Can I withdraw money from SRS account as an expat?

“Can I withdraw money from SRS account?” is not an unusual concern among expats looking to access their funds.

Withdrawing funds from this account might have complicated procedures and repercussions, including different fees and tax issues.

This post will cover SRS meaning and withdrawal of SRS funds. The following points will be discussed:

• What is SRS account?
• SRS withdrawal rules
• Can I withdraw money from SRS account?
• How do I withdraw money from SRS as an expat?
• How much can I withdraw from SRS?
• How much can I withdraw from SRS without tax?
• SRS withdrawal tax
• SRS withdrawal period
• SRS withdrawal strategy

If you are looking to invest as an expat or high-net-worth individual, which is what I specialize in, you can email me (advice@adamfayed.com) or WhatsApp (+44-7393-450-837).

You may increase your retirement savings and trim your tax liability by carefully managing your withdrawals, which could help guarantee a more secure retirement.

What is SRS account?

In Singapore, the Central Provident Fund is supplemented by the voluntary Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS).

The scheme was created in 2001. It gives participants the flexibility to make payments that can be injected in a range of authorized investments.

SRS Withdrawal Rules

Can I withdraw money from SRS account?

Of course. Anytime, participants have the option to take cash or invest the money they have deposited into their SRS account.

How do I withdraw money from SRS as an expat?

When taking out money from your Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) account, you must speak with your operator. You also must fill out the necessary paperwork, be aware of the tax ramifications, and confirm that you fit the residence criteria.

Normally, a few working days will pass after your request is processed. The money is then moved to the bank account you have specified.

Your income tax return needs to be filed in Singapore following the withdrawal. You may receive a refund for any excess withheld tax when it has been accounted for. Your liability at the time of withdrawal will depend on your residence status; if you are no longer a tax resident, you may be subject to a different tax rate.

How much can I withdraw from SRS?    

You are not restricted in how much you can withdraw from your Supplementary Retirement Scheme account as an expat in Singapore.

How much can I withdraw from SRS without tax?

In terms of SRS withdrawal limit that’s tax-free, it’s set at 50% if you do so after you reach the current statutory retirement age of 63. If money is withdrawn because of a terminal disease, the first S$400,000 is exempt from tax.

SRS withdrawal tax

A 100% tax plus a 5% penalty applies to the full amount of early withdrawals taken before the specified retirement age.

Upon withdrawal, foreign nationals are subject to a 24% withholding tax, which is deducted from their real tax obligation. The actual tax that is due will be determined by the progressive resident rates if the expat or Singapore Permanent Resident is a tax resident of Singapore.

If the progressive resident rates are applied, or 15%, the real tax payable for non-residents will be the larger amount.

Withdrawals are subject to 100% taxation in the case of bankruptcy.

SRS withdrawal period

When you reach the statutory retirement age, you can begin taking withdrawals from your SRS account without incurring penalties.

You may continue to withdraw your SRS funds for up to ten years following your initial penalty-free withdrawal.

Foreign nationals with SRS accounts that have been open for at least ten years are eligible to make a single, penalty-free withdrawal of their entire balance; however, fifty percent of the money taken out will be taxed.

SRS withdrawal strategy

Take into account the following crucial elements while creating a successful withdrawal plan for supplementary retirement scheme for foreigners:

• Appropriately time withdrawals, i.e., refrain from cashing out early
• Spread withdrawals
• Beware of taxes and check status for tax residency

Review your financial status on a regular basis and make any necessary adjustments to your supplementary retirement scheme withdrawal plan. This entails taking adjustments to personal income, tax rules, and financial objectives into account.

Especially if you’re an expat, a well-thought-out SRS withdrawal plan can greatly improve your retirement plan.

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Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters, with over 760.2 million answer views on Quora.com, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.