What’s New
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07 December 2020 – Dividends Tax enhancement implemented
The DTR02 form has been converted from Adobe Flex to HTML5 format for better user experience
and compatibility. See the updated Guide on the Declaration of Dividends Tax via eFiling. - 01 December 2020 – Maintenance Alert: Due to ongoing maintenance there will be system downtime on Third Party Data environments on Tuesday and Thursday, [1st & 3rd December 2020] from 15:00 to 17:00. During this time, please note that no files should be submitted.
- 1 July 2020 – Dividends Tax – Declaration and undertaking validity limited
As from 1 July 2020, the validity of the declaration and undertaking forms submitted to withholding agents could be limited to only five years from the date the declaration was made, and unless a new declaration and undertaking is made the exemption or reduced rate may no longer be applicable. There are exemptions to this limitation, and taxpayers are advised to approach the withholding agent to clarify whether or not a new declaration and undertaking is required. - 17 January 2019 – Dividends Tax – Reporting the receipt of exempt dividends
Before 17 January 2019 both the payment (outflow) side and the exempt receipt (inflow) side had to be reported to SARS. However, as from this date only the payment (outflow) side will have to be reported, In other words, the receipt of exempt dividends no longer need to be reported to SARS. - 14 August 2018 – Dividends Tax Tables – Summary of DTA rates
An updated summary of the withholding tax rates as per the South African Double Taxation Agreements currently in force (Africa and the rest of the world) was published.
- 09 March 2017 – Dividends Tax – Clarification Document for Dividends Tax – Tax Rate Change
The interpretation notes contained in this document are applicable to the BRS with the title and version SARS_External BRS_2014_Dividends Tax_v2.0.1-6 with the effective date of 1 March 2015. This document is a summary of the legislative change with reference to the increased Tax Rate for submissions due by end March 2017.
Note: This Clarification Document is effective for submissions due by end March 2017. SARS Testing platform will be updated from 13 March 2017.
What is Dividends Tax?
- South African tax resident company; or
- Foreign Company whose shares are listed on a South African Exchange.
- align South Africa with the international norm where the recipient of the dividend, not the company paying it, is liable for the tax (South Africa was one of only a few countries with a corporate level tax on dividends, such as STC)
- make South Africa a more attractive destination for international investment by eliminating the perception of a higher corporate tax rate (STC is an extra corporate tax) coupled with lower accounting profits (STC had to be accounted for in the Statement of Comprehensive Income (Income Statement)).
Who should pay it?
How much will be paid?
When should it be paid?
What steps must I take?
What is the difference between Dividends Tax and Secondary Tax on Companies?
To access this page in different languages click on the links below:
Modernised 3rd Party Data Documents for Dividends Tax |
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IndustryCommunication-DWT for submissions due end of March 2017 |
Business Requirement Specification (BRS) – Administration of Dividends Tax (version 1.0.0) for submission by end of March 2016 |
Business Requirement Specification (BRS) – Administration of Dividends Tax (version 2.0.1) for submission by end of April 2016 |
Dividends Tax Test file: Dividends Tax File Structure for Testing Purposes |
Dividends Tax Test file: Dividends Tax Trade Testing – Interpretation Notes |
Related Documents
DIV-easyFile-G001 – A Guide to the Declaration of Dividends Tax via easyFile- External Guide
DT-GEN-01-G02 – Declaration of Dividends Tax via eFiling – External Guide
DT-GEN-01-G03 – A Quick Guide to Dividends Tax – External Guide
GEN-ENR-01-G02 – Guide for Submission of Third Party Data Using the HTTPS Channel – External Guide
IT-AE-36-G02 – Comprehensive Guide to the Income Tax return for Trusts – External Guide
LAPD-Gen-G01 – Taxation in South Africa
LAPD-Gen-G02 – Guide for Tax Rates Duties Levies
LAPD-Gen-G08 – Guide on the Taxation of Professional Sports Clubs and Players
LAPD-IT-G19 – Comprehensive Guide to Dividends Tax
LAPD-IT-G24 – Guide on Mutual Agreement Procedures
WTR01 – Return for Withholding Tax on Royalties – External Form
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ: Who is liable for the Dividends Tax?
The beneficial owner of the dividend is liable for the...
Read MoreFAQ: What is meant by beneficial owner?
The beneficial owner is the person entitled to the benefit...
Read MoreFAQ: What is a dividend?
A dividend is defined in section 1 of the Act,...
Read MoreFAQ: What is the rate of Dividends Tax?
Dividends tax was introduced at a rate of 15% when...
Read MoreFAQ: When will Dividends Tax come into effect
Dividends Tax applies to any dividend declared and paid on...
Read More