How do I advertise a deceased estate in the Government Gazette?


To advertise a deceased estate in the Government Gazette in South Africa, you can follow these steps:

  1. Gather the required information: Collect all the necessary information related to the deceased estate, including the full name of the deceased, date of death, last place of residence, and details of the estate executor or administrator.
  2. Prepare the advertisement: Draft the advertisement according to the prescribed format for deceased estate notices. The format typically includes essential information about the deceased, the estate, and contact details for the executor or administrator. Ensure that you include all the required information accurately.
  3. Determine the correct Government Gazette: Identify the appropriate Government Gazette in which you need to publish the deceased estate notice. In most cases, the notice should be placed in the Provincial Gazette where the deceased resided or where the estate is being administered. You may also need to consider publishing the notice in the National Gazette.
  4. Contact the Government Printing Works (GPW): Reach out to the GPW, which is responsible for publishing the Government Gazette. You can contact them through their Customer Contact Centre via telephone or email to inquire about the process and requirements for advertising a deceased estate. They will provide specific instructions, guidelines, and any fees (if applicable) for placing the notice.
  5. Submit the advertisement: Based on the guidance provided by the GPW, submit the deceased estate advertisement for publication. Follow the instructions on the preferred method of submission, which may include online submission, email, or physical delivery of printed copies. Ensure that you provide all the required information accurately.
  6. Pay the required fees: There may be fees associated with publishing the deceased estate notice in the Government Gazette. The GPW will inform you of the applicable fees and provide instructions on how to make the payment. Submit the payment as directed.
  7. Confirmation and publication: Once your advertisement and payment are received, the GPW will review and process your submission. They will confirm the publication date and provide any additional details or requirements. The deceased estate notice will be published in the designated Gazette on the specified date.

It is important to note that the process and requirements for advertising a deceased estate in the Government Gazette may vary depending on the specific Gazette involved and any applicable provincial or national legislation. Contacting the GPW directly will provide you with more information on the submission process and guidelines for advertising the deceased estate.

Tax and Insurance in South Africa 2025

Tax and Insurance in South Africa: What You Need to Know in 2025

In South Africa, understanding the relationship between tax and insurance is essential for protecting your financial future and making the most of available tax benefits. Whether you're an individual, a freelancer, or a business owner, the smart use of insurance can help you reduce your tax liability and safeguard your assets.

Why Insurance Matters for Tax in South Africa

Insurance is more than just a safety net—it can also have a direct impact on your tax situation. From medical insurance to business insurance, certain premiums and policies may qualify for deductions or influence how you declare your income and expenses to SARS (the South African Revenue Service).

  • Tax Deductions: Certain insurance premiums, especially related to medical schemes and business cover, may offer tax advantages.
  • Asset Protection: Insurance helps manage risk, ensuring you’re financially secure when unexpected events occur.
  • Estate Planning: Life insurance can play a key role in reducing estate duty and ensuring a smooth transfer of wealth.

Types of Insurance and Their Tax Implications

1. Medical Insurance (Medical Schemes)

If you're contributing to a registered medical aid, you're entitled to a Medical Scheme Fees Tax Credit (MTC). This credit is a fixed amount per month for you and your dependents and reduces your overall tax liability.

2. Life Insurance

While life insurance pay-outs (on death) are generally not subject to income tax, they can be considered when calculating estate duty. Policies structured under a trust or with specific beneficiaries may help reduce the overall tax burden on your estate.

3. Short-Term Insurance (Vehicle, Home, Contents)

Personal short-term insurance is not tax-deductible for individuals. However, if you use part of your home or vehicle for business, the portion of insurance premiums related to business use may be claimed as a business expense.

4. Business Insurance

For companies and self-employed individuals, business insurance premiums—such as professional indemnity, commercial property cover, or key person insurance—are usually tax-deductible as operating expenses.

5. Disability and Income Protection Insurance

The tax treatment of disability insurance changed in recent years. Payouts from income protection insurance are now generally taxed as income, but premiums are not tax-deductible. Understanding this shift is important when planning your cover.

Tax Tips to Maximise Your Insurance Benefits

  • Keep Detailed Records: Always keep documentation of insurance premiums, especially those linked to business or medical expenses.
  • Consult a Tax Practitioner: SARS regulations around insurance and tax can be complex. A registered tax advisor can help ensure you claim all available deductions correctly.
  • Review Policies Annually: Update your insurance portfolio regularly to ensure your cover aligns with your income, expenses, and current tax laws.
  • Use Structuring Wisely: For high-net-worth individuals, structuring life insurance policies within a trust can reduce estate duty exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions: Tax and Insurance in South Africa

Q: Can I deduct life insurance premiums from my South African taxes?
A: No, life insurance premiums are generally not deductible. However, they may play a key role in estate planning.

Q: Are medical aid contributions tax-deductible?
A: Not exactly. Instead, you receive a Medical Tax Credit—a fixed monthly rebate that reduces your tax payable.

Q: Can I claim car insurance as a tax deduction?
A: Only if the vehicle is used for business purposes. You can claim the business-use portion of your vehicle insurance.

Q: Is business insurance tax-deductible in South Africa?
A: Yes. Business insurance premiums related to company operations are generally tax-deductible.

Final Thoughts

In South Africa, insurance isn't just about protection—it's a strategic tool for managing your tax liability, preserving wealth, and supporting long-term financial stability. Whether you’re reviewing your medical insurance, planning your estate, or choosing the right business insurance, it’s essential to understand how these choices affect your tax outcomes.

With the right advice and a well-structured insurance portfolio, you can reduce your tax bill while ensuring comprehensive protection for yourself, your family, or your business.