Estate Administration Durban covers the winding up of a deceased estate: reporting it to the Master of the High Court, obtaining Letters of Executorship, gathering and valuing assets, settling debts and tax, and distributing what remains.
The process is prescribed by the Administration of Estates Act and runs to fixed steps. Most estates take between six and eighteen months.
The approximate value of the estate, whether there is a valid will and whether an executor has been nominated.
Get Quotes From Accountants in DurbanThe Process
| Step | Typical timing |
|---|---|
| Report the estate to the Master | Within 14 days of death |
| Letters of Executorship issued | 4 - 12 weeks |
| Open an estate bank account | After appointment |
| Section 29 advertisement for creditors | 21 days for claims |
| Gather and value assets | 1 - 4 months |
| Settle debts and taxes | Ongoing |
| Liquidation and distribution account lodged | Within 6 months of appointment, extendable |
| Section 35 inspection period | 21 days |
| Distribution to heirs | After the account is confirmed |
| Property transfers | 2 - 6 months, in parallel |
Estates with a gross value below R250,000 can be handled under section 18(3) with a Master's Representative rather than a full executorship, which is faster and cheaper.
Executor Fees And Estate Duty
- Executor's fee on assets. A prescribed maximum of 3.5% of the gross value of assets, plus VAT where the executor is a vendor.
- Executor's fee on income. A prescribed maximum of 6% of income collected after the date of death.
- Master's fees. Payable on a sliding scale according to the value of the estate.
- Estate duty. 20% of the dutiable amount up to R30 million and 25% above, after the R3.5 million section 4A abatement.
- The spousal roll-over. Assets left to a surviving spouse are deductible, and the unused abatement can be carried to the second estate.
- Capital gains tax. Death is a deemed disposal, with a R300,000 exclusion in the year of death.
The executor's fee is a maximum, not a fixed rate. It can be negotiated before appointment, and many families do.
What The Family Needs To Gather
- The original will. Plus any codicils.
- The death certificate and identity document. Certified copies.
- Marriage certificate and antenuptial contract. The matrimonial property regime changes what falls into the estate.
- Asset documentation. Title deeds, vehicle papers, share certificates, investment statements, policy documents.
- Liabilities. Bond statements, credit agreements, outstanding accounts.
- Tax information. The deceased's tax number and the last assessment.
The deceased's final tax return and the estate's own tax obligations both have to be dealt with. See Accountants Durban for firms handling the tax side alongside the estate.
Estate Administration Durban Prices
Indicative costs. The executor's fee is set by prescribed tariff, other costs vary.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Executor's fee | Up to 3.5% of gross asset value, plus VAT | Prescribed maximum, negotiable |
| Executor's fee on income | 6% of income collected after death | Prescribed maximum |
| Master's fees | Sliding scale, capped | Payable to the Master of the High Court |
| Estate duty | 20% of the dutiable amount up to R30m, 25% above | After the R3.5m section 4A abatement |
| Conveyancing on property transfer | On the conveyancing tariff | Per property |
| Advertising costs | R500 - R2,500 | Section 29 and section 35 notices |
| Final income tax return | R1,500 - R6,500 | Date of death return |
| Estate tax returns | R2,500 - R8,000 | Post-death income |
| Section 18(3) small estate | R6,000 - R20,000 | Estates under R250,000 |
| Valuations | R2,500 - R25,000 | Property, business interests, collections |
Indicative figures, not a quotation. The 3.5% executor's fee is a prescribed maximum. Estates with businesses, foreign assets, trusts or disputes among heirs cost more and take longer.
Compare executor fees and approach before appointing anyone.
Compare Estate AdministratorsFrequently Asked Questions
How much does an executor charge in South Africa?
The prescribed maximum is 3.5% of the gross value of the estate assets plus VAT, and 6% of income collected after death. The fee is a maximum and can be negotiated, particularly on larger estates.
How long does it take to wind up an estate?
Six to eighteen months for a straightforward estate. Property transfers, business interests, foreign assets and disputes between heirs extend it, sometimes considerably.
When must a death be reported to the Master?
Within 14 days of the date of death. The estate is reported to the Master of the High Court in the jurisdiction where the deceased was ordinarily resident.
What is estate duty and when is it payable?
Estate duty is charged at 20% of the dutiable amount up to R30 million and 25% above that, after the section 4A abatement of R3.5 million. A surviving spouse can inherit the unused portion of the abatement.
Can a family member be the executor?
Yes, and the Master may require an agent where the nominated executor is inexperienced or the estate is complex. Many families nominate a relative and appoint a professional agent to do the work.
Related Accounting Services in Durban
Accountants Durban is a free quote-comparison service. The accounting, tax and audit work is carried out by the independent firms and practitioners that quote you, and your engagement is with the firm you appoint. Ask each firm for its registration details, professional body membership and a written engagement letter before appointing anyone.
Estate Administration Durban. Compare executor fees and estate administration quotes in Durban.
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