After a death in Alabama, the estate either qualifies for the simplified procedure for estates under $47,000Ala. Code § 43-2-696.02Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or goes through probate, where creditors have 6 monthsAla. Code § 43-2-350Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to file claims after notice.
Certified copies come from the Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health StatisticsAlabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the funeral home usually places the first order. The first certified copy costs $15Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source and each additional copy ordered with it $6Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; standard processing takes 7-10 daysAlabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source. Banks, insurers, government agencies and retirement plans each want a certified copy, so the first order is for several. The Alabama death certificate guide carries the ordering details.
Alabama sets an order for who controls the disposition of remains: surviving spouse, then sole surviving child, or majority of surviving children, then sole surviving grandchild, or majority of surviving grandchildrenAla. Code § 34-13-11Verified Oct 17, 2026View source. The state allows you to name your own agent in advanceAla. Code § 34-13-11(a)(2)Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, and a written designation outranks the default order. The Alabama burial and cremation law guide carries the rest of the rules.
Only for what the decedent owned alone with no beneficiary named. Assets in a living trust, accounts with a named beneficiary and property owned jointly with right of survivorship pass outside probate. For the rest, Alabama allows estates with personal property of $47,000Ala. Code § 43-2-696.02Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less to use the Summary DistributionAla. Code § 43-2-696.02Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, which avoids full probate administration. Alabama's small estate shortcut is a court procedure: the court's own order authorizes collection. There is no affidavit to present to a bank. The waiting period is 30 daysAla. Code § 43-2-696.02Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death.
The opening petition is prepared to statute and filed with the Probate Court of the county where the decedent was domiciledAla. Code §§ 43-2-20 to 43-2-27 (letters testamentary); §§ 43-2-40 to 43-2-48 (letters of administration); § 43-2-851 (bond)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. Judge of probate issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration after the court grants the petition. The Alabama Letters Testamentary guide carries the documents, the bond and the self-filing rules.
A simple estate in Alabama typically settles in 6 months to 12 months, and an average estate in 12 months to 18 months. The creditor claim period of 6 monthsAla. Code § 43-2-350Verified Sep 8, 2026View source is the floor: final distribution waits for it to run. Assets in a living trust settle privately, without the court's timeline.
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Free forms for settling an estate in Alabama: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
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IRS Form 56
Notify the IRS that you are the fiduciary of an estate, a trust or a person, or end a notice filed before, on the official form.
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Digital Assets Recovery Letter
Prepare a letter requesting a deceased person's online accounts, points, and balances from the program that holds them.
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Petition for Probate and Letters
In Alabama, the petition asks the Probate Court of the county where the decedent was domiciled to appoint the personal representative, whose authority is proved by Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration; every appointment goes through the courtAla. Code §§ 43-2-20, 43-2-40 (letters granted by the probate court; Alabama has no registrar/informal-appointment track)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
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Notice to Creditors
In Alabama, the notice to creditors is published for 3Ala. Code §§ 43-2-60, 43-2-61, 43-2-350, 43-2-354, 43-2-371Verified Oct 18, 2026View source weeks in a local newspaper, and creditors have 6 monthsAla. Code § 43-2-350Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from the personal representative's appointment to present claims.
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Renunciation of Executor
In Alabama, a person named as executor may renounce the right to serveAla. Code § 43-2-25Verified Sep 22, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
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Estate Inventory
In Alabama, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 daysAla. Code §§ 43-2-835, 43-2-836Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
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Estate Closing
In Alabama, the personal representative is discharged by court orderAla. Code §§ 43-2-628, 43-2-516Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required.
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IRS Form 1310
Claim a refund due a deceased taxpayer on the official form, on the box the form routes you to, with what the form says to attach.
Free tools for settling an estate in Alabama: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In Alabama, certified death certificates come from the Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health StatisticsAlabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $15Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source, additional copies $6Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source each.
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Do I Need Probate?
In Alabama, estates with personal property of $47,000Ala. Code § 43-2-696.02Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less qualify for the Summary DistributionAla. Code § 43-2-696.02Verified Sep 8, 2026View source,30 daysAla. Code § 43-2-696.02Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death, a court procedure short of full probate.
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What Happens to Jointly Owned Property When an Owner Dies?
When a joint owner dies in Alabama: Alabama law names no affidavit or certificate to record when a joint tenant dies. Where the deed states a right of survivorship, the deceased owner's interest passes to the surviving joint tenant under the terms of that deedAla. Code Title 35, ch. 4 (§§ 35-4-7, 35-4-50 to 35-4-76); Titles 43 and 12; Title 22, ch. 9A; Title 40, chs. 15 and 22Verified Oct 26, 2026View source.
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Do I Have to File Tax Returns for Someone Who Died?
Alabama requires a final state income tax return for the decedent alongside the federal Form 1040Ala. Code § 40-18-5Verified 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.
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How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Alabama: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 daysAla. Code §§ 43-2-835, 43-2-836Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 monthsAla. Code §§ 43-2-60, 43-2-61, 43-2-350, 43-2-354, 43-2-371Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 12 months.
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How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Alabama levies no estate or inheritance taxNo state estate or inheritance tax. The Ala. Code Title 40, Ch. 15 estate tax (§ 40-15-2) is a federal-credit "pickup" tax — still codified, but levied "only ... to the extent of absorbing" the federal state death tax credit, so it has computed to $0 since Congress eliminated that credit. Alabama has no separate inheritance tax and no gift tax, and the Alabama Department of Revenue confirms estates with a date of death after Dec. 31, 2004 are not required to file.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.
Calculate the Tax
What Taxes Apply to My Inheritance?
Alabama imposes no inheritance or estate taxNo state estate or inheritance tax. The Ala. Code Title 40, Ch. 15 estate tax (§ 40-15-2) is a federal-credit "pickup" tax — still codified, but levied "only ... to the extent of absorbing" the federal state death tax credit, so it has computed to $0 since Congress eliminated that credit. Alabama has no separate inheritance tax and no gift tax, and the Alabama Department of Revenue confirms estates with a date of death after Dec. 31, 2004 are not required to file.Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; probate assets arrive when the estate closes, 6 months to 12 months for a simple estate.
Alabama Executor ChecklistAla. Code § 43-2-848 (executor compensation), 43-2-682 (attorney fees), 43-2-696.02 (small estate amount / Summary Distribution; Division 10, §§ 43-2-690 to 43-2-696.02 as rewritten by HB164 / Act 2025-431, eff. Oct 1, 2025 — see also 43-2-690, 43-2-691, 43-2-691.1, 43-2-692, 43-2-693, 43-2-694, 43-2-695, 43-2-696, 43-2-696.01 and the 43-2-697 Medicaid notice), 43-8-110/111/112/113/116 (homestead, exempt property, family allowance, CPI adjustment), 43-2-350 (creditor claims), 43-2-851 (bond), 43-2-834 (unsupervised administration), 43-2-20/43-2-40 (grant of letters by the probate court), 43-2-835/43-2-843(17) (PR self-valued inventory; appraiser permissive), 43-2-61 (publication). Dollar amounts: Alabama State Treasurer, Consumer Price Index Law (https://treasury.alabama.gov/resources/consumer-price-index-law/) — $18,800 homestead / $18,800 family allowance / $9,400 personal property exemption from the July 1, 2023 adjustment, in effect for exemptions claimed on or after April 1, 2024; the July 1, 2026 adjustment ($20,475 / $20,475 / $10,225 = $51,175) takes effect for exemptions claimed on or after April 1, 2027. Small-estate block re-verified 2026-09-08 against fetched official Code of Alabama section texts (§§ 43-2-690 to 43-2-696.02, 43-8-110/111/112/113/116, 43-8-23) and the Alabama State Treasury CPI page; remaining fields re-verified 2026-07-14 the same way.Verified Sep 8, 2026View source
Notify immediate family members
Contact close family members who need to know. Coordinate funeral arrangements and gather contact information for extended family and friends.
Confirm who has authority over final arrangements
State law sets the order of who has the legal right to decide burial, cremation, or other disposition. A written pre-need designation by the deceased, if one exists, controls. Confirm who holds this authority before arrangements are made.
Alabama: State law sets the order of who controls disposition of remains. Order: Person designated on DD Form 93 if decedent died on active military duty (Pub. L. No. 109-163 § 564) (§ 34-13-11(a)(1)); then Person designated by decedent in a notarized affidavit (§ 34-13-11(a)(2)); then Surviving spouse (§ 34-13-11(a)(3)); then others in statutory order. A written pre-need designation by the deceased, if one exists, controls over this order.
Arrange burial, cremation, or other disposition
Work with a funeral home, crematory, or other provider to arrange disposition of the body. State rules govern cremation waiting periods, required authorizations, and burial or disposition permits. The funeral home typically provides certified death certificates and files the death certificate with vital records.
Alabama: Cremation has a 24-hour waiting period. Medical examiner authorization is required before cremation. A burial or disposition permit is required, issued by the local registrar in the county health department of the district where the death occurred or the body was found (§ 22-19-3). The death certificate must be filed within 5 days. Typical state costs: direct cremation ~$2,000, direct burial ~$3,200, traditional funeral ~$7,300.
Request 10-15 certified copies from the funeral home or state vital records office. You will need these for banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and other institutions. Each institution typically requires an original certified copy.
Alabama: Order from Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health Statistics. Fee: $15/copy ($6 additional). Available: online, phone, mail, in-person. Processing: 7-10 days.
Change locks if necessary, ensure the home is secured, and safeguard valuable items. Review who has keys and whether security measures are needed.
Alabama: Has constitutional homestead protection. Homestead exemption up to $18,800. Surviving spouse has lifetime right to occupy. Minor children also protected.Ala. Const. §§ 205-206; Ala. Code §§ 6-10-2, 43-8-110, 43-8-114, 43-8-116Verified Sep 15, 2026View source
Locate estate planning documents
Find the original will, trust documents, and any amendments. Check the home, safe deposit box, and contact any attorney the deceased worked with.
Determine if probate is necessary
Evaluate whether the estate qualifies for small estate procedures or if full probate is required based on asset values and types.
Alabama: Small estate affidavit available for estates under $47,000. Independent administration reduces court oversight.Ala. Code § 43-2-848 (executor compensation), 43-2-682 (attorney fees), 43-2-696.02 (small estate amount / Summary Distribution; Division 10, §§ 43-2-690 to 43-2-696.02 as rewritten by HB164 / Act 2025-431, eff. Oct 1, 2025 — see also 43-2-690, 43-2-691, 43-2-691.1, 43-2-692, 43-2-693, 43-2-694, 43-2-695, 43-2-696, 43-2-696.01 and the 43-2-697 Medicaid notice), 43-8-110/111/112/113/116 (homestead, exempt property, family allowance, CPI adjustment), 43-2-350 (creditor claims), 43-2-851 (bond), 43-2-834 (unsupervised administration), 43-2-20/43-2-40 (grant of letters by the probate court), 43-2-835/43-2-843(17) (PR self-valued inventory; appraiser permissive), 43-2-61 (publication). Dollar amounts: Alabama State Treasurer, Consumer Price Index Law (https://treasury.alabama.gov/resources/consumer-price-index-law/) — $18,800 homestead / $18,800 family allowance / $9,400 personal property exemption from the July 1, 2023 adjustment, in effect for exemptions claimed on or after April 1, 2024; the July 1, 2026 adjustment ($20,475 / $20,475 / $10,225 = $51,175) takes effect for exemptions claimed on or after April 1, 2027. Small-estate block re-verified 2026-09-08 against fetched official Code of Alabama section texts (§§ 43-2-690 to 43-2-696.02, 43-8-110/111/112/113/116, 43-8-23) and the Alabama State Treasury CPI page; remaining fields re-verified 2026-07-14 the same way.Verified Sep 8, 2026View source
Ensure mail is collected regularly to identify bills, accounts, and important correspondence. Forwarding mail to the executor/trustee is common practice.
Report the death to Social Security. The funeral home often does this, but verify it was done. Surviving spouse may be eligible for benefits.
Federal: Timing: Application for the lump-sum death payment: within 2 years of the date of death. Proof of support for a dependent parent's benefit: within 2 years of the worker's death. The funeral home reports the death.
Cancel Medicare coverage and return the Medicare card. If on Medicaid, notify the state agency to avoid benefit continuation.
Alabama: Medicare: Repayment of a Medicare Secondary Payer demand against the estate: within 60 calendar days of the demand; interest is assessed from the date the demand letter was mailed. Claim for services furnished before death: within 12 months of the date of service. If the deceased received Medicaid, Alabama's estate recovery program (Alabama Medicaid Agency, Estate Recovery) may file a claim against the estate for benefits paid. Exemptions and hardship waivers are state-specific.
If the deceased was a veteran, notify the VA to stop benefits and inquire about burial benefits and survivor benefits.
Federal: Timing: DIC or death pension application, for an award effective from the month of death: within 1 year of the date of death; Payments start from the filing date instead of the first day of the month of death.. Claim for accrued benefits: within 1 year of the beneficiary's death. Claim for lump-sum accrued benefits withheld from a competent veteran during hospital, institutional or home care: within 5 years of the beneficiary's death. Request to be substituted into the veteran's pending claim or appeal: within 1 year of the date of death. Burial allowance claim for a death that was not service connected: within 2 years of the veteran's burial. Burial allowance claim where VA upgraded the discharge from dishonorable after death: within 2 years of the upgrade.
Contact life insurance companies to file claims. Also notify health, auto, and homeowner insurance to update or cancel policies.
Alabama: Divorce automatically revokes beneficiary designations naming a former spouse on life insurance, retirement accounts, POD bank accounts, TOD investment accounts, annuities (Ala. Code § 30-4-17). Employer plans governed by federal law (ERISA) and federal benefits are not affected by the state rule. Confirm whether any designation predates a divorce before it is paid out.
Place a deceased alert or credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to prevent identity theft. Over 2 million deceased identities are stolen annually.
Locate deeds, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and homeowner insurance policies for all real property. Check the county recorder for any recorded Transfer on Death deeds.
Alabama: Has constitutional homestead protection. Homestead exemption up to $18,800. Acreage limits: 80 acres rural. Surviving spouse has lifetime right to occupy. Minor children also protected.Ala. Const. §§ 205-206; Ala. Code §§ 6-10-2, 43-8-110, 43-8-114, 43-8-116Verified Sep 15, 2026View source
Whoever holds the original will hands it to the probate court, or to the executor it names, within the period state law sets. The will becomes part of the court record whether or not probate is opened.
Obtain an EIN for the estate
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. The estate needs its own tax ID to open bank accounts and file tax returns.
Submit the original will (if any) and petition to open probate. You will need to pay filing fees and may need to post a bond.
Alabama: File with the Probate Court of the county where the decedent was domiciled (elected judge of probate; general and original jurisdiction over administration of estates). Counties may require additional local forms. Filing fee $45. Independent administration reduces court supervision. Typical duration: 12-18 months.Ala. Code §§ 43-2-20 to 43-2-27 (letters testamentary); §§ 43-2-40 to 43-2-48 (letters of administration); § 43-2-851 (bond)Verified Aug 24, 2026
Once appointed by the court, obtain letters testamentary (with will) or letters of administration (without will). These prove your authority.
Alabama: Letters Testamentary are issued by the Judge of probate, after the will is admitted to probate (testate) or the petition for administration is granted (intestate). The state's title for the role is Personal representative (executor if testate, administrator if intestate). Typically filed with the petition: Sworn (verified) petition for letters / for probate of will, stating the decedent, domicile, date of death, heirs/devisees, and the estimated value of the estate; Original will and any codicils (testate estates), to be admitted to probate before letters testamentary issue; Death certificate — a county filing practice, not a statutory requirement; Alabama law does not condition letters on filing one, but a "certified or authenticated" copy is prima facie proof of the fact, place, date and time of death and the identity of the decedent (Ala. Code § 43-8-6(1)), which is what the judge examines the applicant on under § 43-2-45; Bond, unless waived by an express provision in the will (Ala. Code § 43-2-851); Renunciation / waiver by persons with prior or equal right to serve, where applicable (e.g. spouse, next of kin); Notice of appointment: published once a week for three successive weeks (within 30 days of the grant of letters) and mailed as soon as practicable to creditors known or reasonably ascertainable by the personal representative within six months from the grant of letters.Ala. Code §§ 43-2-20 to 43-2-27 (letters testamentary); §§ 43-2-40 to 43-2-48 (letters of administration); § 43-2-851 (bond)Verified Aug 24, 2026
Publish a notice in a local newspaper to alert potential creditors. This starts the creditor claim period running.
Alabama: Alabama requires publication for 3 consecutive weeks. Typical cost: $150. The executor places the notice with the newspaper directly. Creditors have 6 months from the opening of probate to file claims. Known creditors must receive direct mailed notice. Proof of publication must be filed with the court.Ala. Code §§ 43-2-60, 43-2-61, 43-2-350, 43-2-354, 43-2-371Verified Oct 18, 2026View source
Identify email accounts, social media, online banking, cryptocurrency, and other digital assets. Note any password managers used.
Alabama: Alabama has adopted digital asset access laws (2017). User authorization or court order may be required to access accounts. Online tool authorizations (like Google Inactive Account Manager) are valid.Ala. Code § 19-1A-1 et seq.Verified Sep 15, 2026View source
Search the state unclaimed property database for forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, and refunds owed to the deceased. Estates frequently recover assets the deceased never tracked.
Alabama: Search Alabama State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division for forgotten accounts, refunds, and uncashed checks owed to the deceased.
Maintain property, continue paying mortgage and taxes, arrange for property management if needed, and prepare for sale or transfer.
Alabama: Property owned in other states may require ancillary probate in those states. State recognizes out-of-state personal representatives.Ala. Code §§ 43-2-193, 43-8-175, 43-2-692Verified Sep 15, 2026View source
Contact retirement account custodians about beneficiary claims. IRAs and 401(k)s typically pass by beneficiary designation, not through the estate.
Alabama: Divorce automatically revokes beneficiary designations naming a former spouse on life insurance, retirement accounts, POD bank accounts, TOD investment accounts, annuities (Ala. Code § 30-4-17). Employer plans governed by federal law (ERISA) and federal benefits are not affected by the state rule. Confirm whether any designation predates a divorce before it is paid out.
Prepare and file an inventory of all estate assets with their values. The filing deadline runs from your appointment as personal representative and is set by state law.
Inventory due 60 days after appointment as personal representativeAla. Code §§ 43-2-835, 43-2-836Verified Sep 15, 2026View source
Alabama: Inventory due within 60 days of appointment. You set the fair-market values yourself; no independent appraiser is required. Supplemental inventory required for assets discovered after the initial filing. A will may expressly exempt the personal representative from filing an inventory; the exemption is defeasible on an interested person’s affidavit that their interest is endangered or on a court finding the estate is likely to be wasted.Ala. Code §§ 43-2-835, 43-2-836Verified Sep 15, 2026View source
Review claims submitted by creditors. Reject invalid claims and pay valid debts from estate/trust assets.
Alabama: After a claim is rejected, the creditor has 30 days to sue on it. If the estate cannot pay every claim, payment order: Funeral expenses; then Administration expenses; then Last illness expenses; then remaining claims in statutory order.Ala. Code §§ 43-2-60, 43-2-61, 43-2-350, 43-2-354, 43-2-371Verified Oct 18, 2026View source
Do not make final distributions until the creditor claim period has expired. This protects you from personal liability.
Creditor claim period: 6 months from the opening of probateAla. Code §§ 43-2-60, 43-2-61, 43-2-350, 43-2-354, 43-2-371Verified Oct 18, 2026View source
Alabama: Creditor claim period is 6 months from the opening of probate.Ala. Code §§ 43-2-60, 43-2-61, 43-2-350, 43-2-354, 43-2-371Verified Oct 18, 2026View source
File a final IRS Form 1040 for the deceased covering January 1 through date of death. Write "DECEASED," the decedent's name, and the date of death across the top of the return. If filing jointly with a surviving spouse, include both incomes. Attach Form 1310 to claim a refund, unless you are the surviving spouse filing a joint return or a court-appointed personal representative attaching a copy of the court certificate to the original return.
IRS Form 1040 due April 15 following year of death26 USC 6012(b)(1)
Alabama: File Form 40 for January 1 through date of death. Due April 15 following year of death. File for January 1 through date of death. The spouse or personal representative checks the box indicating which taxpayer is deceased and enters the date of death (TY2025 Form 40 booklet, "Death of Taxpayer").Ala. Code § 40-18-29(a)-(b) (fiduciary return, $1,500 threshold, deadline); § 40-18-25 (estate/trust income computed per IRC Subchapter J)Verified Sep 10, 2026View source
If the estate or trust earns income during administration ($600 in gross income), file IRS Form 1041. Required if estate gross income is $600 or more, or if any beneficiary is a nonresident alien. The estate can choose a fiscal year. Use Form 7004 for an automatic 5.5-month extension of time to file.
Alabama: File Form 41 for estate/trust income. Required when Net income of $1,500 or over (Ala. Code § 40-18-29(a)). Due April 15 (calendar-year estates); 15th day of the 4th month after close of a fiscal year. Mandatory e-filing under Ala. Admin. Code r. 810-3-29-.08 (effective Dec. 15, 2015, applying to taxable years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2016): preparers who file 25 or more original fiduciary returns using tax preparation software, and estates/trusts with 20 or more beneficiaries at year end, must e-file.Ala. Code § 40-18-29(a)-(b) (fiduciary return, $1,500 threshold, deadline); § 40-18-25 (estate/trust income computed per IRC Subchapter J)Verified Sep 10, 2026View source
For estates exceeding the federal exemption ($15,000,000), IRS Form 706 is required. Some states have lower thresholds. File Form 4768 for an automatic 6-month extension of time to file. The estate and GST tax is still due within 9 months of death; an extension of time to pay must be requested separately on the same form. Form 706 may also be filed to elect portability of the unused exemption to a surviving spouse.
IRS Form 706 due 9 months after date of death (6-month extension available) if required26 USC 6018; 26 USC 6075(a)
Alabama: No state estate or inheritance tax. Only federal Form 706 applies if estate exceeds the federal exemption ($15,000,000).26 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source
Some states require tax clearance or closing letters before final distribution. Distributing without clearance can create personal liability for the executor or trustee.
Alabama: Estate tax waivers no longer required for deaths after December 31, 2004.Ala. Code § 40-18-29(a)-(b) (fiduciary return, $1,500 threshold, deadline); § 40-18-25 (estate/trust income computed per IRC Subchapter J)Verified Sep 10, 2026View source
An executor or personal representative is entitled to compensation for administering the estate. Some states set commissions by statute; others allow reasonable compensation. Decide whether to take a commission and document the basis before final distribution.
Alabama: Executor compensation must be reasonable (no fixed statutory schedule). States that do set a schedule pay 2.2%–3.8% of an estate this size. Commissions are taxable income to the executor and are usually waived when the executor is also the main beneficiary.Ala. Code § 43-2-848 (reasonable compensation capped at 2.5% of property received/controlled + 2.5% of disbursements; court may award more for extraordinary services)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source
Keep copies of all documents, accountings, receipts, and tax returns. Most professionals recommend keeping records for 7-10 years.
General information about settling an estate, not legal advice. Requirements vary by state and circumstance. Consult a licensed attorney for legal questions. Data verified Sep 15, 2026
