Thesis (LLM)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study deals with a theoretical and practical investigation of the subject discipline of estate planning in order to identify a reliable and appropriate estate planning model. For purposes of this study, the investigation is restricted to the development of such a model in respect of a person within the niche of an average salary earner with the focus on an appropriate financial planning in respect of his death. An investigation is conducted into the basis from which the subject emerged and developed. It is determined that this basis is the method of successionand that it also forms an integral part of any proposed estate planning. Relevant principles and the methods of succession which were in force in the Roman, Roman-Dutch and English law of succession are analysed. Through the historic development, against the background of these systems, a link is made to the South African law of successionand the position in terms of the South African law is determined. The theoretical basis of the subject discipline is also laid down. The different role players involved are identified in the process and the proposed estate planning process is identified and described. The administration of estates process within the context of the English law is compared with the same process in the context of the South African law through a comparative study. This investigation is limited to those aspects of the administration of estates process important for purposes of estate planning, especially in view of the influence that the rules of the Englishlaw had on the South African law in respect of this process. Practical problems currently experienced by trust companies in respect of the administration of estates are also identified and analysed. These problems also indicate the need for the identification of a reliable and appropriate estate planning model. The identification of an appropriate estate analysis model is identified as an essential control mechanism for the proposed estate planning model. This model is furthermore expanded in order to point out the problem areas in respect of different scenarios with a determined conventional family construction as the basis for the analysis. Available estate planning instruments and techniques are identified as aids in order to facilitate the testator's estate plan by virtue of the proposed estate planning model. Testamentary mechanisms are distinguished from inter vivos mechanisms and applicable legislation is discussed. A reliable and appropriate estate planning model is identified, bearing in mind the results of the researchconducted. This study is concluded with an adjudication and consolidation of the results of the research with a special reference to the implementation phase of an estate plan and the frequent revision thereof. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie handeloor 'n teoretiese en praktiese ondersoek van die vakdissipline boedelbeplanning met die oog daarop om 'n betroubare en toepaslike boedelbeplanningsmodel te identifiseer. Die ondersoek word vir doeleindes van hierdie studie beperk en afgebaken tot die ontwikkeling van so 'n model vir 'n persoon wat homself in die nis van die gemiddelde salaristrekker bevind met die fokus op 'n toepaslike finansiële beplanning vir die intrede van dié se dood. Daar word ondersoek ingestel na die basis waaruit dié vakdissipline ontstaan en ontwikkel het. Daar is gevind dat die metode van erfopvolging daardie basis uitmaak en ook 'n integrale deel vorm van enige boedelbeplanningwat onderneem word. Relevante beginsels en die metodes van erfopvolging soos dit in die Romeinse, Romeins- Hollandse en Engelse erfreg gegeld het, word ontleed. Met die historiese ontwikkeling in hierdie stelsels as agtergrond, word daar by die Suid-Afrikaanse erfreg aangesluit en die posisie volgens die Suid- Afrikaanse reg bepaal. Die teoretiese grondslag van die vakdissipline word ook vasgelê. Die verskillende rolspelers betrokke by die voorgestelde boedelbeplanningsproses word geïdentifiseer en die voorgestelde boedelbeplanningsprosesword beskryf. Die boedelberedderingsprosesword ook binne die konteks van die Engelse reg met dié proses binne die konteks van die Suid- Afrikaanse reg deur 'n regsvergelykende studie vergelyk. Hierdie ondersoek word ook beperk tot daardie aspekte van die beredderingsproses wat vir doeleindes van boedelbeplanning van belang is, juis in die lig van die invloed van die Engelsregtelike reëls op die Suid-Afrikaanse reg ten aansien van gemelde proses. Praktiese probleme wat tans tydens die beredderingsproses van bestorwe boedels deur trustmaatskappye ervaar word, word ook geïdentifiseer en ontleed. Hierdie probleme ondersteun ook die behoefte aan die identifisering van 'n betroubare en toepaslike boedelbeplanningsmodel. Die identifisering van 'n toepaslike boedelontledingsmodel word aangetoon as 'n onontbeerlike kontrolemeganisme van die voorgestelde boedelbeplanningsmodel. Hierdie ontledingsmodel word ook uitgebrei om probleemareas ten aansien van verskillende scenario's uit te wys met 'n bepaalde konvensionele gesinskonstruksie as die basis vir die ontledingsmodel. Beskikbare boedelbeplanningsinstrumente en -tegnieke word geïdentifiseer as hulpmiddels om die erflater se toepaslike boedelplan ingevolge die struktuur van die voorgestelde boedelbeplanningsmodel te fasiliteer. Testamentêre meganismes word van inter vivos meganismes onderskei en toepaslike wetgewing word ook bespreek. Na aanleiding van die resultate van hierdie navorsing word 'n betroubare en toepaslike boedelbeplanningsmodel geïdentifiseer. Die studie word afgesluit met 'n beoordeling en samevatting van die resultate van die navorsing met 'n spesifieke verwysing na die implementeringsfase van 'n boedelplan en die gereelde hersiening daarvan.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: After many years of speculation about the possible introduction of a capital gains tax in South Africa, the tax is finally with us. Coming on top of the move to a residence basis of taxation, the introduction of the capital gains tax will impose a massive burden on the limited, skilled administrative recourses available to taxpayers and the SARS alike. Amongst investors and even some professional financial advisors such as auditors and attorneys there still is confusion and not a lack of knowledge on CGT. Appropriate planning and structuring is seldom performed. The potential CGT liability escalates every year depending on the growth rate of the particular asset. CGT will therefor be an unavoidable and growing problem for investors. Planning for the CGT goes hand in hand with estate planning and requires decisions to be taken now. The purpose is to position and structure your portfolio to avoid or reduce future tax liability (CGT and estate duty). In this study an Excel program was developed in order to calculate CGT. The model (Estate Advisor) also has a decision function and can calculate and predict future CGT liability. The purpose of the model is to test the result of a range of decisions and assumptions quickly and accurately. This enables the investor to decide on entities and structures that would best suit his situation given the assets under his control. The Estate Advisor is a tool for producing different scenarios of future situations regarding CGT and estate duty. It helps the investor to investigate and consider different options regarding his investments with regard to CGT. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Na baie jare van onsekerheid en gissings omtrent die moontlike implementering van Kapitaalwinsbelasting in Suid-Afrika, is hierdie belasting finaal geïmplementeer deur die SAID. Die implementering van KWB val saam met die verskuiwing na "verblyf' as "bron" van inkomstebelasting. Tesame sal dit groot druk uitoefen op die beperkte administratiewe bronne wat aan die belasingbetaler en die SAID beskikbaar is. Tussen gewone beleggers en selfs ook tussen sommige professionele finansiële adviseurs (ouditeure en prokureurs) heers daar in 'n groot mate onsekerheid en onkundigheid met betrekking tot KWB. Die probleem is dat 'n ferm basis van kennis van KWB benodig word om in staat te wees om die berekeninge te doen. 'n Gevolg van hierdie situasie is dat dringend benodigde aandag nie altyd aan beleggers geskenk word nie. Die potensiële KWB aanspreeklikheid eskaleer elke jaar met die betrokke groeikoers van die onderliggende bate. KWB is dus 'n onafwendbare en groeiende realiteit vir beleggers. Die beplanning vir toekomstige KWB gaan hand aan hand met beplanning vir boedelbelasting doeleindes. Die doel is om die belegger se portefeulje te posisioneer en struktureer sodat toekomstige belastingaanspreeklikheid (KWB en boedelbelasting) beperk kan word. In hierdie tesis is 'n eenvoudige Excel model ontwerp om KWB en boedelbelasting te bereken. Die model doen al die berekeninge en haal dus die las van die belegger af om oor detail kennis van KWB te beskik. Die model (Estate Advisor) het ook 'n besluitnemingsfunksie waar die belegger verskillende opsies kan oorweeg en toets. Die model word gebruik om toekomstige KWB te voorspel en bereken. Dit stel die belegger in staat om besluite te maak omtrent entiteite en strukture wat in sy situasie die gepaste antwoord sal wees. Die model moet nie gesien word as 'n instrument om beleggingsbesluite te neem nie en dit kan nie keuses uitoefen tussen verskillende beleggingsbates nie. Die doel van die model is uitsluitlik om die effek van verskillende besluite en aannames te vinnig en akkuraat te bereken. Dit dien as hulpmiddel vir die beplan van KWB en boedelbelasting wat in die toekoms betaal moet word. Die Estate Advisor is 'n instrument vir die produsering van verskillende scenarios van toekomstige situasies met betrekking tot KWB en boedelbelasting. Dit help die belegger om verskillende opsies te oorweeg en die beste beleggingsbesluit te maak.

This study is designed to analyze and compare the private annuity and installment sale transaction from an estate planning perspective. This comparison is to be made in the environment of gifting and other likely assumptions. The research is broken into three separate parts. The first portion is a careful examination of the tax aspects of both transactions. The second portion is the discussion and documentation of the models themselves. The third portion is a discussion of the output, its implications and a comparison of both techniques. The 1976 Tax Reform Act caused definite changes in the areas of estate planning; these changes required planners to look at other techniques to accomplish what had once been done with gifting. This study looks at the private annuity and installment sale transaction in that light. A private annuity is a sale, generally between family members, of property in return for a fixed payment for the remainder of the life of the transferor. An installment sale is now the method used for reporting gain on a sale where the payment extends further than the current tax year. Both of these methods may be used to transfer property prior to death as estate planning techniques. A comparison of both alternatives shows that generally the private annuity is more favorable for a younger transferor or one with a shorter expected life. The installment sale is generally more favorable for an older transferor with a longer expected life. All the planning methods were more favorable than doing nothing and the model shows an optimal point for gifting dependent upon the unified credit. The study shows promise for quantification in the area of taxation. The research would have been impossible if the large data base could not have been generated through use of computer simulation of the transactions. As the technology becomes more available the use of quantification techniques similar to those utilized in this study will increase.

Estate duty in South Africa is levied in terms of the Estate Duty Act since 1955. Estate duty is currently calculated at a flat rate of 20% on the amount of which the net worth of an estate exceeds a primary rebate of R3,5 million. Statistics show that only a small percentage of estates in South Africa is taxable. Furthermore, many estate owners – particularly those whose estates are liable for estate duty – have the financial means to afford estate planning services to reduce estate duty. This reality has the effect that estate duty is paid by a very insignificant number of estates. Similar to estate duty, capital gains tax has the tax incentive of constituting vertical equity – creating the outcome that taxpayers with greater capability to pay taxes should be taxed more severely. Capital gains tax is also a tax payable (among other instances) at the death of an estate owner. This gives rise to double taxation. Further matters that need to be considered are constitutional justification of estate duty and the question whether the categories of current taxable estates correlate with the taxable estates envisaged by the legislator in 1955. In amending fiscal policy, it is useful to consider international trends. In countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada estate duty has been abolished. This phenomenon demonstrates that estate duty is not an essential element of a tax system. The aim of this study is to investigate the contribution of the abolishment of estate duty to South African tax law. / Thesis (LL.M.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Estate duty in South Africa is levied in terms of the Estate Duty Act since 1955. Estate duty is currently calculated at a flat rate of 20% on the amount of which the net worth of an estate exceeds a primary rebate of R3,5 million. Statistics show that only a small percentage of estates in South Africa is taxable. Furthermore, many estate owners – particularly those whose estates are liable for estate duty – have the financial means to afford estate planning services to reduce estate duty. This reality has the effect that estate duty is paid by a very insignificant number of estates. Similar to estate duty, capital gains tax has the tax incentive of constituting vertical equity – creating the outcome that taxpayers with greater capability to pay taxes should be taxed more severely. Capital gains tax is also a tax payable (among other instances) at the death of an estate owner. This gives rise to double taxation. Further matters that need to be considered are constitutional justification of estate duty and the question whether the categories of current taxable estates correlate with the taxable estates envisaged by the legislator in 1955. In amending fiscal policy, it is useful to consider international trends. In countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada estate duty has been abolished. This phenomenon demonstrates that estate duty is not an essential element of a tax system. The aim of this study is to investigate the contribution of the abolishment of estate duty to South African tax law. / Thesis (LL.M.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Estate planning is the arrangement and management of an estate owner’s estate to the effect that the estate owner and his beneficiaries can enjoy maximum benefit from his worldly possessions during his lifetime and after his death. Unfortunately, for estate owners and their beneficiaries, a deceased estate has to pay an executor’s fee, estate duty and capital gains tax on the demise of the estate owner, which means the amount the estate owner intended his heirs to receive, might be substantially decreased. For decades trusts have been used for estate planning purposes. The decision of the estate owner to utilise a trust for estate planning purposes involves the disposal of growth assets from the estate owner’s estate to the trust. This ensures that the value of a growth asset is pegged in the estate owner’s estate and the asset continues to grow in the trust. The asset is disposed of by way of a loan account in favour of the estate owner and the parties agree that the outstanding amount is payable on demand. In his will, the estate owner then bequeaths the outstanding amount back to the trust. However, Paragraph 12(5) of the Eighth Schedule to the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 stated that capital gains tax will be levied in cases where a debt is reduced or discharged by a creditor for no consideration or for an amount which is less than the outstanding amount. In ABC Family Trust ITC 1793 the estate owner transfer assets to the trust on a loan account and in her will, bequeathed the exact outstanding amount back to the trust. It was argued on behalf of the trust that the bequest constituted a set-off and not a discharge of the debt. However, the court stated that the set-off took place because of the “operation of law” which is specifically included in the definition of a “disposal” for capital gains tax purposes. The court applied Paragraph 12(5) and found that the trust is liable to pay capital gains tax on the full outstanding amount. In XXX Trust ITC 1835 the estate owner also transferred asset to a trust, but in her will she bequeathed the residue of her estate, and not the exact outstanding amount, to the trust. In this case the court placed emphasise on the intention of the estate owner and not on the possible application of Paragraph 12(5). The court found that it was not the intention of the estate owner to discharge or reduce the debt for no consideration. Subsequently, it was found that the trust is not liable for capital gains tax. Since these two cases Paragraph 12(5) has been deleted and Paragraph 12A inserted in the Eight Schedule to the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962. The focus of this mini-dissertation is to determine which estate planning tools were available to estate owners to prevent a capital gains liability under Paragraph 12(5). The capital gains tax effect that Paragraph 12A might have on estate planning is also discussed. / LLM (Estate Law), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Estate planning is the arrangement and management of an estate owner’s estate to the effect that the estate owner and his beneficiaries can enjoy maximum benefit from his worldly possessions during his lifetime and after his death. Unfortunately, for estate owners and their beneficiaries, a deceased estate has to pay an executor’s fee, estate duty and capital gains tax on the demise of the estate owner, which means the amount the estate owner intended his heirs to receive, might be substantially decreased. For decades trusts have been used for estate planning purposes. The decision of the estate owner to utilise a trust for estate planning purposes involves the disposal of growth assets from the estate owner’s estate to the trust. This ensures that the value of a growth asset is pegged in the estate owner’s estate and the asset continues to grow in the trust. The asset is disposed of by way of a loan account in favour of the estate owner and the parties agree that the outstanding amount is payable on demand. In his will, the estate owner then bequeaths the outstanding amount back to the trust. However, Paragraph 12(5) of the Eighth Schedule to the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 stated that capital gains tax will be levied in cases where a debt is reduced or discharged by a creditor for no consideration or for an amount which is less than the outstanding amount. In ABC Family Trust ITC 1793 the estate owner transfer assets to the trust on a loan account and in her will, bequeathed the exact outstanding amount back to the trust. It was argued on behalf of the trust that the bequest constituted a set-off and not a discharge of the debt. However, the court stated that the set-off took place because of the “operation of law” which is specifically included in the definition of a “disposal” for capital gains tax purposes. The court applied Paragraph 12(5) and found that the trust is liable to pay capital gains tax on the full outstanding amount. In XXX Trust ITC 1835 the estate owner also transferred asset to a trust, but in her will she bequeathed the residue of her estate, and not the exact outstanding amount, to the trust. In this case the court placed emphasise on the intention of the estate owner and not on the possible application of Paragraph 12(5). The court found that it was not the intention of the estate owner to discharge or reduce the debt for no consideration. Subsequently, it was found that the trust is not liable for capital gains tax. Since these two cases Paragraph 12(5) has been deleted and Paragraph 12A inserted in the Eight Schedule to the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962. The focus of this mini-dissertation is to determine which estate planning tools were available to estate owners to prevent a capital gains liability under Paragraph 12(5). The capital gains tax effect that Paragraph 12A might have on estate planning is also discussed. / LLM (Estate Law), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Thesis (MAcc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Met die bekendstelling van kapitaalwinsbelasting in 2000 was belastingpligtiges en belastingadviseurs bekommerd oor die invloed daarvan op belasting- en boedelbeplanning. Om die volle impak daarvan te verstaan moet die werking van kapitaalwinsbelasting ondersoek word. Paragraaf 10 van die Agste Bylae definieer die belasbare kapitaalwinste vir die jaar van aanslag. Hiervolgens word kapitale winste in die hande van verskillende belastingpligtiges teen verskillende “koerse” belas. In die algemeen word daar na Paragraaf 10 verwys as die insluitingsartikel wat op kapitaalwinste van toepassing is. Aangesien slegs ‘n “gedeelte” van kapitaalwinste onderhewig is aan normale belasting is een van die grootste faktore in die huidige belastingomgewing steeds om te onderskei tussen inkomste van ‘n kapitale of nie-kapitale aard. Deur die toepassing van Paragraaf 10 word kapitaalwinste gerealiseer deur Trusts en Maatskappye teen hoër koerse belas, as in die geval van individue. Dit het tot gevolg dat belastingpligtiges en belastingadviseurs die gebruik van trusts as ‘n effektiewe hulpmiddel vir boedelbeplanning begin bevraagteken het. Die effektiewe belastingkoers van toepassing op kapitaalwinste gerealiseer deur individue is egter die laagste van al die verskillende belastingpligtiges. Wanneer ‘n individue te sterwe kom is sy boedel onderhewig aan boedelbelasting, wat ‘n verdere belasting las tot gevolg het. Indien ‘n trust effektief toegepas word tydens die opstel van ‘n boedelplan vir ‘n individu sal die bates van die trust nie onderhewig wees aan boedelbelasting nie. Deur die verskeie opsies wat beskikbaar is vir ‘n belastingpligtige, wanneer hy ‘n besluit moet neem watter beleggingsvoertuig hy moet gebruik vir die belegging, kan die effektiewe belastingkoerse vergelyk word. Deur die uitkomste van die verskeie opsies teenoor mekaar te vergelyk bewys dit dat indien ‘n trust korrek aangewend word, dit steeds as ‘n effektiewe hulpmiddel in ‘n boedelplan kan aangewend word. Tydens die uitvoer van die vergelyking van die verskillende opsies wat vir die belastingpligtige beskikbaar is, is die tydwaarde van geld buite rekening gelaat. Indien die lewensverwagting van ‘n individu in berekening gebring word kan die uitkoms van die vergelyking moontlik anders wees. Deur dit alles in ag te neem bevestig dit weereens dat elke individue se boedelplan uniek sal wees indien sy persoonlike finansiële omstandighede in ag geneem word. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: With the introduction of capital gains taxation in 2000, taxpayers and their advisors feared the impact thereof on tax planning and estate planning. To determine the impact thereof the taxation of capital gains must be understood. Paragraph 10 of the Eight Schedule define the taxable portion of capital gains for the year of assesment. Paragraph 10 is also commonly known as the inclusion clause applicaple on capital gains. This application of paragraph 10 has the effect that capital gains realised by different types of taxpayers are taxed at different rates. Due to the application of paragraph 10 only a portion of the capital gain realised by the taxpayer is subject to normal taxation. Therefor one of the biggest concerns for taxpayers still is to determine if income are of a capital nature or not. The inclusion rate, according to paragraph 10, applicable on capital gains realised by trusts and companies is higher than that of a individual and gives rise to a bigger tax burden relating to capital profits for trusts and companies. Therefor taxpayers and their advisors doubt wether a trust could still be used as an effective tool for estate planning. The effective tax rate on caiptal gains for individuals is the lowest for all types of taxpayers. But when an individual dies his estate is subject to estate duty, which leaves an additional burden for an individual to take into account. When a trust is effectively utilised in preparing an estate plan for an individual, the assets of the trust should not be subject to estate duty. By evaluating the effective tax rates applicable to the different options available to a taxpayer when he needs to determine which investment vehicle to use when making an investment, a comparision can be made. By comparing the effective tax rates a conclusion can be drawn that a trust can still be used as an effective tool for estate planning when utilised properly. When the comparison was made the time value of money was ignored. If the life expectancy of a individual are taken into account the outcome could be different. When everything is taken into consideration the conclusion is that the estate plan for every individual is unique and determined by his or her personal financial circumstances.

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Commerce (specialising in Taxation) Johannesburg, 2016 / The Davis Tax Committee released their First Interim Report on Estate Duty on 13 July 2015 which contained certain recommendations concerning the way trusts should be taxed which were to act as a deterrent against aggressive estate planning. This report also contained suggested changes to current estate duty legislation. Changes to these recommendations, yet to be published in a second report, were discussed in a webinar by Judge Dennis Davis in December 2015 and the 2016 Budget Review contained additional suggestions with regard to the taxation of trusts. This study constructs case studies to compare the effect of the various recommendations on total taxation and capital preservation in a scenario where assets are held in a South African trust over a period of time, with a scenario where such assets are kept in a South African tax resident’s personal estate. The case studies focus only on high-net-worth trusts and personal estates. The possible double taxation which may occur as a result of levying both estate duty and capital gains tax on death is also briefly considered. The case study results show the punitive effects of the proposed repeal of the s 4(q) estate duty deduction for inter-spousal bequests on the personal estate scenarios and show how several of the new proposals could result in effective capital tax rates in excess of the deemed maximum capital tax benchmark of 15%. This may result in more aggressive estate planning strategies being employed should such proposals be enacted. The report also concludes that the double taxation effect of both estate duty and capital gains tax levied on death is likely to be small on average, although individual high-net-worth estates may be subject to such double taxation in certain cases. Key words: Davis Tax Committee’s First Interim Report on Estate Duty, taxation of South African trusts, South African trusts, South African estate duty, estate planning, double taxation on death, estimate for total capital gains tax collected on death, high-net-worth individuals, inequality in South Africa, wealth tax in South Africa, total taxation in South African trusts, income-splitting in South African trusts, capital preservation in South African trusts, South African trust case study, South African estate duty case study, South African estate planning case study / MT2017

This paper addresses the impact of the federal estate tax on a family-run business as well as the optimal estate planning techniques that can be implemented to ease the estate tax burden.