Readers' forum: Passing on

My wealthy client died in March 2015. Her will left income for life to her husband and thereafter the residue to her nephew and niece. Estate tax returns were prepared for the period ended 5 April 2015 and year ended 5 April 2016 the solicitor having advised that the estate administration ended on 5 April 2016.

The will trust commenced on 6 April 2016 and a trust tax return was prepared for the year ended 5 April 2017. The husband died on 22 September 2017 and a trust tax return was prepared for the period 6 April 2017 to 22 September 2017. Trust tax liabilities have been paid based thereon and the husband’s estate has declared his income from the trust to 22 September 2017 based on the R185 provided.

It has not yet been possible to transfer the trust’s assets consisting of let properties and an investment portfolio to...