Quick Answer Estate duty in South Africa is 20% up to R30 million and 25% above it, less the R3.5 million abatement — so most family estates pay nothing. SARS must sign off before the J187 account is advertised. Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor, via Wikimedia Commons The Estate Duty Rates for 2026/27 20% on the dutiable value of the estate up to R30 million. 25% on the dutiable value above R30 million. Every estate gets an automatic abatement (exemption) of R3.5 million, so most ordinary family estates pay no estate duty at all. Bequests to a surviving spouse are generally deductible, and charities enjoy further concessions. What Counts as Estate…