Do death taxes deserve to die? An international search for alternatives

Abstract

The death tax debate has been going on for a long time, with opponents and proponents of death taxes citing various reasons for retaining, amending or abolishing the taxes and no obvious answer coming to the fore. This study conducted a search for alternative taxes that could replace death taxes. The search transcended national borders in order to identify possible solutions to this age-old problem. The suitability of the alternatives (in the eyes of both the opponents and proponents of death taxes) was measured by comparing the advantages and disadvantages associated with each alternative identified to the advantages and disadvantages associated with death taxes. This study further evaluated whether any of the identified alternatives would be suitable for South Africa. It summarises the available alternatives, their advantages and disadvantages. It also concludes that extensive further research is required to arrive at an optimal solution for South Africa.