How to use donations effectively in an estate plan to reduce tax

To achieve this in tax planning, estate planners use donations as one of the ways in which to help individuals reduce the taxable values of their estates.

Donations of up to R100,000 per year can be used.

However, not all donations are exempt from donations tax.

Principal exemptions for donations tax include donations between spouses, donations to charitable, ecclesiastical and educational institutions, and certain public bodies limited to certain thresholds.

Donations of up to R100,000 will also not be taxed, nor will donations of assets already outside of South Africa, subject to certain conditions.

Donations where the recipient will not benefit until the death of the donor are also not taxable. Donations deemed taxable – which can include the disposal of property are taxed at a flat rate of 20% on the value of the donation, payable within three months after the donation.

By donating assets and incurring donations tax at the time, the tax paid can reduce a person’s estate value, which may result in an estate duty saving.

There are many important aspects to an estate plan that many people have not yet considered.

Attempting to use interest-free loans as gifts will be flagged by Sars since they are not regarded as a gift for the purposes of donations tax.

Structured properly, an individual could anticipate bequests by donating assets to their heirs during their lifetime up to the maximum value allowed, thereby effectively decreasing the value of their estate and reducing the impact of estate duty.

There are many factors which need to be considered, such as antenuptial contract terms.

It is advisable to record all donations in agreements, though it is not a legal requirement that the donation be in writing, unless it is regarding immovable property or donations promised for a date in the future.

Both the donor and recipient should record the donation in their tax returns in the year in which the donation was made.

Anyone planning to use donations should also be aware that the donor is responsible for payment of the tax. Professional advice is the best way to avoid nasty tax surprises.

Marietta du Preez is general manager at Ecsponent Financial Services.

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