What is the dividend withholding rate between Australia and New Zealand?
Under the Australia-New Zealand 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 New Zealand's 32 active partners.
Network Comparison
Australia
Rank 34 of 48 active treaties (lowest rate = #1)
Lower rates with: Malaysia (15%), Netherlands (15%), Norway (15%)
Higher rates with: Pakistan (15%), Poland (15%), Portugal (15%)
New Zealand
Rank 2 of 32 active treaties (lowest rate = #1)
Lower rates with: Austria (15%)
Higher rates with: Belgium (15%), Canada (15%), Switzerland (15%)