Regulations regarding the taxation of foreign earnings and the new regulations regarding retirement payouts on emigration are now in full swing. Make sure you get this right as it could cost you dearly!!

From March 2020 the taxation rules regarding employees working in foreign countries changed, in that remuneration earned is no longer exempt from tax, even if the 183-day rule (60 days consecutive) is met.

For SA tax residents, all remuneration earned above R 1 250 000 in the year is subject to SA tax. There are however certain circumstances where this is not strictly true – for example, where remuneration is already taxed in that foreign country, or where a tax treaty (DTA) exists between SA and that country, which could result in the taxation rules for that remuneration to be different from the norm. It’s also important to check that the exempt portion of your remuneration is correctly determined, particularly if you also get other allowances and benefits over and above your base remuneration.

The bottom line – if you are not sure of the rules and how your tax liability will be impacted – then get professional advice from your auditor or accountant!

Also, if you thought that your full retirement “pot” would be paid to you once you have emigrated – think again! You now have to prove that you have been outside SA for three years, and only then will you get your money!

These changes will have an impact on:

A) your ability to continue maintaining your lifestyle in the foreign country because you could potentially be faced with less take-home pay and;

B) if you are wanting to emigrate you may well be faced with less cash to do this if you are relying on your accumulated retirement “pot” to assist you in setting up a home in your new country.