When someone passes away, family members are often left with not only grief but also important legal steps that must be taken. In South Africa, the estate of the deceased has to be reported to the Master of the High Court. To do this correctly, there is a list of documents that must be submitted.
If you’re unsure what you’ll need, we’ve created a guide to help. Below you’ll find the key documents needed after death in South Africa, followed by a link to a free downloadable checklist you can keep on hand.
Checklist of documents
- Original death certificate
- Certified copy of the BI-1663 form (Notice of Death)
- Certified copy of the deceased’s ID
- Certified copies of all heirs’ and beneficiaries’ IDs
- Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable)
- Antenuptial/marriage contract (if applicable)
- The most recent will/testament
- Bank account details and balances
- Certified bank statements of beneficiaries
- Loan or bond account details
- Investment statements and share portfolios
- Vehicle registration documents
- Short-term insurance schedule
- Medical aid card or certificate
- Life insurance and funeral policy documents
- List of outstanding accounts
- Copies of title deeds of property
- Transfer deeds of property (if applicable)
- List of household goods and broker policies
- Lease agreements or rental details
- Deceased’s SARS income tax number
- Spouse’s SARS income tax number (if married)
- Details of tax practitioner handling the deceased’s tax
- Proof of residential address of deceased and executor
- Full names, ID numbers, and dates of birth of spouse, children, and parents
Download the full checklist
Gathering these documents can feel overwhelming, especially when you are still mourning a loved one. To make it easier, we’ve created a free downloadable PDF checklist where you can simply tick off each item as you collect it.
