Donating Shares from a Deceased Estate

It's quite common for executors to discover old or small parcels of shares when administering an estate. In some cases, donating those shares to charity may be a practical option - but it's important to make sure the estate has the authority to do so first.

Check the Will

Start by reviewing the will and any probate or letters of administration. If the shares have been specifically left to a beneficiary, they generally can't be donated by the executor.

Make Sure You Have Authority

If the will doesn't specifically allow for a donation, it's a good idea to seek legal advice. In some situations, the agreement of the beneficiaries may also be required before any shares can be donated.

Gather the Share Details

You'll need information such as: the company name, number of shares, and the HIN or SRN. If the shares are still in the deceased's name, they may first need to be transferred into the estate before they can be donated.

Keep Good Records

The estate's accountant can advise on any tax implications and help ensure the donation is properly recorded as part of the estate administration.

When Donating Makes Sense

Donating shares can be a practical solution where a parcel is small, difficult to divide between beneficiaries, or simply not worth the cost and effort of selling - provided the estate is legally able to make the donation.

Ready to take the next step?

Executors can contact Donate Your Shares Australia to discuss the practical transfer pathway, but should obtain estate legal advice about authority before proceeding. If you are ready to make a donation, simply fill out the estate donation application.

General Information Disclaimer

This article contains general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Requirements vary between holdings, brokers, registries and personal circumstances. Consider obtaining advice from an appropriately qualified professional.