A two-pot savings withdrawal is not a government application. You claim from your own retirement fund, and SARS only issues the tax directive and recovers any tax you already owe. For 2026 the main requirements are a balance of at least R2 000 in your savings pot, no earlier savings withdrawal this tax year, a SARS tax reference number and no outstanding SARS returns.
This page covers who qualifies for the two-pot system, what you need before you claim, and where the process usually stalls. The SARS “Two-Pot Retirement System” page is the official reference.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
Who qualifies for the two-pot system: all active members of private and public sector retirement funds, except legacy retirement annuity policies, funds with no active participating members, and pensioners or provident fund members who were 55 or older on 1 March 2021 and have not opted in (National Treasury FAQ).
To make a savings withdrawal in 2026 you need:
- A savings pot balance of at least R2 000; there is no maximum, so you can withdraw up to the full balance
- No earlier savings withdrawal in the same tax year; one is allowed per tax year
- A valid SARS tax reference number; a directive is not granted without one
- No outstanding tax returns; SARS will not issue a directive while returns are outstanding
- A claim submitted to your fund, not to SARS
Your savings pot is funded by a once-off seed amount (10% of your vested benefit at 31 August 2024, capped at R30 000) plus one-third of your contributions from 1 September 2024. The other two-thirds go to the retirement component, which you cannot touch before retirement.
Documents and Supporting Evidence Required
SARS does not ask you for documents. It matches what your fund sends against its own records, so the details you gave the fund must be correct:
- Your name, ID or passport number and tax reference number must match SARS records
- Your returns must be up to date, otherwise no directive is issued
- Whatever claim form, identity check or banking proof your fund requires; funds set their own, so ask your fund for the list
If you have no tax number, register through SARS eFiling, the SARS MobiApp or SARS Online Query System (SOQS) first. You do not need to visit a SARS office. You can check for outstanding returns on eFiling, SOQS or by dialling *134*7277# and choosing option 3.
Application Requirements and Steps
- Confirm you are not missing any tax returns and that you have a valid tax reference number.
- Ask your fund for your savings pot balance. For an employer fund, your HR department can also point you to the claim process.
- Submit the withdrawal claim to your fund or its administrator through its own channel.
- The fund requests a tax directive from SARS. Once it does, your decision is final and cannot be cancelled.
- SARS issues the directive, and the fund deducts tax and any SARS debt before paying you.
The two-pot system does not stop you accessing your savings pot after you resign. The retirement component, however, stays locked.
Costs, Processing Times and Key Conditions
Tax. A savings withdrawal is added to your income and taxed at your marginal rate. SARS calculates the directive without retirement lump-sum tables, exemptions or tax-free amounts, and any difference is settled when you are assessed. The SARS Budget 2026 FAQ confirms marginal-rate treatment for 2026/27. SARS has a two-pot tax calculator on SOQS, eFiling, the MobiApp and WhatsApp.
Fund fees. Your fund may charge an administration fee on each savings withdrawal under its rules, and it must disclose the fee beforehand. The amount differs by fund, so ask before you claim.
SARS debt. SARS first deducts any tax debt from your payout. A formal payment arrangement with SARS stops the deduction, unless you are in arrears on it. A salary garnishee on its own is not an arrangement.
Timing. In 2024 SARS said a compliant taxpayer’s directive would be issued within up to 48 hours. How long the fund then takes to pay is set by the fund, not SARS.
Low income. If your income is below the tax threshold, SARS said in 2024 that tax on the withdrawal is finalised at the annual assessment, taxed at 18%.
Where and How to Apply
Claim through your retirement fund or its administrator, using the app, portal, call centre or HR department it directs you to. SARS does not take withdrawal applications from members.
Before you claim, use the SARS two-pot page to check your tax number, outstanding returns and outstanding debt. Ask the fund for a net estimate so you know what will actually arrive.
Never pay anyone to process, speed up or unlock a withdrawal, and do not share your ID, fund number, tax number or banking details in reply to an unsolicited message, call or advert. Contact your fund yourself on a number from its own official material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a government application?
No. You apply to your retirement fund. SARS only issues the tax directive and recovers tax you owe.
What are the 2 pot withdrawal requirements for 2026?
A tax reference number, no outstanding SARS returns, a savings pot balance of at least R2 000, no earlier savings withdrawal this tax year, and a claim submitted to your fund.
Who qualifies for the 2-pot system?
All active members of private and public sector retirement funds, except legacy retirement annuity policies, funds with no active members, and pensioners or provident fund members who were 55 or older on 1 March 2021 and have not opted in.
How often can I withdraw?
Once per tax year, with a minimum of R2 000 and no maximum.
Why is my payout so much less than I claimed?
The withdrawal is taxed at your marginal rate, the fund may deduct an administration fee, and SARS first deducts any tax debt you owe. Ask the fund for a net estimate before claiming.
Why has my withdrawal been delayed?
Check first that your returns are filed, your tax number is valid, and your details match SARS records. If they do, ask your fund where the claim stands, since it controls payment.
Can someone speed it up for a fee?
No. Your fund processes the claim and paid unlock services are a risk to your identity and banking details. Deal only with your fund.
Can I cancel after I submit?
No. Once your fund sends the directive request to SARS, your decision is final.
Confirm current rules with your retirement fund and SARS. See government application requirements and browse all government service requirements.