How Do I Settle an Estate in Missouri?
Settling an estate in Missouri: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 30 daysRSMo §§ 473.233, 473.240Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 monthsRSMo §§ 473.033, 473.360, 473.380, 473.397, 473.403, 473.444Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 12 months.
Settling an estate in Missouri means gathering the assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to the beneficiaries. Assets in a living trust settle privately without the court. An estate that needs probate takes 12 months to 18 months on average, and the creditor claim period of 6 monthsRSMo § 473.360Verified Sep 8, 2026View source is the floor. In a probate case the inventory of estate assets is due within 30 daysRSMo §§ 473.233, 473.240Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment, and Missouri requires a formal appraisalRSMo §§ 473.233, 473.240Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
Missouri allows estates valued at $40,000RSMo § 473.097Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less to use the Small Estate AffidavitRSMo § 473.097Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, which avoids full probate administration. In Missouri the affidavit is filed with the court, and holders honor the court's certified copy — but no letters testamentary or of administration issue. The waiting period is 30 daysRSMo § 473.097Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death.
The creditor claim period of 6 monthsRSMo §§ 473.033, 473.360, 473.380, 473.397, 473.403, 473.444Verified Oct 18, 2026View source runs from the first publication of the creditor notice, which follows the executor's appointment. The executor must publish notice in a local newspaperRSMo §§ 473.033, 473.360, 473.380, 473.397, 473.403, 473.444Verified Oct 18, 2026View source for 4RSMo §§ 473.033, 473.360, 473.380, 473.397, 473.403, 473.444Verified Oct 18, 2026View source consecutive weeks. Every claim is barred 12 monthsRSMo §§ 473.033, 473.360, 473.380, 473.397, 473.403, 473.444Verified Oct 18, 2026View source after death regardless of notice. Final distribution waits until the period has run.
Missouri requires a bond of the personal representative by defaultRSMo §§ 473.157 (requirement), 473.160 (waiver by will)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. The requirement can often be excusedRSMo §§ 473.157 (requirement), 473.160 (waiver by will)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, by a waiver in the will, agreement of the heirs, or court order. A corporate surety's premium runs about 0.5%RSMo §§ 473.157 (requirement), 473.160 (waiver by will)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the bonded amount a year. The bond protects beneficiaries and creditors against mismanagement by the personal representative. The Missouri executor fee calculator covers what the role itself can charge.
In Missouri, a simple estate typically settles in 6 months to 12 months, and an average estate in 12 months to 18 months. An estate with a dispute, a tax issue or an unusual asset runs longer. State procedure sets a practical floor of about 8 monthsRSMo § 473.540 (annual settlements; final settlement after 6 months + 10 days from first publication; court may extend)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source before an estate can close.
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Death of a Parent
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Loss of a Spouse
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Named as Executor
What an executor actually does: getting appointed, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and where personal liability starts.
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Named as Trustee
Being named trustee means managing trust assets and carrying out the grantor's wishes. Your duties, timeline, compensation, and how to get started.
Learn moreForms for Settling an Estate in Missouri
Free forms for settling an estate in Missouri: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Digital Assets Recovery Letter
Prepare a letter requesting a deceased person's online accounts, points, and balances from the program that holds them.
Renunciation of Executor
In Missouri, a person named as executor may renounce the right to serveRSMo 473.113Verified Sep 23, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
Affidavit of Heirship
In Missouri, heirs put their identity on the land records with an affidavit of heirship recorded with the countyRSMo 490.370; RSMo 301.682; RSMo 474.250; RSMo 473.663Verified Sep 24, 2026View source; once recorded it is admissible as evidence of the facts stated.
Estate Inventory
In Missouri, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 30 daysRSMo §§ 473.233, 473.240Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
Estate Closing
In Missouri, the personal representative is discharged automatically once the statutory period runsRSMo § 473.840.6; § 473.837; § 473.660Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Missouri
Free tools for settling an estate in Missouri: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In Missouri, certified death certificates come from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital RecordsMissouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $14Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source, additional copies $11Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source each.
Do I Need Probate?
In Missouri, estates valued at $40,000RSMo § 473.097Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less use the Small Estate AffidavitRSMo § 473.097Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, 30 daysRSMo § 473.097Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death, a court filing short of full probate.
Do I Have to File Tax Returns for Someone Who Died?
Missouri requires a final state income tax return for the decedent alongside the federal Form 1040Mo. Rev. Stat. § 143.011Verified Sep 20, 2026View source; a federal estate tax return (Form 706) is required only for estates above $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
What Do I Do When Someone Dies?
After a death in Missouri, the estate either qualifies for the simplified procedure for estates under $40,000RSMo § 473.097Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or goes through probate, where creditors have 6 monthsRSMo § 473.360Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to file claims after notice.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Missouri levies no estate or inheritance taxMo. Rev. Stat. §§ 145.011, 145.1000; Mo. Dept. of Revenue, Estate Tax (no Missouri estate tax imposed; no return required for deaths on or after Jan. 1, 2005)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; only the federal estate tax applies above $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
What Taxes Apply to My Inheritance?
Missouri imposes no inheritance or estate taxMo. Rev. Stat. §§ 145.011, 145.1000; Mo. Dept. of Revenue, Estate Tax (no Missouri estate tax imposed; no return required for deaths on or after Jan. 1, 2005)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; probate assets arrive when the estate closes, 6 months to 12 months for a simple estate.
How Does Step-Up in Basis Work?
Inherited assets in Missouri take a basis reset to fair market value on the date of death26 USC § 1014Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and the gain on a later sale faces no state tax after a 100% exclusion of long-term gains, available to individuals only, not to estates or trusts§ 143.121.3(14)(a) RSMo (HB 594, 2025) — 100% capital gains deduction for an INDIVIDUAL subject to tax under § 143.011; estates/trusts excludedVerified Sep 15, 2026View source.
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Missouri Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering Missouri probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.