On 12 May 2022, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) published the 5th issue of the Comprehensive Guide to Dividends Tax. The purpose of this guide is to assist users in gaining a more in-depth understanding of dividends tax.

The foundation for this guide can be found in the various explanatory memoranda which supported the dividends tax legislation, but the explanations contained in these explanatory memoranda have been expanded with additional explanations and examples.

The information in this guide is based on the income tax and tax administration legislation (as amended) as at the time of publishing and includes the following:

  • The Rates and Monetary Amounts and Amendment of Revenue Laws Act 19 of 2021 which was promulgated on 19 January 2022 (as per GG 45788);
  • The Taxation Laws Amendment Act 20 of 2021 which was promulgated on 19 January 2022 (as per GG 45787); and
  • The Tax Administration Laws Amendment Act 21 of 2021 was promulgated on 19 January 2022 (as per GG 45786).

All guides, interpretation notes, rulings, forms, returns, and tables referred to in this Guide are available on the SARS website.