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EasyForms® simplifies the completion of prescribed forms required to report and register a deceased estate with the Master of the High Court.

Our Services

Backed by decades of combined experience in estate administration, taxation, and fiduciary services, the team supports clients through every stage of the estate journey — from planning and drafting wills to final estate distribution and SARS compliance.

At Optima Executors®, we understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate the administrative and legal processes after the loss of a loved one. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every stage of the deceased estate process with empathy, precision, and transparency.

Optima Executors® combines professional expertise with genuine care, helping families navigate estate administration with confidence and peace of mind.

Why Optima Executors®

Optima Executors® has extensive experience in all facets of deceased estate administration, including estate taxation. Since the amendments to the Income Tax Act effective 1 March 2016, we have also provided specialist taxation services to fellow practitioners, helping them navigate the increasingly complex tax landscape surrounding estates.

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Taxation Service

Optima Executors® offers a comprehensive range of taxation services specifically tailored to deceased estates. Our offering covers the full spectrum of tax obligations arising upon death — from initial notifications to final clearance — ensuring full compliance with SARS requirements.

Our services include:

    • Reporting the taxpayer’s death to SARS
    • Obtaining the deceased’s tax history
    • Preparing and submitting income tax returns up to the date of death — including capital gains tax and taxes on annuities and life products
    • Registering the deceased estate as a separate taxpayer with SARS
    • Preparing and submitting the estate’s income tax return (from date of death to date of final account)
    • Calculating estate duty and determining liability
    • Preparing and submitting the Estate Duty Return (Rev267)
    • Attending to SARS queries, reviews, and audits
    • Obtaining SARS tax and estate duty clearances

This service is actively used and highly regarded by several fellow estate practitioners, as it provides a complete, hands-on solution that manages all tax-related aspects — including SARS interactions, eFiling submissions, and communication with third parties — from start to finish.

Estate Planning
Estate planning is essential to ensure that your assets are preserved and transferred to your loved ones according to your wishes. It also helps to manage and minimise the costs, taxes, and complexities associated with the administration of your estate.

The first and most important step in any estate plan is having a valid and executable will. This is your opportunity to:

  • Bequeath your assets;
  • Appoint your heirs;
  • Nominate your executor; and
  • Designate a guardian for your minor children.

If you die without a valid will, you forfeit your say in these critical matters. In such cases, your estate will be administered in terms of the Intestate Succession Act, which may not reflect your wishes — and could result in unnecessary delays, legal complications, and higher costs.

Wills and Testaments
We will draft your last will and testament to ensure that it meets all legal and formal requirements — and, most importantly, that it is practical, executable, and accurately reflects your wishes.
Estate Administration

The Administration Process in Summary:

  • Report the estate to the Master of the High Court and obtain the Letter of Authority
  • Take custody of the deceased’s property
  • Provide for the subsistence of the deceased’s family and household
  • Advertise for creditors to lodge claims
  • Open an estate late bank account
  • Assess the solvency of the estate
    Liquidate assets to settle debts, costs, and taxes
  • Prepare and lodge the Liquidation and Distribution Account with the Master
  • Obtain the Master’s approval of the account
  • Advertise that the account is open for inspection
  • After inspection, pay creditors
  • Pay heirs and transfer bequeathed property
  • Pay estate duty
  • Obtain final discharge from the Master
Specialist Services to Professionals

Optima Executors® offers specialised support services to fellow professionals involved in deceased estate administration and legal matters.

We assist with:

  • Capital gains tax on death and estate assets
  • Estate duty calculations and optimisation
  • Income tax returns for the deceased and the estate
  • Valuation of unlisted shares under section 5(1)(f)bis of the Estate Duty Act
  • Usufruct valuations
  • Accrual claims
  • Maintenance claims for surviving spouses
  • We also provide webinars, seminars, training, and lecturing on all the above — tailored to both legal and accounting audiences.

Additional Services for Attorneys:

We assist legal professionals with financial investigations in divorce matters, particularly where hidden assets, business valuations, or complex structures are involved.