For the executor, trustee, or heir after a death in Texas: every settlement tool from the first week to the final distribution, each answered from Texas statutes, court rules, and fee schedules.
25 tools for Texas
Texas has no state income tax, so only the federal final Form 1040 is due for the decedentTex. Const. Art. VIII, § 24-a (added by Proposition 4, Nov. 5, 2019; former § 24 repealed)Verified Sep 20, 2026View source; a federal estate tax return (Form 706) is required only for estates above $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21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.
Estimate the fair market value of household items for probate and see how it affects fees.
Settling an estate in Texas: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysTex. Estates Code §§ 309.001, 309.051, 309.056, 309.101Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsTex. Estates Code §§ 308.051-308.056, 355.001-355.004, 355.060, 355.064, 355.102Verified Sep 15, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 4 months to 6 months.
Settling a trust in Texas happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's trust statuteTex. Prop. Code § 111.001 et seq.Verified Jul 15, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.
After a death in Texas, the estate either qualifies for the simplified procedure for estates under $75,000Tex. Est. Code § 205.001/205.006Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or goes through probate, where creditors have 4 monthsTex. Est. Code § 355.060 (121-day bar from a creditor's RECEIPT of the optional § 308.054 notice; § 403.055 is the identical bar in an independent administration); § 355.001 (claims may be presented any time before the estate closes when no § 308.054 notice is sent). Texas has NO claim period running from the § 308.051 published notice.Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to file claims after notice.