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Executor Fee Pushback Script

The 3.5% Trap: In South Africa, the law allows a maximum fee of 3.5% + VAT. It is not a fixed price. If the estate is simple (e.g. one house and cash), charging 3.5% is often excessive. Use this tool to generate a formal letter to negotiate a lower rate.

Name of the Nominated Executor

e.g. Standard Bank, FNB, or the specific Law Firm.

Estimated Gross Estate Value (R)

Your Name

Your Email Address (To securely backup your request)

Next Step: Email this PDF to the executor. If they refuse to lower their fee, contact our network to match you with an independent fiduciary practitioner who will process the estate for 1.5%.

TO:
Department of Deceased Estates

RE: NEGOTIATION OF EXECUTOR’S REMUNERATION
ESTATE LATE: [INSERT DECEASED NAME]

Dear Sir / Madam,

I am writing to you as a primary beneficiary / interested party regarding the administration of the above-mentioned estate, valued at approximately R .

It has come to my attention that your institution intends to charge the maximum statutory tariff of 3.5% (plus VAT) for your services as Executor. While I acknowledge that this is the maximum allowable fee under the Administration of Estates Act, I believe it is disproportionate to the complexity of this specific estate.

Given the nature of the assets involved, I hereby request that you consider a voluntary reduction of the executor's fee to 1.5% (plus VAT). Should you be unable to offer a competitive rate, I will be forced to approach alternative fiduciary practitioners who have already indicated a willingness to administer the estate at a more equitable tariff.

I look forward to your written response within 5 business days so that we may proceed with the finalisation of the mandate.

Yours faithfully,

__________________________