Royal Dutch Shell Plc third quarter 2017 Euro and GBP equivalent dividend payments The Hague, December 7, 2017 - The Board of Royal Dutch Shell plc (“RDS”) today announced the pounds sterling and euro equivalent dividend payments in respect of the third quarter 2017 interim dividend, which was announced on November 2, 2017 at US$0.47 per A ordinary share (“A Share”) and B ordinary share (“B Share”).
Dividends on A Shares will be paid, by default, in euro at the rate of €0.3985 per A Share. Holders of A Shares who have validly submitted pounds sterling currency elections by December 1, 2017 will be entitled to a dividend of 35.02p per A Share.
Dividends on B Shares will be paid, by default, in pounds sterling at the rate of 35.02p per B Share. Holders of B Shares who have validly submitted euro currency elections by December 1, 2017 will be entitled to a dividend of €0.3985 per B Share.
This dividend will be payable on December 20, 2017 to those members whose names were on the Register of Members on November 17, 2017.
Taxation - cash dividend
Cash dividends on A Shares will be subject to the deduction of Dutch dividend withholding tax at the rate of 15%, which may be reduced in certain circumstances. Non-Dutch resident shareholders, depending on their particular circumstances, may be entitled to a full or partial refund of Dutch dividend withholding tax. Expected from 2018, Dutch and non-Dutch resident shareholders who are exempt from corporate income tax may elect for an exemption from Dutch dividend withholding tax instead of requesting a refund if tax was withheld.
Furthermore, in April 2016, there were changes to the UK taxation of dividends. The dividend tax credit was abolished, and a new tax free dividend allowance introduced. Dividend income in excess of the allowance is taxable at the following rates: 7.5% within the basic rate band; 32.5% within the higher rate band; and 38.1% on dividend income taxable at the additional rate.
If you are uncertain as to the tax treatment of any dividends you should consult your own tax advisor.