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
- United States Treaty Reference(treaty text)
- IRS Table 1 (Withholding Rates)(rate table)
Data last reviewed: 2026-04-07