Deceased Estates Accountant
Compassionate, professional accounting and tax administration for deceased estates and executors across Melbourne
Managing the financial and tax affairs of a deceased estate is one of the most emotionally demanding accounting tasks a family can face. At Elite Accounting Solutions, we handle these matters with the sensitivity, professionalism, and expertise they deserve — giving families and executors peace of mind that everything is being managed correctly and in full compliance with ATO requirements.
Our team has over 40 years of combined experience in deceased estate taxation and estate administration. We work closely with executors, legal personal representatives, lawyers, and beneficiaries to ensure the estate is finalised efficiently — minimising tax, avoiding penalties, and protecting the interests of all parties involved.
Specialist Advice for Executors
Being appointed executor of an estate is a significant responsibility. Beyond the emotional weight, executors carry legal and financial obligations that can be complex and time-consuming. Mistakes can result in personal liability.
We support executors from the moment of appointment through to final estate wind-up — handling all ATO notifications, tax lodgements, and compliance requirements so you can focus on what matters most.
Accounting Services for Beneficiaries
Our approach to estate accounting extends far beyond compliance. We support executors and beneficiaries by providing clear guidance and proactive strategies to manage estate administration with confidence.
- Finalising the deceased's individual tax return (Date of Death return)
- Preparing ongoing estate trust tax returns
- Managing Capital Gains Tax on property, shares, and investments
- Advising on superannuation death benefits and tax treatment
- Succession planning — maximising tax advantages for beneficiaries
- Compliance with Probate & ATO requirements
Our Deceased Estate Services
Comprehensive accounting and tax support at every stage of estate administration.
Date of Death Tax Return
Preparation and lodgement of the deceased's final individual tax return (the "date of death" return), covering all income up to the date of passing and ensuring all deductions and offsets are correctly claimed.
Estate Trust Tax Returns
Once probate is granted, the estate becomes a taxable entity. We prepare and lodge all ongoing estate trust tax returns, manage ATO correspondence, and ensure the estate meets its annual tax obligations until finalisation.
ATO Notification & Correspondence
We notify the ATO of the death, manage all ATO correspondence on behalf of the executor, and handle any outstanding tax debts, refunds, or compliance matters that arise during estate administration.
Capital Gains Tax on Estate Assets
CGT on inherited property is one of the most complex areas of estate taxation. We advise on the main residence exemption, the 50% CGT discount, pre-CGT assets, and the correct cost base for inherited assets.
Superannuation Death Benefits
Super does not automatically form part of the estate. We advise on binding and non-binding nominations, tax treatment for dependant vs non-dependant beneficiaries, and the most tax-effective distribution strategies.
Beneficiary Tax Obligations
Beneficiaries receiving estate distributions may have their own tax obligations. We advise both trustees and beneficiaries on their respective tax positions, including trust income, capital distributions, and reporting requirements.
Executor Advisory Services
Executors carry significant legal and financial responsibilities. We guide executors through every step — from ATO notification and tax lodgements to asset distribution and final estate wind-up — ensuring full compliance.
Estate Planning (Pre-Death)
Proactive estate planning can significantly reduce the tax burden on your estate and beneficiaries. We work with you and your solicitor to structure your affairs — including trusts, super nominations, and asset ownership — for maximum efficiency.
How We Work With You
A clear, step-by-step process from initial consultation through to final estate wind-up.
Initial Consultation
We meet with the executor or family to understand the estate's assets, liabilities, and complexity. We explain the process clearly and outline what's required.
ATO Notification
We notify the ATO of the death and obtain the estate's TFN. We manage all ATO correspondence from this point forward.
Date of Death Return
We prepare and lodge the deceased's final tax return, claiming all applicable deductions and offsets to minimise any tax liability.
Ongoing Estate Returns
We prepare annual estate trust tax returns for as long as the estate remains open, managing distributions and beneficiary tax obligations.
Asset Distribution Advice
We advise on the tax implications of distributing estate assets — property, shares, super, and cash — to ensure beneficiaries receive the most tax-effective outcome.
Estate Wind-Up
Once all assets are distributed and tax obligations settled, we finalise the estate with the ATO and provide a complete record of all lodgements and correspondence.
Capital Gains Tax on Inherited Assets
Capital Gains Tax on inherited property and assets is one of the most complex and frequently misunderstood areas of deceased estate taxation. The rules differ significantly depending on when the asset was acquired, how it was used, and who inherits it.
Pre-CGT Assets
Assets acquired before 20 September 1985 are generally exempt from CGT when inherited.
Main Residence Exemption
The deceased's main residence may be fully or partially exempt from CGT depending on how long it is held after death.
50% CGT Discount
Beneficiaries who hold inherited assets for more than 12 months before selling may be eligible for the 50% CGT discount.
Cost Base Rules
The cost base of inherited assets is reset at the date of death — we ensure the correct cost base is used to minimise CGT.
Superannuation Death Benefits
Superannuation does not automatically form part of a deceased estate — it is distributed by the fund trustee according to the member's binding or non-binding nomination. The tax treatment of super death benefits varies significantly depending on who receives it and in what form.
Tax-Free to Dependants
Super paid as a lump sum to a tax dependant (spouse, minor child) is generally tax-free.
Taxable to Non-Dependants
Adult children and other non-dependants pay tax on the taxable component of super death benefits.
Binding Nominations
A valid binding death benefit nomination ensures super is paid to your chosen beneficiaries — we advise on structuring these correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from executors and families navigating deceased estate administration.
Who is responsible for lodging the deceased's tax return?
Does the estate need to lodge its own tax return?
How is inherited property taxed?
Is superannuation included in the estate?
How long does estate administration typically take?
Can you work with our solicitor?
Related Specialisations
Deceased estate matters often intersect with these specialist areas:
SMSF
Superannuation does not automatically form part of the estate — SMSF trustees have specific obligations on the death of a member.
Property Investment
Inherited investment properties trigger complex CGT rules — we advise on the most tax-effective approach for beneficiaries.
Medical Practitioners
Estates of medical practitioners often include practice interests, goodwill, and complex asset structures requiring specialist advice.
We understand this is a difficult time.
Contact us today and let our experienced team handle the financial complexities with care and precision. We offer a free initial consultation for deceased estate matters.
Related Articles & Guides
Deceased Estates in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide to Tax Obligations for Executors
Date of death returns, estate trust tax rates, CGT on inherited property, super death benefits — the complete tax guide for executors of Australian deceased estates.
Capital Gains Tax & Negative Gearing: The Complete Property Investor's Guide
CGT on inherited property, the main residence exemption in deceased estates, and the 50% discount — key CGT rules every executor and beneficiary needs to understand.
Superannuation Contribution Strategies for 2025–26
Super death benefits, binding death benefit nominations, and how superannuation is treated outside the estate — essential reading for estate planning.
Why Choose Elite Accounting Solutions
Industry Expertise
Over 40 years of niche industry experience means we understand the unique tax, compliance, and business pressures your industry faces.
Personalised Service
We get to know your business personally. No call centres, no juniors — you deal directly with experienced accountants who care about your outcomes.
Proactive Guidance
We don't just do compliance — we proactively identify tax-saving opportunities and strategies specific to your industry throughout the year.
Clear Communication
We explain everything in plain English. No jargon, no surprises — just clear advice so you can make confident, informed financial decisions.
Ready to work with an accountant who truly gets your industry?
Book a free one-hour introductory consultation and see the difference specialist advice makes.