's network and 15% across South Africa's.
Verified data
IRS Table 1 - Tax Rates on Income Other Than Personal Service Income (Rev. May 2023)
Withholding Rate Summary
Source: IRS Table 1 (Withholding Rates)| Income Type | Treaty Rate | Statutory Rate (United States) |
|---|---|---|
| Dividends (general) Portfolio investors | 15%saves 15% | 30% |
| Dividends (qualified) Beneficial owner is a company holding >= 10% of voting stock | 5%saves 25% | 30% |
| Interest Bank interest, bonds, loans | 0%saves 30% | 30% |
| Royalties (avg) Patents, copyright, know-how, film/TV | 0% | — |
| Pensions Private pension distributions | 15% | — |
| Social Security Government social security benefits | 30% | — |
“Treaty Rate” is the maximum withholding permitted under this treaty. The actual effective rate may be lower if domestic law provides a more favorable rate independently. “Statutory Rate (United States)” shows the rate that applies when no treaty benefit is claimed. Qualified dividend rate requires: Beneficial owner is a company holding >= 10% of voting stock.
Dividends
The general dividend rate of 15% applies to portfolio investors. A reduced rate of 5% is available when beneficial owner is a company holding >= 10% of voting stock. Without the treaty, the statutory withholding rate on dividends is 30%.
Source: IRS Table 1 (Withholding Rates)
Interest
Interest payments (bank interest, bonds, loans) are subject to 0% withholding under this treaty, compared to the 30% statutory rate. Interest is fully exempt from source-country withholding under this treaty.
Source: IRS Table 1 (Withholding Rates)
Royalties
Royalty withholding rates vary by the type of intellectual property. This treaty distinguishes 4 categories, with rates ranging from 0% to 0%.
Source: IRS Table 1 (Withholding Rates)
Pensions & Social Security
Private pension distributions are subject to 15% withholding at source under this treaty. Government social security benefits are subject to 30% withholding.
Source: IRS Table 1 (Withholding Rates)
Comparative Context
🇺🇸United States's Network
Among United States's 64 active treaty partners, the 15% general dividend rate ranks 56th (median: 15%).
| Partner | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ukraine | 15% |
| Venezuela | 15% |
| Vietnam | 15% |
| South Africa (this treaty) | 15% |
| Tunisia | 20% |
| Turkey | 20% |
| Israel | 25% |
🇿🇦South Africa's Network
Among South Africa's 37 active treaty partners, the 15% general dividend rate ranks 37th (median: 15%).
| Partner | Rate |
|---|---|
| Russia | 15% |
| Sweden | 15% |
| Slovak Republic | 15% |
| United States (this treaty) | 15% |