Côte d'Ivoire Investment Income Guide 2026

Overview — Investment Income Taxation

Côte d'Ivoire taxes investment income primarily through withholding taxes at source. The withholding tax is generally a final tax for resident individuals, meaning no further tax reporting is required. For companies, withheld tax is creditable against corporate tax. For non-residents, withholding tax rates may be reduced under applicable double tax treaties. The investment landscape in Côte d'Ivoire includes Treasury bills (Bons du Trésor), government bonds (Obligations du Trésor), listed shares on the BRVM, and bank deposits, each with distinct tax treatments.

Dividends — 10% WHT (Final for Residents)

Dividends paid by Ivorian-resident companies are subject to withholding tax at 10% for resident shareholders. This is a final tax for resident individuals, meaning the dividend income is not included in the individual's progressive IRPP assessment. For corporate shareholders, the 10% WHT is a creditable advance payment against their CIT liability. For non-residents, the dividend WHT rate is typically 10% (reduced to 5–8% under most DTTs). Dividends from companies listed on the BRVM may benefit from reduced rates under applicable treaty provisions.

Interest Income — 10% WHT

Interest income is generally subject to a 10% withholding tax, which is final for most resident individual investors:

• Government bonds and Treasury bills — 10% WHT (final for individuals, deducted at source by the issuing institution)
• Bank deposit interest — 10% WHT (non-final — must be included in the annual tax return and may be subject to additional progressive tax)
• Corporate bonds and debentures — 10% WHT on interest payments
• Savings accounts — 10% WHT on interest credited

The 10% rate on government securities is considered favourable and is part of the government's strategy to encourage savings in the regional financial market (UEMOA). For bank deposits, the 10% WHT is not a final tax — interest must be declared in the annual tax return and may be taxed up to the individual's marginal IRPP rate, with credit given for the 10% WHT already paid.

Capital Gains — Securities

Capital gains on the disposal of shares and securities in Ivorian companies are subject to tax at 5% for shares held more than 2 years or 10% for shorter holding periods (for individuals). Gains on shares listed on the BRVM may be exempt under the regional stock exchange rules. For corporate investors, gains on share disposals are included in ordinary taxable profit and taxed at the standard CIT rate of 25%. Government securities (T-bills, bonds) are exempt from CGT.

Mutual Funds & Collective Investments

Distributions from mutual funds (OPCVM — Organismes de Placement Collectif en Valeurs Mobilières) and collective investment schemes are generally subject to a final withholding tax of 10% in the hands of individual investors. The fund itself is taxed on its investment income at a reduced rate. This favourable treatment encourages retail participation in collective investment schemes. For corporate investors, distributions may be subject to standard CIT rates. The Regional Council for Public Savings and Financial Markets (CREPMF) regulates all collective investment schemes in the UEMOA region.

FAQs

Do I need to report dividend income on my tax return?

If you are a resident individual, the 10% WHT on dividends is final, so no further reporting is required. Non-residents and corporate shareholders should report income and claim treaty relief where applicable.

Are foreign investment income and capital gains taxable in Côte d'Ivoire?

Yes, tax residents are taxed on worldwide investment income. Foreign dividends, interest, and capital gains should be declared in the annual tax return. Foreign tax credits may be available under DTTs.

Can I claim a refund if WHT exceeds my tax liability?

Yes, where the WHT deducted exceeds the final tax liability, you can claim a refund from DGI by filing an annual return. This situation may arise for low-income taxpayers whose total income falls below the taxable threshold.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Ivorian investment income taxation for the 2026 tax year. Tax laws and rates may change. Always consult with a qualified Ivorian tax advisor or the Direction Générale des Impôts for advice specific to your situation. InvestmentKit does not provide tax advice.