Do your Tax with TaxTim and WIN R10,000  More info   T&C's apply


Not a South African resident, but have a local investment, do I need to pay tax?



Joseph says:
24 May 2016 at 2:25

I'm a dual citizen having both South African and British citizenship. I have worked all my life in UK and am in full time employment under a contract with UK employer. I tax return to South Africa once every year and stay for a holiday between 4 to 6 weeks. If I invest in a fixed rate account of some R500 000 over 5 years, am I liable to pay any tax on that investment product as I'm not ordinary resident in South Africa for tax purposes not indeed even have a South African tax number

TaxTim TaxTim says:
24 May 2016 at 9:34

If you are a non-South African tax resident you would still pay tax on any income from a South African source. Therefore you would pay tax on the investment income - there is a R23,800 exemption per year for interest so only amounts above this will be taxed.

Please read our blog on How to get a SARS tax number

Also see Am I a tax resident of South Africa?

Joseph says:
25 May 2016 at 8:28

Thanks Tim. A helpful answer but some clarification. By non South African tax resident in your answer is I think a South African resident but not eligible for tax generally due to my tax status in the UK but if the income is from a South African source then tax to be paid because of that source?

TaxTim TaxTim says:
25 May 2016 at 9:35

Yes, from the information provided, you are not a SA tax resident but since you earn income from a South African source, you are eligible for tax in South Africa on these funds.

This entry was posted in Tax Q&A and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.




Submit your tax return right here!

TaxTim will help you:

 Do Your Tax Return Easily
 Avoid penalties
 Maximise your refund

Tim uses your answers to complete your income tax return instantly and professionally, with everything filled in in the right place.

Let Tim submit your tax return direct to SARS in just a few clicks!

Get started

Blog Categories


Ask TaxTim

Got a question you want answered about tax?

Visit our helpdesk →

Get SARS Tax Deadlines in your Inbox
We'll tell you when you need to file, along with tax tips and updates.