Old Mutual pays out R2.3bn in over 200 000 two-pot withdrawal claims
Financial advisers warn that even small withdrawals can significantly erode retirement income over time.
Financial advisers warn that even small withdrawals can significantly erode retirement income over time.
Among other things, the revised Amendment Bill will clarify how funds should calculate seeding when provident fund members choose to join the system.
In September, Sanlam received more than 83 000 withdrawal claims, with most coming from members aged 35 to 44, many of whom had a replacement ratio below 50%.
SARS has processed more than 1.2 million tax directives for savings component withdrawals, paying out R21.4 billion to fund members.
The system is driving a shift in how members engage with their retirement funds. Members are monitoring their savings and reacting to market fluctuations, says Old Mutual.
Funds made different calls on the conditions for the exclusion of provident preservation fund members and the seeding date for members who opt in.
Despite relatively low overall withdrawal rates, 24% of claimants are using their retirement savings for home or car repairs and 21% for settling short-term debt.
Financial advisers should understand the broader implications on tax planning, retirement savings, and investment strategies to guide their clients effectively.
The tax structure aims to be progressive, with low-income earners paying little to no tax on withdrawals, while high earners are taxed more.
More than 60% of two-pot withdrawal applicants have come from low-income groups, according to Momentum’s latest figures.
The Authority is seeking information on how much it costs retirement funds and administrators to adapt their systems for the new two-pot structure.
The introduction of the two-pot retirement system has triggered a wave of withdrawal applications, prompting concerns over tax liabilities and the need for improved financial education.
As the two-pot system rolls out, fund administrators are receiving a wave of withdrawal claims, highlighting the financial squeeze many are feeling.
Administrators may be in for a ‘windfall’ of R500 million to R1 billion a year in future tax years, says Keystone Actuarial Solutions.
One of its four proposals is to allow members to transfer up to a third of their vested savings to their savings component.
Avoiding the tax hit is one of the reasons retirement fund members should have an emergency fund.
South Africa has the potential to boost its savings rate and secure a more stable source of funding for fixed investments, essential for driving economic growth.