The news feed

The following tax limits are effective immediately. The Single Discretionary Allowance (SDA) for individuals increased from R1 000 000 to R2 000 000. The following tax limits are adjusted with effect from 1 March 2026. The annual...

A living will is one of the most compassionate documents you can create for your family. It tells doctors and loved ones what medical treatment you do or do not want if you cannot speak for yourself. Unlike a Last Will and Testament, which deals with money and...

When someone in South Africa loses the ability to manage their own finances, families often discover that a standard power of attorney no longer works. Banks refuse instructions, bills pile up, and essential assets cannot be sold or maintained. In complex or...

A power of attorney is one of the most familiar legal tools for handling day-to-day admin when you cannot be present. In South Africa it allows a trusted person to act in your name for clearly defined tasks, from signing a sale agreement to managing a bank transaction...

A minor’s trust is one of the most practical tools in South African estate planning. It allows you to leave money or property to a child without handing full control to them before they are ready. Instead, independent adults called trustees manage the assets in the...

A trust fund is a flexible legal arrangement that holds assets for someone else’s benefit. In South Africa, families use trusts to protect wealth, provide for children, manage business interests, and plan for tax and estate administration. Because the concept can feel...

Trusts are a cornerstone of South African estate planning and asset protection. A trust separates control and enjoyment, with trustees owning and administering assets for the benefit of defined beneficiaries under the terms of a written deed. When people speak about...

A residential trust is a trust that owns or holds rights over a home or other residential property for the benefit of one or more people. In South Africa, this is usually a discretionary family trust that either acquires a primary residence, holds an investment flat,...

A Will is the single most important document in your estate plan. Yet many South Africans still pass away without one—or with a document that looks like a Will but fails on the technicalities. This guide explains the legal requirements when drafting a will in South...

South Africans often use family trusts to protect assets, provide for children, and manage inter-generational wealth. A common technique is to move assets into a trust by selling them to the trust on credit, or by advancing cash that the trust will repay over time....

No one enjoys thinking about the costs that arise after a death, but careful planning for estate expenses is one of the biggest gifts you can leave your family. In South Africa, the administration of a deceased estate triggers a sequence of fees, taxes, professional...

A well-structured trust can preserve family wealth, protect vulnerable beneficiaries, and deliver tax and governance benefits that last for generations. At the heart of every successful trust is a competent board of trustees. Increasingly in South Africa, that board...

Estate planning is an essential part of managing your wealth and ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. One of the most significant considerations in estate planning is estate duty, a tax imposed on the estate of a deceased person before...

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is an important consideration for individuals, businesses, and trustees in South Africa. Whether you are selling a property, managing a trust, or planning your estate, understanding how CGT works can help you minimise tax liabilities and ensure...

When someone dies, their assets and liabilities fall into a deceased estate that must be wound up under the supervision of the Master of the High Court. One of the most valuable—and emotionally charged—assets in any estate is fixed property. Whether you are an...

A South‑African trust can be a powerful vehicle for asset protection and estate planning – but only when it is transparent, compliant and well‑governed. Since 1 April 2023, sweeping amendments to the Trust Property Control Act 57 of 1988 have forced trustees to up...

Estate planning is not just about who inherits your assets; it’s also about how easily those assets can be converted into cash to settle debts, taxes, executor’s fees, and day-to-day expenses while your estate is being wound up. This ability to pay inevitable costs...

Trusts are widely used in South Africa to preserve family wealth, ring-fence assets from creditors, and provide long-term financial security for future generations. When executed correctly, a trust is a robust fiduciary vehicle that separates ownership (held by the...

You are sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago. -Warren Buffet Crest Trust was founded by Ian Brink on the 1st of July 2005 and celebrates its 20th year in the fiduciary industry as a well-established role player. Crest Trust was...

Having a watertight Will is the cornerstone of effective estate planning, but many South Africans overlook one powerful tool that can make a big difference to their legacy: appointing a trust as a beneficiary. A trust can safeguard assets for minor children, protect...

When it comes to estate planning, one of the most important considerations is understanding estate duty. In South Africa, estate duty is a tax that can significantly impact the value of an inheritance. While often overlooked, proper planning around estate duty can...

Bequeathing fixed property—such as a home, farm, or commercial building—is a significant aspect of estate planning in South Africa. While it may seem straightforward to leave property to a loved one in your will, the process involves several legal, financial, and...

When a loved one passes away, the administration of their estate can be a complex and emotionally taxing process. One of the most challenging situations arises when the estate does not have enough money to meet its obligations. In South Africa, this can manifest in...

In today’s evolving regulatory landscape, beneficial ownership registration has become a crucial requirement for both trusts and companies in South Africa. This process is essential for ensuring transparency, compliance, and accountability, particularly in light of...

Estate planning is an essential process for anyone who wants to ensure their assets are protected and efficiently transferred to their heirs. However, for business owners, estate planning takes on an added level of complexity. Without a structured plan, a business can...

The conduit principle is a cornerstone of trust law and estate planning in South Africa, playing a significant role in the taxation of income and capital gains within trusts. However, recent court rulings have sparked debates about its application, leaving trustees...

Trusts are widely used in South Africa as a vehicle for estate planning, asset protection, and wealth transfer. While they offer several benefits, trusts also come with specific tax obligations and advantages that trustees and beneficiaries need to understand. In this...

Divorce is a challenging time for all parties involved, particularly when it comes to dividing assets. In South Africa, trusts are often used as an estate planning tool to protect assets, but they can also complicate matters during a divorce. Understanding how trusts...

Estate planning is a critical part of securing your legacy, and understanding how your marital regime affects your Will is an essential step in the process. In South Africa, marital regimes dictate how assets are managed during the marriage and what happens to them...

When it comes to estate planning, life’s changing circumstances might require you to adjust your will. This is where a codicil comes into play. A codicil is a legal document used to amend or supplement an existing will without rewriting the entire document. It ensures...