Estate Administration: What It Involves After a Death
Estate administration is the work of managing a deceased person's property after death: collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and passing the remainder to heirs or beneficiaries. The IRS describes the estate as the property belonging to a person who has died, managed by the personal representative until it is distributed.
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Who does it
The IRS uses "personal representative" as the general term, covering both executors (named in a will) and administrators (usually appointed by a court when there is no will, the will names no executor, or the executor cannot or will not serve). The Ventura County Superior Court adds that the role carries a fiduciary duty toward the beneficiaries.
Main tasks
- Gather the decedent's assets.
- Pay the decedent's debts and expenses.
- Get an employer identification number (EIN) for the estate and file required tax returns, according to the IRS.
- Distribute the remaining property to heirs or beneficiaries.
Documents involved
Banks and insurers often ask for court-issued letters and certified death certificates. USAGov notes that most agencies and programs ask for certified copies of the death certificate.
Frequently asked questions
Is estate administration the same as probate?
Probate is the court-supervised form. Some estates are settled through simplified procedures, and rules vary by state.
Can an executor be held liable?
The IRS says a personal representative can be personally liable for penalties if required returns are not filed on time.
Should I consult a professional?
For legal and tax questions, check with a probate attorney or tax professional. This page is general information.
Sources
US Records is a private company and is not a government agency. Government agencies issue certified records; we help you order them.
Written By
US Records TeamThe US Records Team writes and reviews guides on birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates, using state statutes, agency instructions and court records as sources.
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