Deceased Estate Timeline Estimator (2026)

Deceased Estate Timeline Estimator

Calculate explicit target dates and duration for winding up an estate based on 2026 Master's Office data.

ðŸ“¢ 2026 Alert: Processing timelines at major hubs (Pretoria, JHB) remain severely constrained due to the ongoing ICMS portal transition and verification audits.

Calculate Your Expected Timeline

Use this tool to forecast your exact dates. Enter the key dates, select the reporting office, and flag any complexities.

1. Key Dates & Status:

Date of Death:

Has the estate been reported to the Master?

Not yet reported Already reported

Estimated Date of Lodgement:

Adding ~4 weeks for Home Affairs death certificates and initial consultations.

2. Master's Office Jurisdiction:

3. Select Estate Complexities:

Gross Estate Value is under R250,000 (Section 18(3))

Converts process to a Letter of Authority. Bypasses the requirement for a formal Liquidation & Distribution (L&D) account entirely.

Intestate (No Valid Will)

Requires next-of-kin affidavits and nominations, slowing the initial appointment of an executor/representative.

Includes Fixed Property (House, Land)

Requires municipal rates clearances and conveyancing attorneys. Delays the final approval of the L&D account.

Includes Private Business / Shares (CC or Pty Ltd)

Requires commercial valuations and auditor sign-offs before SARS will issue tax compliance.

Deceased Resided Outside Master's District

Requires a duplicate L&D account to lie for inspection at the local Magistrate's Court for 21 days, adding administrative delays to the final approval.

Overseas Beneficiaries / Emigrants

Requires SARB (Reserve Bank) exchange control clearance before final funds can be distributed, adding months to the final discharge.

Family Disputes / Contested Will

The Master stops all administrative approvals until the High Court resolves the litigation, causing indefinite delays.

Outstanding Taxes / SARS Audit Risk

The deceased had unfiled tax returns or complex Capital Gains. The Master will not finalize the estate without a compliance certificate. Read our guide on SARS timelines.

Pretoria & Johannesburg

Critical Backlog

Letters of Executorship (LOE):

4 - 8 Months Exp. Aug 2026 - Dec 2026

L&D Account Review cycle:

6 - 12 Months Exp. Feb 2027 - Aug 2027

Total Expected Duration:

10 - 20 Months Finalisation: Dec 2026 - Aug 2027

Regional Context: High volumes and severe IT system failures make these the most delayed offices nationally. Physical file tracking is mandatory.

Email Me This Estimate

Securely save these target dates and receive a copy in your inbox.

Estimated Estate Value (Helps us provide relevant advice):

Next Step: Calculate the Costs

Now that you know how long it will take, find out how much Estate Duty and Executor Fees SARS will demand.

ðŸ’° Calculate Taxes & Fees →

Dynamic Chart: Statutory vs. Your Estimate

Watch how your selected complexities impact the timeline compared to the legal baseline.