The South African Revenue Service (SARS), in collaboration with the National Treasury, has published the Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill 2025 for public consultation. Among the proposed changes is the removal of the long-standing exemption on foreign retirement funds, a shift that could have significant implications for South African expatriates and foreign nationals residing in South Africa.
If enacted, the new rules will take effect from 1 March 2026, meaning foreign retirement benefits will become taxable in South Africa, subject to applicable double taxation agreements (DTAs).