Tax Emigration
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THE PROCESS
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Services Summary
RandTangle provides a full administrative service to help you manage your Tax Emigration (previously known as “Formal Emigration”) process.
We handle SARS approvals, tax compliance status (TCS) applications, and exchange control requirements with the South African Reserve Bank (SARB).
We also support tax practitioners, auditors, and fiduciaries by managing tax emigration and offshore beneficiary payments — at no additional cost to them.
OUR SERVICES
Let us untangle your money
Tax Emigration – We assist with changing your status from a South African tax resident to a non-resident with SARS, and guide you through the SARB foreign investment reporting process.
Financial vs. Tax Emigration: What You Need to Know
Historically, Tax Emigration was a formal process managed by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to change a resident’s status for exchange control purposes. Tax emigration, on the other hand, was handled by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to formally cease liability for South African tax on worldwide income.
Since March 1, 2021, the SARB’s Tax Emigration process has been withdrawn. It has been replaced by a more rigorous tax emigration process under SARS, which now serves as the only formal route for South Africans permanently leaving the country. While some service providers may still use the term “Tax Emigration,” it is technically outdated. The focus today is entirely on ceasing tax residency.
Who Is Considered a Non-Resident?
To determine whether you qualify as a non-resident, it’s important to first understand the concept of “resident” under South African law. There are two main definitions:
Ordinarily resident – a common law concept based on where you habitually reside.
Resident under the Income Tax Act (physical presence test) – someone who meets all three criteria of the test based on time spent in South Africa during the tax year.
Any individual who is ordinarily resident in South Africa during the year of assessment, or who meets all three requirements of the physical presence test, is considered a tax resident. If you do not meet either of these criteria, you may be classified as a non-resident for tax purposes.
Inheritance Transfers
We assist beneficiaries—both South African residents and non-residents—with the smooth transfer of inheritances out of South Africa. When an estate includes cash, investments, or policy proceeds that need to be sent offshore, there are specific exchange control and tax-compliance steps required. We handle these end-to-end.
Encashment of Retirement Annuities and Pensions
We provide comprehensive assistance to clients, both South African residents and expatriates, in encashing retirement annuities, preservation funds, and pension or provident benefits, as well as facilitating the offshore transfer of the proceeds.
Exchange Control & Cross-Border Compliance – Support for executors, trusts, and companies needing SARB approval for foreign investments, offshore loans, or beneficiary transfers.
Approved International Transfer – AIT – Assistance with offshore investments of up to R10 million per adult and R1 million (via the Single Discretionary Allowance – SDA), including SARS TCS applications.
Accounting & Advisory – Through our valued partners, we can assist with accounting, compliance, and financial reporting support for individuals and entities.
CHOOSE US
Choose the Right Partner for Your Needs
Tax emigration can be complex and time-consuming. Efficient management reduces both delays and stress.
Each case is as unique as our clients and a time line will be discuss before we begin to untangle your global financial needs.
Our experienced team ensures compliant, smooth processing and minimal disruption to your plans.
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If you are a former South African citizen who lives abroad, but needs access to trapped funds, like a retirement annuity, we can assist you to emigrate formally.
You will also be able to qualify for an allowance as soon as you emigrate formally.
Your capital allowance will be an amount of R10 million per adult or R20 million per family and a travel allowance of up to R1 million per adult and R200,000 per child under the age of 18.
Furthermore, you will have an export allowance entitling you to export household and personal effects, including cars up to a total insured value of R2 million.
It is also possible to request the transfer of your remaining liquid assets that exceed the foreign capital allowance limits. We also manage the application for assets exceeding these allowances.
The processes, how long it takes and estimate costings – Randtangle need to advise if they are happy with the above
How are RandTangle’s fees calculated?
RandTangle charges a service fee based on the specific circumstances and need surrounding the emigration of each client, and the services required, We do not have a commission based service fee that changes based on policy size. Contact us for a no obligation quotation.
How do I get my money out of South Africa?
There are various ways you can access your money in South Africa. This includes using normal allowances, such as your annual Discretionary Allowance, or formally emigrating from South Africa. We can help with all of these.