Question:
I have a R100 000 retirement annuity that matures next month. Can I cash out the full value? I am 56 years old
Answer:
The current rules specify that you must use two-thirds of your retirement annuity to buy an annuity, if the retirement annuity value is above R247 500. If the value is less than R247 500, you may withdraw the full amount as a lump sum. The first R500 000 of your retirement cash lump sums (in aggregate) are not taxed, so if this is your first such withdrawal from a retirement fund, you will not pay tax on the R100 000.