Indiana Resources for Executors

The amount a surviving spouse inherits without a will depends on whether your parents are still alive. If they are, your spouse may have to share the estate with them—a result that surprises many people and underscores why having a will matters.

Smaller estates under $100,000IC 29-1-8-1Verified Sep 8, 2026View source can use a simplified transfer process that avoids full probate proceedings.

Indiana does not impose a state estate tax or inheritance tax, which means estates are only subject to the federal estate tax (currently exempting the first $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source per person, or $30,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source for married couples using portability). This is a meaningful advantage over the states that layer their own death taxes on top of the federal system.

Indiana provides a statutory homestead exemption protecting up to $22,750 in home equity from creditors. While not as strong as the constitutional protections in states like Texas or Florida, this still provides meaningful protection for the family home. Executors must publish a notice to creditors, who then have 3 monthsIC 29-1-14-1Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to file claims against the estate. Known creditors must also receive direct written notice.