by VDT Attorneys | Oct 1, 2025 | Estate Planning, International estate planning, Wills and Trusts
The often-quoted phrase “nothing is certain except death and taxes” is crucial for estate planning. South African residents with local and offshore assets need to understand the tax obligations that will arise at their death. Unfortunately, many testators are unaware...
by VDT Attorneys | Sep 4, 2025 | AML, Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-money Laundering Amendment Act, Estate Planning, Tax, Tax Advice, Wills and estates
Estate planning does not operate in a vacuum. It is shaped by tax policy, political pressures, and economic realities. Recent developments in South Africa illustrate how quickly the landscape can change. For example, although the government rejected new...
by VDT Attorneys | Aug 29, 2025 | Accrual, Claims, Deceased Estate, Estate disputes, Estate Planning
Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure that your wishes are carried out after your death and loved ones are provided for. It establishes clarity, legal certainty, and peace of mind. However, even a carefully structured estate plan is...
by VDT Attorneys | Oct 29, 2024 | Estate Planning, Executor
The first choice is to select an executor in your will. This means that you should have a will that you regularly review to ensure that your executor nomination is still appropriate and meets the requirements listed below. As a rule, you can select anyone as your...
by VDT Attorneys | Sep 2, 2024 | Art, Deceased Estate, Estate duty, Estate Planning
Following an individual’s passing, their estate may be subject to various taxes including Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Donations Tax, Estate Duty, and potentially VAT. The specific tax liabilities will vary based on the types of assets in the estate and the...
by VDT Attorneys | Apr 22, 2024 | Corporate, Corporate structuring, Estate Planning, Tax, Trust
A trust is a unique legal entity created to hold assets for the benefit of its beneficiaries. Trustees are entrusted to manage the trust’s affairs in favour of the beneficiaries according to the provisions of the trust deed. As a separate legal entity distinct...
