executors fees
While the law allows you to appoint a family member or friend as your executor, the final decision rests with the Master of the High Court. If the Master deems your chosen executor insufficiently qualified, they may require professional assistance
With a properly structured business assurance agreement, the proceeds from such a policy are exempt from estate duty in your estate. Unlike other assets, business assurance policy proceeds are not considered part of the deceased estate's deemed property, offering a
A trust can be useful for securing assets such as a family farm or holiday home for future generations, safeguarding against potential alienation or sale. In such circumstances, the trust serves as a valuable succession planning tool by ensuring that
The death of the first-dying spouse is regarded as a disposal for capital gains tax purposes. Where the first-dying spouse bequeaths his/her share of the joint estate to the surviving spouse, the surviving spouse is treated as having obtained the
In terms of calculating estate duty, there is an abatement on the first R3.5 million of the value of the estate which is not subject to tax. If the deceased is the first-dying spouse, they may roll over any unused
If immovable property in your estate is transferred to an heir – whether by testate or intestate succession - your estate will be required to pay the transfer costs, being the attorney’s conveyancing fees, in accordance with a sliding scale
Life insurance can play an important role in creating liquidity in your deceased estate and ensuring that the forced sale of assets after your death is avoided – keeping in mind that estate solvency is different from estate liquidity. While
Remember, the residue of your estate is what is left after all debts and estate costs have been paid, and after all, bequests have been made, so it is important to ensure that the inheritance intended for your heirs is
In terms of the Estate Duty Act, the estate of any person consists of all the property and deemed property of the deceased, including property both in and outside of South Africa - except in the case of a non-resident
The maximum amount that an executor can charge is 3.5% of the gross value of the assets in the estate, plus VAT at 15%. In addition to this, your executor is entitled to charge 6% on all income collected on
