It is as simple as leaving a parcel of shares to your children, and the ATO becomes a beneficiary of your estate.

Let’s say, for example, you have 10,000 BHP shares that you purchased for $10 each, and they are now worth $40. Your will says that they are to be distributed to your two children, Jack and Jill. So the executor simply transfers the ownership of this parcel into the names of Jack and Jill. There is a rollover relief that ensures this transfer is not subject to capital gains tax (CGT), and if you purchased the shares after September 19, 1985, Jack and Jill carry over your cost base as the cost base on their jointly held shares.

The ATO can become a beneficiary of your estate when you leave a parcel of shares to more than one heir.Credit: Tamara Voninski

Jack needs to sell his shares, but Jill wants to continue to hold hers,........

© The Age