Calculates​

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• Gross Estate

• Total Liabilities

• Estate Duty

• Executor’s Fees (incl. VAT)

• Capital Gains Tax on Death

• Total Estate Costs

• Net Estate to Heirs

• % Loss due to Estate Costs​

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Estate assumptions 

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• Estate Duty: 20% up to R30m, 25% above R30m

• Primary Estate Duty Abatement: R3,500,000

• Executor’s Fee: 3.5% + 15% VAT

• CGT on death:

  • Capital gain inclusion rate: 40%

  • CGT tax rate: 18%

  • CGT exclusion on death: R300,000

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Bequeath to Spouse

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Section 4Q of the South African Estate Duty Act provides a full estate duty deduction for assets bequeathed to a surviving spouse. In simple terms, anything left to a spouse is exempt from estate duty in the estate of the first-dying spouse.

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Bequests to a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO)

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In South Africa, bequests to qualifying PBOs are exempt from estate duty under Section 4(h) of the Estate Duty Act.

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Accrual Claim Deduction in a Deceased Estate 

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In South Africa, an accrual claim arises from the Matrimonial Property Act when spouses are married out of community of property with the accrual system. When one spouse dies, the surviving spouse may have a claim against the deceased estate, and this claim is deductible for estate duty purposes. Excluded in calculations. 

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CGT Calculation

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CGT is calculated by determining the capital gain, deducting exclusions and losses, applying the inclusion rate, and taxing the result as part of normal income tax.

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Executor Fees and Liquidity

 

​Executor’s fees are paid to the executor of the estate for administering and finalizing the estate. When winding up a deceased estate, executor’s fees and liquidity are closely linked, because fees must be paid in cash, while estates often consist mainly of illiquid assets like property.

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Lifetime Donations in Estate Planning

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In estate planning, lifetime donations are transfers of assets made by a person while alive, rather than leaving them in a will. These can significantly affect estate duty, capital gains tax, and succession planning.

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This calculator provides an estimate only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Actual estate costs may differ based on estate structure, legislation, and exemptions.