SAICA Releases Updated Estate Duty Guide (Version 3)

Posted 21 January 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Tax

Brought to you by SA Accounting Academy: The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) has released an updated technical guide to assist practitioners with the interpretation and application of the Estate Duty Act, No. 45 of 1955.

In terms of the Estate Duty Act, No. 45 of 1955, SAICA has issued the Estate Duty Guide (Version 3). This publication serves as a comprehensive reference for the calculation, administration, and payment of estate duty. The guide addresses the determination of the total value of property, deemed property, and the allowable deductions under section 4 of the Act.

The updated guide provides clarity on the following regulatory aspects:

  • The valuation of property and limited interests in accordance with the Estate Duty Act, No. 45 of 1955.
  • The application of the section 4A abatement (primary rebate).
  • The treatment of life insurance policies and pension fund benefits as deemed property.
  • The administrative requirements for filing the Estate Duty Return (Rev267) with the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

Click here to download the SAICA Estate Duty Guide (Version 3).

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: Use the updated guide to ensure your technical understanding of the Estate Duty Act, No. 45 of 1955 is current, particularly regarding the valuation of limited interests and usufructs.
  • For your business: Review and update internal estate planning templates and compliance checklists to align with the technical interpretations provided in Version 3 of the guide.
  • For your clients: Perform a review of existing estate plans to ensure that liquidity calculations and duty liabilities are accurately estimated based on the latest SARS and SAICA guidance on deductions and rebates.

Originally published at https://accountingacademy.co.za/news/read/saica-estate-duty-guide

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