South African Revenue Services ruling
The South African Revenue Services (SARS) have agreed to issue directives for emigrants who wish to withdraw their retirement annuities irrespective of when they emigrated. Previously SARS refused to issue a directive if emigration was prior to 1 March 2008. This practice changed during July 2009 and the date of emigration is no longer relevant.
However, SARS require the following before they will issue a directive:
- a copy of the Tax Clearance Certificate issued by SARS;
- a copy of the letter from the bank confirming that you have emigrated through them and that you have a blocked account;
- a copy of the permanent residence permit for your new country of residence; and
- a certificate of residence from the tax authority in your new country.
