Executor checklist
What your executor will need to do. Helpful to leave for them — and helpful for you to know what you're asking.
Being an executor is months of work — gathering documents, paying bills, filing taxes, distributing assets, dealing with disputes. This checklist is what your executor will face. Reading it now helps you organize your affairs to make the role easier — and helps your executor know what they signed up for.
Fill out the worksheet
Order original death certificate (10+ copies — banks, insurance, government all want originals). Notify Social Security (1-800-772-1213) — last month's payment must be returned. Notify pension administrators. Lock the deceased's home and vehicles.
File the will with the local probate court. Open a probate estate (with attorney). Get a tax ID for the estate. Open an estate bank account. Notify banks, brokers, insurance. Cancel credit cards. Notify creditors.
File the deceased's final personal tax return (Form 1040). File estate income tax return (Form 1041) if estate has income. Pay valid creditor claims. Distribute specific bequests. Sell estate property if needed.
File estate tax return (Form 706) if applicable. Distribute residuary estate. Get final probate accounting approved. Close estate.
Original will, original death certificate (multiple copies), letters testamentary (granted by court), deceased's tax returns (3 years), bank statements, brokerage statements, life insurance policies, deeds, vehicle titles, beneficiary designation list, contact info for all heirs.
Probate attorney ($2,000-$10,000 typical). CPA for estate tax returns ($1,500-$5,000). Real estate agent if selling property. Appraiser for personal property.
Distributing assets before paying creditors (executor can be personally liable). Missing estate tax filing deadlines. Not securing the home. Family disputes — document EVERY decision and communication.
- ·Tell your executor in advance. Don't surprise them with the role.
- ·Consider a small executor fee (1-3% of estate) — it's a real job.
- ·Update the executor designation if your first choice ages, declines, or dies.
- ·Some banks resist out-of-state executors. Local executor often easier.
SmartSeniorX is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This worksheet is an educational organizer to help you gather your information BEFORE meeting with a licensed attorney in your state. Worksheets are NOT legal documents. To create a valid will, power of attorney, or healthcare directive, work with a licensed attorney in your state. State-specific signing, witness, and notarization requirements apply.