Estate planning in South Africa: Essential questions answered
Estate planning is a critical part of financial planning, yet it often gets overlooked. This process involves drafting a will, assigning assets to beneficiaries, and understanding how a deceased estate will be administered. To shed light on this topic, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about estate planning that might assist in helping […]
How to wind up a deceased estate
Winding up an estate in South Africa is a meticulous process governed by the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965. It involves the collection and distribution of a deceased person’s assets, settling debts, and ensuring that the estate is managed according to the law and the deceased’s wishes. This article outlines the steps involved […]
TAX ON PENSION FUNDS AND DIVORCES
It is an unfortunate reality that marriages may after many years end up in divorce. When this happens the parties either have to agree on how assets are to be split between themselves, or a court would order a certain division of assets to apply. One such asset which is often involved is the accumulated […]
DEMYSTIFYING THE EXECUTOR IN A DECEASED ESTATE
During a person’s lifetime s/he will gather assets, in other words, belongings such as a house or a motor vehicle. These assets and liabilities will form part of a person’s estate. At the death of that person, his/her deceased estate must be administered, in other words, divided, distributed and controlled by someone. This person is […]
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY BANK ACCOUNTS WHEN I DIE?
In previous articles we suggested that the best way to ensure that your assets are distributed as you want them to be distributed, is to draw up and maintain a will. Should you die without a valid will, your assets will be distributed in terms of the Intestate Succession Act? This may result in unpractical […]
SHOULD I DRAFT A WILL?
A mother who has always wanted her daughter to inherit her diamond engagement ring may never get her wish if she dies without leaving a valid written will. The mother’s estate would then be distributed in terms of the Intestate Succession Act No. 81 of 1987. Taking the time to draft a will can leave […]
CAPITAL GAINS TAX AND THE SALE OF A PROPERTY
Capital Gains Tax was introduced on 1 October 2001. Capital Gains Tax is payable on the profit a seller makes when disposing of his property. What is meant by Capital Gain? A person’s capital gain on an asset disposed of is the amount by which the proceeds exceed the base cost of that asset. What […]