Within 180 daysWis. Stat. §§ 858.01, 858.13, 858.15, 858.17Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of the personal representative's appointment.

In informal administration the personal representative closes the estate by filing a verified Personal Representative's Statement to Close Estate (Form PR-1816) with the probate registrar under Wis. Stat. § 865.16, certifying that notice to interested persons and creditors was given and the claim deadline has passed, that the estate is fully administered and distributed, and that a full written account was furnished to affected distributees; no hearing or court order is required and the appointment terminates by operation of law six months laterWis. Stat. §§ 865.16, 865.18, 865.21, 863.25, 863.27, 863.41, 863.47, 862.01Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.

Not before the § 859.01 creditor-claim deadline (the court/registrar-set date, 3 to 4 months from the order) has passed prior to the date of the closing statement; the estate must also be fully administered and distributed (§ 865.16(1)(a), (b))Wis. Stat. §§ 865.16(1)(a), 859.01Verified Sep 15, 2026View source. Closing a Wisconsin estate generally involves a Closing Certificate for Fiduciaries from the Department of Revenue, requested on Schedule CC. On the formal court-discharge track, the decedent's and estate income tax returns must be filed with the department and its receipt — the closing certificate — filed with the court before final distribution is ordered, unless the court dispenses with it because clearly no tax is due (§ 71.13(3)). On the informal track the closing statement itself certifies that death and other taxes are paid (§ 865.16(1)(b)), but the Wisconsin Court System's probate guide instructs personal representatives to file a Closing Certificate for Fiduciaries, and the probate registrar may require it under local practice. The department generally issues the certificate within 120 days of receiving Schedule CC, so request it well before the planned closingWis. Stat. §§ 71.13(2), (3), 865.16(1)(b); Wis. DOR Schedule CC Instructions (I-130)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.

Wisconsin defaults to appraisal by a court-designated appraiserWis. Stat. §§ 858.01, 858.13, 858.15, 858.17Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; the inventory carries the appraised values.