Most RA confusion starts here.

Can I withdraw from my RA whenever I want?

No.
An RA is designed to preserve money for retirement. You cannot withdraw funds freely like you can from a normal investment account.

What is the Two-Pot Retirement System?

The Two-Pot system separates retirement savings into components:

• A Savings Component, which may allow limited access under specific rules
• A Retirement Component, which remains preserved for retirement

The system introduces some flexibility - but it does not turn an RA into a normal savings account.

Does Two-Pot mean I can withdraw freely?

No.
Access is limited. Withdrawals are governed by legislation, minimum thresholds, taxation, and processing rules.

What is the Savings Component?

If you have value in your Savings Component, withdrawals are limited in frequency but may be possible - subject to:

• Available balance
• Applicable rules
• Tax treatment
• Required documentation

Savings Component withdrawals are taxable.

Remember: withdrawing from your Savings Component reduces the amount available for retirement and may impact long-term growth.

Are Savings Component withdrawals reversible?

No.
Once submitted, a Savings Component withdrawal request cannot be cancelled or reversed.

Are there fees?

A retirement fund administration fee may apply to Savings Component withdrawals.

Good to know: An RA works best when you treat it as “future-you money.” If you think you might need the funds in the short term, a different account type may be more suitable.

Because an RA is governed by retirement fund legislation, deposits are treated as retirement contributions.
They cannot simply be reversed like a normal investment deposit.

Once you deposit into your RA, assume it is permanent.

If you deposit by mistake, can it be refunded?

In general: no.
Once funds are in an RA, they fall under retirement fund rules and are not withdrawable on request.

Double-check before depositing:

• You are viewing the RA deposit screen
• You are using the exact RA EFT reference shown
• You are not reusing a saved ZAR or TFSA reference

Treat every RA deposit as final.

Exception (rare)

In very limited and exceptional circumstances, an administrative correction may be considered.
This is:

• Not guaranteed
• Not a standard service
• Subject to review

If approved, a R250 administrative fee applies.
Do not assume a correction will be possible. 

What is a Retirement Annuity?

A Retirement Annuity (RA) is a regulated retirement savings product designed for long-term investing toward retirement.
It offers tax advantages, but it is governed by retirement fund legislation.

Is an RA the same as my ZAR account or TFSA?

No.

• A ZAR account is a standard investment wallet.
• A TFSA has its own tax rules.
• An RA is a retirement fund with restricted access and legal requirements.

Each account type operates under different legislation.

Who should consider opening an RA?

An RA may be appropriate if:

• You want to save specifically for retirement
• You are comfortable investing long term
• You are self-employed or do not belong to an employer retirement fund
• You want additional retirement savings beyond your employer fund

How do I activate my RA?

In the app:
Menu → Add and Manage Accounts → Activate New Accounts → Retirement Annuity
Follow the prompts to complete setup.

Why must I add beneficiaries?

Because an RA is a retirement fund product.
Beneficiary information helps the fund identify dependants or nominees and process benefits correctly if you pass away.

Can I update beneficiaries later?

Yes.
It is important to review and update beneficiaries if your circumstances change. Keeping your beneficiaries up to date can prevent delays and complications for your loved ones.

How do I contribute?

You contribute by depositing funds (typically via EFT) using the unique RA reference provided.
Once funds are received, they are treated as retirement contributions.

How long do deposits take?

RA deposits may take slightly longer than standard deposits due to additional retirement fund processing.

What reference must I use?

Always use the exact EFT reference shown on your RA deposit screen.

Each account type (ZAR, TFSA, RA) has its own unique reference.

What is the most common mistake?

Using a previously saved bank beneficiary or the wrong reference (for example, a ZAR reference instead of the RA reference or vice versa).

Consider whether you have sufficient emergency savings before committing funds to a long-term retirement account. 

Are RA contributions tax deductible?

Yes - subject to SARS limits across all your retirement fund contributions.
Your personal tax position determines how much you can deduct.

What if I contribute more than I can deduct?

Excess contributions may not be deductible immediately.
Depending on SARS rules, they may be carried forward or applied at retirement.

A tax practitioner can advise based on your circumstances.

Is growth inside an RA taxed?

Retirement fund investments are structured to be tax-efficient while invested.
Tax is generally applied when benefits are paid out (such as Savings Component withdrawals or retirement benefits).

What is Regulation 28?

Regulation 28 limits how retirement funds can be invested. This means your RA is designed to balance growth and risk - even if you personally prefer a more aggressive strategy.

Its purpose is to reduce concentration risk and protect retirement savings.

Can I invest 100% in shares, crypto, or offshore assets?

No.
Your RA must comply with Regulation 28 limits. Certain allocations are restricted by law. 

When can I access the rest of my RA?

Generally from age 55, subject to retirement fund legislation.

What happens at retirement?

You typically have:

• A lump sum option (subject to limits)
• An annuity portion that must provide retirement income

Retirement rules can change over time, so the exact options available to you will depend on legislation at the time you retire.

Can I take my full RA in cash?

Not always.
Retirement rules typically limit the portion that can be taken as cash. The remaining portion must provide income through an annuity.

Can I transfer an existing RA?

Yes.
Transfers between approved retirement fund providers are generally possible without triggering tax, provided the correct process is followed.

How long do transfers take?

Transfer timeframes vary depending on the ceding provider and documentation completeness. 

Do I have to contribute monthly?

No.
You may contribute as and when you choose, subject to platform rules.

What happens if I stop contributing?

Your RA remains invested.
You can continue managing your investments within Regulation 28 limits.

What happens to my RA if I pass away?

Retirement fund death benefits are handled under retirement fund legislation.
Beneficiary nominations guide the trustees, but distributions follow legal retirement fund principles.

Does my RA form part of my estate?

Retirement fund death benefits are generally treated differently from normal estate assets and are processed under retirement fund legislation.

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• EasyEquities Help Centre
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