Dividend Tax in Indonesia: A Guide and Tips for Foreign Investors

Dividend Tax in Indonesia: A Guide and Tips for Foreign Investors

This article was written with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and went through a manual review process by the InvestinAsia team before publication.

If you’re a foreign investor exploring opportunities in Indonesia, understanding the tax implications of dividend income is crucial. In this article, we’ll break down how dividends are taxed in Indonesia, exemptions you can leverage, and tips for legally minimizing your tax liabilities. Let’s dive in.

Does Indonesia Tax Dividends?

Dividend Tax in Indonesia
Dividend Tax in Indonesia (pexels.com)

Yes, dividends in Indonesia are generally subject to taxation. Whether you’re a domestic or foreign investor, the tax treatment depends on your residency status and how you utilize the income. Here’s an overview:

For Domestic Taxpayers:

Dividends received from an Indonesian limited liability company (Perseroan Terbatas or PT) are generally considered taxable income unless they are reinvested in Indonesia for a specified minimum period.

For individual taxpayers, a reduced final income tax rate of 10% applies if the dividends are not reinvested; however, reinvesting the dividends within the required timeframe can render them non-taxable.

For Foreign Investors:

A withholding tax (WHT) rate of 20% applies to dividends paid to non-residents. This rate may be reduced under applicable tax treaties if you provide a Certificate of Domicile (COD).

Also read: Personal Income Tax in Indonesia: A Comprehensive Guide for Foreigners

Exemptions and Reductions: How to Lower Your Dividend Tax Legally

Indonesia offers several legal avenues to minimize or even eliminate dividend tax obligations:

  1. Reinvestment Exemption

    Dividends reinvested in Indonesia can become non-taxable for both domestic and foreign taxpayers. Eligible investments include:

    • Government securities and bonds.
    • Equity participation in new or existing companies domiciled in Indonesia.
    • Infrastructure and real-sector investments prioritized by the government.
    • Providing loans to small-scale enterprises.

    Also read: Tax Holiday in Indonesia: A Comprehensive Guide for Foreign Investors

  2. Tax Treaty Benefits

    If your country has a tax treaty with Indonesia, you may qualify for a reduced WHT rate. Ensure you provide a valid COD to benefit from these treaty provisions.

    Also read: Tax Treaty Indonesia: Countries List and Complete Guide

  3. Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules

    Be mindful of Indonesia’s CFC rules. If you’re a significant shareholder (owning at least 50%) in a foreign entity, certain income may be deemed as dividends and taxed in Indonesia. However, exemptions apply if the income is reinvested in Indonesia.

  4. Optimize Share Premium Distributions

    Stock dividends, including those paid out of share premiums, may be exempt if reinvested. Consulting a tax advisor can help ensure compliance while maximizing exemptions.

Also read: Tax Avoidance in Indonesia: What Foreigners Need to Know

Practical Tips for Foreign Investors

Dividend Tax in Indonesia (pexels.com)
Dividend Tax in Indonesia (pexels.com)
  • Work with Local Experts: Engage Indonesian tax consultants to navigate complex regulations and ensure proper documentation for exemptions.
  • Plan Investments Strategically: Align your dividend income reinvestments with government-prioritized sectors to benefit from tax breaks.
  • Leverage Tax Treaties: Familiarize yourself with Indonesia’s tax treaty agreements and prepare necessary documentation in advance.
  • Stay Updated: Tax regulations evolve. Regularly consult trusted source like InvestinAsia.

Indonesia’s dividend tax system offers opportunities for both domestic and foreign investors to reduce their tax liabilities legally. By leveraging reinvestment exemptions, tax treaties, and other available mechanisms, you can optimize your returns while contributing to Indonesia’s growing economy.

Foreigners in Indonesia have different tax calculations than Indonesian citizens. Find out the rules in this article: Indonesia Tax Rate for Foreigners: What You Need to Know

Rely on Investinasia’s tax consultants to take care of your taxes

Navigating Indonesia’s tax regulations may seem complicated, but understanding the basics can save you time and money.

Hence, partnering with reputable consultants like InvestinAsia’s Indonesia tax consultant and compliance services can simplify your tax management and ensure full compliance with Indonesian tax laws.

Our experienced team of professionals is ready to assist you in every tax matter, such as:

Contact us now for FREE consultation and special package!

 

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