The original version of this text appeared on 26 March 2022. The text received its last update on 18 January 2026.
TL;DR: The Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965 limits executor fees in South Africa to 3.5% of the total estate value together with VAT charges. You can negotiate a lower fee in your Will. Professional executors operate at their highest fee levels but family members who serve as executors might reduce their fees or perform their duties for free. Your estate will save money when you establish executor fees through your Will.
What Are Executor Fees in South Africa?
South African law protects estate administration fees through the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965 which establishes a maximum of 3.5% for estate administration fees together with VAT charges on the entire estate value. The process of creating and obtaining payment for these services through your Will will help you save money for your estate.
How Are Executor Fees Calculated?
| Gross Estate Value | Max Fee (3.5%) | With VAT (4.025%) |
|---|---|---|
| R1,000,000 | R35,000 | R40,250 |
| R5,000,000 | R175,000 | R201,250 |
| R10,000,000 | R350,000 | R402,500 |
Can You Negotiate Executor Fees?
The person who controls your estate after death receives executor fees for their work. The law sets an upper limit which allows estate administrators to receive 3.5% from total estate value together with 15% VAT which equals about 4.025% from total estate value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum executor fee in South Africa?
Gross Estate Value
Can I set a lower executor fee in my Will?
Max Fee (3.5%)
He has over 20 years of experience helping people to write their Will and other estate planning documents. He has been interviewed by many of the major news media outlets and has contributed to articles in most leading publications. He has also contributed to a number of financial planning books.
Throughout his career, Tim has written extensively on the subject of Will writing and estate planning.
