G20 Pressure and WHT: Are Countries Quietly Raising Rates?
In the wake of sustained G20 scrutiny and shifting global tax dynamics, a growing concern has emerged among investors and tax professionals: are countries subtly increasing their withholding tax (WHT) rates without public disclosure? The push for greater fiscal transparency, combined with the rising need for revenue in post-pandemic economies, has led many jurisdictions to […]
How to Handle Retroactive Tax Law Changes in Reclaim Applications
Introduction: The Challenge of Retroactive Tax Law Changes Retroactive tax law changes can create serious problems for international investors. Pension funds, asset managers, and other investors rely on stable rules when reclaiming withholding tax (WHT) on cross-border dividend income. When a country changes its tax laws and applies them to past events, it disrupts existing […]
Switzerland’s WHT Refund Requirements: 2025 Filing Protocols Explained
Switzerland remains a popular jurisdiction for global investors, offering economic stability, a reliable financial system, and a wide double taxation treaty (DTT) network. However, foreign investors earning dividend income from Swiss companies must navigate a complex withholding tax (WHT) system. In 2025, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) updated its WHT refund process. These changes […]
The Rise of Bilateral Tax Disputes: What This Means for WHT Refunds
Bilateral tax disputes are becoming more common and more disruptive. Countries are clashing over tax treaty interpretations, and this friction is now affecting global investment flows. Investors, pension funds, and asset managers increasingly struggle to recover withholding tax (WHT) on dividends, interest, and royalties. This rise in disputes is reshaping the way investors claim WHT […]
South Africa’s WHT on Dividends: Reclaim Tips for Foreign Institutions
Understanding WHT on Dividends in South Africa South Africa’s dividend tax regime directly affects the net returns of foreign institutional investors. A 20% withholding tax (WHT) applies to dividends paid by South African companies to non-resident shareholders. Although tax treaties may reduce this rate, many investors face difficulties reclaiming overpaid amounts. The process is especially […]
Passive Income Streams and WHT: What Institutional Investors Must Know
Maximising Tax Efficiency in a Complex Withholding Tax Landscape As global markets evolve, passive income streams have become more attractive to institutional investors seeking long-term, stable returns. These income sources—especially dividends and interest—offer steady cash flow without constant portfolio rebalancing. However, when these streams cross borders, they are often subject to withholding tax (WHT). This […]
How the Global Minimum Tax May Complicate WHT Reclaim Rights
The global minimum tax marks a major shift in international tax policy. Spearheaded by the OECD and G20, it introduces a 15% minimum effective corporate tax rate for large multinational corporations. While designed to create fairer taxation and reduce profit shifting, the rules may have unintended effects. One of the most significant is the impact […]
OECD’s Blockchain-Based WHT Pilot: What Investors Must Know
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is launching a new initiative in 2025 that could reshape international tax compliance. The pilot project uses blockchain technology to modernise withholding tax (WHT) systems, especially for cross-border dividend tax recovery. For institutional investors, this development may simplify reclaim procedures and enhance transparency in global tax administration. […]
Tax-Efficient Investment Strategies for Global Portfolios
In today’s connected financial world, investors are increasingly exploring opportunities beyond their home countries. International investing offers a chance to grow wealth, but it also brings tax challenges—especially around dividend tax and withholding tax (WHT). To protect investment returns, investors must use tax-efficient strategies. This article explores how to manage these taxes effectively and improve […]
Dividend Tax and SPAC Investments: A Withholding Perspective
In recent years, Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) have re-emerged as a favoured investment vehicle in global capital markets. Their unique structure allows private companies to go public through a reverse merger, bypassing the traditional initial public offering process. While investors are often drawn to the potential for quick returns, there is a lesser-known but […]