Tag: Double Tax Agreement (DTA)

Expatriate tax is complex, intricate and can be challenging to understand – especially if one does not have the basics, such as what is an expat, down pat. Simply, an expatriate, or expat, is an individual who has relocated from their home country to another, either temporarily or permanently.

Given the ever-changing landscape of the past two years, the adage that nothing is certain except death and taxes is perhaps more apposite than ever. Whilst it may appear that a semblance of normality is returning, its almost as certain as death and taxes, that remote working will be a part of the next normal.

The Budget Review 2022 was far from a 'good news' budget for South Africans working abroad (expats). For the 5th consecutive year, there has been changes proposed that clearly indicate that SARS is still targeting expats and view them as low-hanging fruit to boost revenue collection.

Post-COVID-19 economic resurgence saw an increase in international work opportunities. With skills in hand, many South African professionals have become sought-after in other countries. As a result, their finances and subsequent taxation have come under scrutiny. However, along with the awareness of tax complications, another threat has emerged.

South African multinationals achieved a victory recently when the Dutch Supreme Court held that South African parent companies could, effectively, be exempt from Dutch withholding tax on dividends.

Statistics South Africa (StatSA) released the Community Survey in 2016 noting that a total of 94,760 South Africans have emigrated between 2006 and 2016. A more recent study performed by the Pew Research Centre in February 2018 notes that 900,000 people born in South Africa were living abroad for one year or longer. The top three destinations being United Kingdom, Australia and United States.