R35bn withdrawn as SARS reports unprecedented two-pot system activity
Some 20% of applications for tax directives were rejected.
Some 20% of applications for tax directives were rejected.
SARS has processed more than 1.2 million tax directives for savings component withdrawals, paying out R21.4 billion to fund members.
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.
A request for a tax directive will be declined if a member is not a registered taxpayer or has outstanding returns.
Clients whose financial habits have been moulded by sound advice over many years are unlikely to act irresponsibly now, says Fairbairn’s Guy Holwill.
Advisers should be able to show that all the other available options have been considered, says Old Mutual’s Lizl Budhram.
Retirement fund members must ensure their fund has their correct details and they are registered as a taxpayer with SARS.
The Sanlam Benchmark Survey also shows that more respondents are turning to online sources for product information instead of using a personal adviser.
The impact on capital markets should be minimal considering that most funds hold considerably more than 1% in cash, says Dawie de Villiers.
The Actuarial Society of South Africa urges retirement fund members to check their benefit statement to see whether they will qualify for a withdrawal.
While the two-pot retirement system will improve longer-term retirement outcomes, customers must be guided on the pitfalls of early access.
Financial services group red-flags higher-than-expected policyholder withdrawals.
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