The main difference lies in who is liable for the tax. Dividends Tax is a tax levied on shareholders (beneficial owners of dividends) on receipt of dividends, whereas STC is a tax levied on companies on the declaration of dividends.
There is an exception to this basic Dividends Tax rule in the case of a dividend that consists of a distribution of an asset in specie – in such cases the company paying the dividend remains liable for the tax (as under STC).
