What Do I Do When Someone Dies in South Carolina?

A step-by-step checklist for the days, weeks, and months after a death, with the state's rules, deadlines, fees, and official forms noted on the steps they apply to. Free PDF.

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South Carolina Executor Checklist

50 tasks to complete

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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

South Carolina: State law sets the order of who controls disposition of remains. Order: Person designated as agent by the decedent in a will or other verified and attested document, or named in the decedent's DD Form 93 if the decedent died while serving in the armed services and there is no will designation (§ 32-8-320(A)(1)); then The spouse of the decedent, unless separated per § 32-8-320(A)(2): pendente lite order in a divorce or separate maintenance action, formal signing of a written property or marital settlement agreement, or a permanent order of separate maintenance and support; then The decedent's surviving adult children (§ 32-8-320(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.

South Carolina: Cremation has a 24-hour waiting period. Medical examiner authorization is required before cremation. A burial or disposition permit is required, issued by Subregistrar appointed at hospitals, nursing homes, and institutions for deaths occurring at those facilities; county coroner for deaths occurring outside institutions (S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63-40). The death certificate must be filed within 5 days. Typical state costs: direct cremation ~$1,500, direct burial ~$3,200, traditional funeral ~$7,900.

How many death certificates do I need?

Obtain certified death certificates

South Carolina: Order from South Carolina Department of Public Health - Vital Records Section. Fee: $12/copy ($3 additional). Available: online, phone, mail, in-person, in-person. Processing: 4 weeks ($12 non-refundable search fee).

Unsure how many death certificates you need?

Secure the residence and valuables

Change locks if necessary, ensure the home is secured, and safeguard valuable items. Review who has keys and whether security measures are needed.

South Carolina: Homestead exemption up to $80,125. Surviving spouse has lifetime right to occupy. Minor children also protected.

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.

South Carolina: Small estate affidavit available for estates under $45,000. Informal (unsupervised) probate available. Independent administration reduces court oversight.

Do I need probate?Estimate probate costs in your state

Arrange mail forwarding or collection

Ensure mail is collected regularly to identify bills, accounts, and important correspondence. Forwarding mail to the executor/trustee is common practice.

USPS death notification procedures

Notify Social Security Administration

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: As soon as possible after death — payments for the month of death and later must be returned. The funeral home typically initiates the report. SSA: 1-800-772-1213.

SSA death notification procedures

Notify Medicare/Medicaid if applicable

Cancel Medicare coverage and return the Medicare card. If on Medicaid, notify the state agency to avoid benefit continuation.

South Carolina: Medicare: No Medicare notification deadline — coverage ends with the death and CMS is notified through SSA. Deadlines that do bind the estate: a Medicare Secondary Payer demand must be repaid within 60 calendar days or interest accrues (42 CFR 411.24(h)), and any claim for services furnished before death must be filed within 12 months of the date of service.. If the deceased received Medicaid, South Carolina's estate recovery program (South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services — Medicaid Estate Recovery) may file a claim against the estate for benefits paid. Exemptions and hardship waivers are state-specific.

Medicare/Medicaid death notification procedures South Carolina Medicaid estate recovery program

Notify Veterans Affairs if applicable

If the deceased was a veteran, notify the VA to stop benefits and inquire about burial benefits and survivor benefits.

Federal: Timing: No fixed deadline to report the death, but report right away to stop payments and avoid overpayment debt; accrued-benefits and substitution requests are due within 1 year of death, and non-service-connected burial allowance claims within 2 years of burial. VA: 1-800-827-1000 (select 5 to report a death); 1-800-535-1117 (national cemetery scheduling).

VA death notification and survivor benefits

Notify employer or former employer

Contact employer about final paycheck, accrued PTO, life insurance, retirement benefits, and COBRA options for survivors.

Employer benefits and pension after a death

Notify banks and financial institutions

Contact each bank and financial institution. They will freeze accounts until proper documentation is provided.

Find your bank or credit union death claim process FDIC guidance on accounts after a death

Notify insurance companies

Contact life insurance companies to file claims. Also notify health, auto, and homeowner insurance to update or cancel policies.

South Carolina: Divorce automatically revokes beneficiary designations naming a former spouse on life insurance, retirement accounts, POD bank accounts, TOD investment accounts, annuities (S.C. Code Ann. § 62-2-507). 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.

Find your insurance company death claim process

Freeze credit at all three bureaus

Place a deceased alert or credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to prevent identity theft. Over 2 million deceased identities are stolen annually.

FTC identity theft prevention for the deceased

Gather financial account statements

Collect recent statements for all bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, and any other financial accounts.

What are my personal items worth for probate?

Gather real estate documents

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.

South Carolina: Homestead exemption up to $80,125. Surviving spouse has lifetime right to occupy. Minor children also protected.

What is a Transfer on Death deed?

Gather recent tax returns

Locate the last 3-5 years of federal and state income tax returns. These help identify income sources, assets, and deductions.

Do I have to file tax returns for someone who died?IRS procedures when someone dies

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.

Apply for an estate EIN IRS procedures when someone dies

File petition for probate with the court

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.

South Carolina: Statewide form: 300ES (Application (Informal) / Petition (Formal) for Probate of Will or Appointment). File with the County Probate Court. Filing fees vary by estate value. Informal probate available. Independent administration reduces court supervision. Typical duration: 9-24 months.

Can I self-file probate?300ES (official form)

Obtain letters testamentary or administration

Once appointed by the court, obtain letters testamentary (with will) or letters of administration (without will). These prove your authority.

South Carolina: Certificate of Appointment of Personal Representative are issued by the Probate Court; the personal representative must qualify under § 62-3-601 before letters / the Certificate of Appointment issue. The state's title for the role is Personal Representative. Typically filed with the petition: Death certificate — county Probate Court intake practice, not required by Title 62 or by Form 300ES; the counties differ on form (Berkeley and Horry ask for a certified copy, Charleston for the original and "no copies", Lexington and York for a copy), so confirm with the county where the estate is opened; Original will and any codicils (S.C. Code Ann. § 62-2-901, delivery of will to court); Qualification / Statement of Acceptance of the personal representative (S.C. Code Ann. § 62-3-601); Fiduciary Bond (Form 341ES) when required (S.C. Code Ann. § 62-3-603); Filing fee based on the gross value of the probate estate (S.C. Code Ann. § 8-21-770(B)).

Post surety bond if required

If the court requires a bond, obtain a surety bond from an insurance company. The bond protects beneficiaries from executor misconduct.

South Carolina: Bond required unless waived in will. Typical premium: 0.5% of estate value. Beneficiaries may waive bond in writing (S.C. Code Ann. §§ 62-3-603, 62-3-605).

Open an estate bank account

Open a dedicated checking account for the estate using the EIN and letters testamentary. All estate income and expenses flow through this account.

Consider hiring a probate attorney

For complex estates or if unfamiliar with probate, hiring an attorney is common. Many states allow statutory attorney fees.

South Carolina: Attorney fees typically 2.1-3.3% of estate.

Find a probate attorney in your state Can I self-file probate instead?

Publish notice to creditors

Publish a notice in a local newspaper to alert potential creditors. This starts the creditor claim period running.

South Carolina: South Carolina requires publication for 3 consecutive weeks. Typical cost: $100. The executor places the notice with the newspaper directly. Creditors have 8 months from first publication to file claims. Direct notice to a known creditor is optional, and it shortens that creditor's window: they must file within 60 days of the mailing if that falls sooner. Proof of publication must be filed with the court.

What are the creditor claim deadlines?Official notice form (Notice to Creditors (Form 370ES))Find a legal newspaper (state press association)

Inventory digital accounts and assets

Identify email accounts, social media, online banking, cryptocurrency, and other digital assets. Note any password managers used.

South Carolina: South Carolina has adopted digital asset access laws (2016). User authorization or court order may be required to access accounts. Online tool authorizations (like Google Inactive Account Manager) are valid.

Digital assets guide

Search for unclaimed property and lost assets

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.

South Carolina: Search South Carolina Office of the State Treasurer — Unclaimed Property Program for forgotten accounts, refunds, and uncashed checks owed to the deceased.

South Carolina Office of the State Treasurer — Unclaimed Property Program unclaimed property search

Manage real estate

Maintain property, continue paying mortgage and taxes, arrange for property management if needed, and prepare for sale or transfer.

South Carolina: Property owned in other states may require ancillary probate in those states. Small estate exception may apply for property under $45,000. State recognizes out-of-state personal representatives.

Estimate probate costs for real estate

Review and manage investments

Review investment accounts, decide whether to maintain or liquidate positions, and manage accounts prudently during administration.

Find your brokerage death claim process SEC guidance on accounts after a death

Handle retirement accounts

Contact retirement account custodians about beneficiary claims. IRAs and 401(k)s typically pass by beneficiary designation, not through the estate.

Find your retirement provider death claim process Are my beneficiary designations protected?

Identify and list all debts

Create a comprehensive list of all debts including credit cards, loans, mortgages, and any other obligations.

What are the creditor claim deadlines?CFPB guidance on debts after a death

Cancel subscriptions and memberships

Cancel recurring charges for subscriptions, memberships, and services no longer needed.

Managing digital accounts after a death

File inventory with the court

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.

South Carolina: Inventory due within 90 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.

What are my personal items worth for probate?

Review and respond to creditor claims

Review claims submitted by creditors. Reject invalid claims and pay valid debts from estate/trust assets.

South Carolina: After a claim is rejected, the creditor has 30 days to sue on it. If the estate cannot pay every claim, payment order: Administration costs, attorney fees, and reasonable funeral expenses; then Debts and taxes with preference under federal law; then Reasonable and necessary medical, hospital, and personal care expenses of the last illness; then remaining claims in statutory order.

What are the creditor claim deadlines?

Wait for creditor claim period to expire

Do not make final distributions until the creditor claim period has expired. This protects you from personal liability.

South Carolina: Creditor claim period is 8 months from first publication. All claims are barred 1 year after death regardless of notice.

What are the creditor claim deadlines?

Transfer vehicle titles

Transfer ownership of vehicles to beneficiaries or the estate. Contact the state DMV with a death certificate and title documents.

South Carolina: South Carolina titles can carry a Transfer on Death (TOD) designation (S.C. Code Ann. 62-6-401). Check the title for a TOD or beneficiary designation — a designated vehicle passes directly to the named beneficiary outside probate. Titles are processed by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).

What are my personal items worth for probate?South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) — TOD designation information

File final personal income tax return

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.

South Carolina: File SC1040 (South Carolina Individual Income Tax Return) for January 1 through date of death. Due April 15 following year of death (2025 returns automatically extended to October 15, 2026 per SCDOR). Top rate 6% for TY 2025 (3-bracket 0%/3%/6% system); 5.21% for TY 2026+ (2-bracket 1.99%/5.21% system per Act No. 110 (R.117, H.4216), 2026). Statutory due date: S.C. Code Ann. § 12-6-4970(A) — "Returns of taxpayers, except as otherwise provided, must be filed on or before the fifteenth day of the fourth month following the taxable year." Marking the return: SCDOR directs the filer to CHECK THE "DECEASED" BOX, not to annotate the form — "When filing the return, check the box for 'deceased' next to the appropriate Social Security number. If filing by paper, this box is located at the top of the SC1040." (Corrected 2026-07-13: this file previously said to write "Deceased" and the date of death on the return — SCDOR prescribes no such annotation.) Signature: an appointed representative signs (on joint returns the surviving spouse also signs); a surviving spouse filing a joint return with no appointed representative "should sign and write 'filing as surviving spouse' beside their signature." Refund claim: SCDOR directs "File an SC 1310 to claim a refund on the deceased taxpayer's return," following the SC1310 instructions on whether a death certificate or letters of appointment must be attached — SC1310, "Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer" (Rev. 09/10/19), https://dor.sc.gov/sites/dor/files/forms/SC1310.pdf (fetched 2026-09-10). Extension via SC4868 (https://dor.sc.gov/sites/dor/files/forms/SC4868.pdf); must pay at least 90% of tax due by the original due date. Per dor.sc.gov/tax-tips/how-file-final-tax-return-deceased-taxpayer (re-fetched 2026-09-10). S.C. Code Ann. §§ 12-6-510, 12-6-4970(A).

Do I have to file tax returns for someone who died?IRS procedures when someone dies IRS Form 1040 (Federal)IRS Free File SC1040 (South Carolina Individual Income Tax Return) (South Carolina)South Carolina Online Filing

File estate/trust income tax return

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.

South Carolina: File SC1041 (South Carolina Fiduciary Income Tax Return) for estate/trust income. Required when Statutory trigger for an ESTATE, S.C. Code Ann. § 12-6-4910(5): income tax returns must be filed by "an estate with a nonresident beneficiary or with gross income for the taxable year of six hundred dollars or more" (§ 12-6-4910(6) states the parallel trust rule). SCDOR states the requirement as three prongs: the fiduciary of a resident estate or trust must file an SC1041 if the estate or trust "is required to file a federal Fiduciary Income Tax return for the taxable year," "had any South Carolina taxable income for the taxable year," or "had a beneficiary who is a nonresident" (dor.sc.gov/business-income-taxes/fiduciary). A nonresident estate or trust files if it had income or gain from South Carolina sources. The federal 1041 threshold is gross income of $600+, any taxable income, or a nonresident-alien beneficiary (IRC § 6012(a)(3)).. Due 15th day of the 4th month after end of tax year (April 15 for calendar-year filers); 5½-month extension available via SC8736. Same rate brackets as individual income tax (top rate 5.21% TY 2026+ per H.4216, Act No. 110 (R.117); 6% TY 2025) — § 12-6-510(C)(1) imposes its schedule on "individuals, estates, trusts," and SCDOR IL #26-20 (8/31/2026) restates it for "individuals, estates, trusts, and any other entity that is not taxed at corporate rates." Due date per S.C. Code Ann. § 12-6-4970(A) and SCDOR: "Your SC1041 and tax payment is due by the 15th day of the fourth month after the end of your tax year." Extension: SC8736 (https://dor.sc.gov/sites/dor/files/forms/SC8736.pdf) — "The request for extension extends the filing due date for up to 5½ months"; "There is no extension of time for payment of your Fiduciary Tax." Must attach copy of federal Form 1041 (all schedules) to SC1041. SC Schedule K-1 issued to beneficiaries. Per dor.sc.gov/business-income-taxes/fiduciary (re-fetched 2026-09-10); S.C. Code Ann. §§ 12-6-510, 12-6-4910(5), 12-6-4970(A). (Corrected 2026-09-10: this note and primaryCitation previously cited § 12-6-540, which is the rate section for EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS AND COOPERATIVES — "An income tax is imposed annually at the rate of five percent on the South Carolina taxable income of an organization described in Internal Revenue Code Sections 501 through 528" — and has nothing to do with fiduciary returns.)

Do I have to file tax returns for someone who died?IRS procedures when someone dies IRS Form 1041 (Federal)SC1041 (South Carolina Fiduciary Income Tax Return) (South Carolina)

Determine if estate tax return is required

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.

South Carolina: No state estate or inheritance tax. Only federal Form 706 applies if estate exceeds the federal exemption ($15,000,000).

How much are estate and inheritance taxes?IRS procedures when someone dies IRS Form 706 (Federal)Form 4768 (Extension)

Obtain tax clearance if required

Some states require tax clearance or closing letters before final distribution. Distributing without clearance can create personal liability for the executor or trustee.

South Carolina: South Carolina requires no tax clearance certificate or consent-to-transfer waiver before an estate is distributed, and there is no state estate tax to clear (the SC estate tax is a pick-up tax measured by the federal state death tax credit, which EGTRRA phased out effective 1/1/2005) and no inheritance tax (never imposed). The probate court does apply two tax findings at the end of administration: under S.C. Code Ann. § 62-3-1002, "No final accounting of a fiduciary shall be allowed by the probate court unless such account shows, and the judge of such court finds, that all taxes imposed by the provisions of Chapter 6, Title 12 upon such fiduciary, which have become payable, have been paid, and that all taxes which may become due are secured by bond, deposit, or otherwise" — a Department of Revenue certificate plus receipt is conclusive proof of payment under that section, but obtaining one is optional, not required. Under § 62-3-1003, a personal representative who is required to file a federal estate tax return cannot have a final accounting approved unless the court finds any Chapter 16, Title 12 tax "has been paid in full or that no such tax is due" — which for deaths after 12/31/2004 is satisfied because no such tax is due.

Do I have to file tax returns for someone who died?

Determine your executor commission

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.

South Carolina: 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.

How much can an executor charge?

Prepare distribution plan

Create a detailed plan for distributing assets according to the trust terms, will provisions, or intestate succession laws.

Who inherits without a will?

Notify beneficiaries of proposed distribution

Provide beneficiaries with a proposed distribution and accounting before making distributions.

I'm inheriting - what do I need to know?

Handle specific bequests

Distribute specific items (jewelry, heirlooms, etc.) to named beneficiaries as specified in the will or trust.

What are my personal items worth for probate?

Obtain receipts and releases from beneficiaries

Have beneficiaries sign receipts acknowledging distributions. Releases from liability are also commonly obtained.

Distribute assets to beneficiaries

Transfer assets to beneficiaries according to the distribution plan. Keep detailed records of all distributions.

Prepare final accounting

Create a detailed accounting showing all assets, income, expenses, and distributions. This may be required by the court or beneficiaries.

File final accounting with the court

Submit the final accounting to the probate court for approval. This is required before the estate can be formally closed.

Can I self-file probate?

Petition to close the estate

File a petition with the court to formally close the estate once all duties are complete.

Estate closing forms

Retain records for required period

Keep copies of all documents, accountings, receipts, and tax returns. Most professionals recommend keeping records for 7-10 years.

I understand this is general guidance only and requirements vary by state. I will verify all requirements with my state's probate court.I understand this checklist is not legal advice; a licensed attorney handles legal questions.Send me helpful estate planning resources and updates

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This checklist provides general guidance for estate settlement. Requirements vary by state and circumstance. Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.Data verified 2026-09-15

Frequently Asked Questions

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. Order from South Carolina Department of Public Health - Vital Records Section. Fee: $12/copy ($3 additional). Available: online, phone, mail, in-person, in-person. Processing: 4 weeks ($12 non-refundable search fee).

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. State law sets the order of who controls disposition of remains. Order: Person designated as agent by the decedent in a will or other verified and attested document, or named in the decedent's DD Form 93 if the decedent died while serving in the armed services and there is no will designation (§ 32-8-320(A)(1)); then The spouse of the decedent, unless separated per § 32-8-320(A)(2): pendente lite order in a divorce or separate maintenance action, formal signing of a written property or marital settlement agreement, or a permanent order of separate maintenance and support; then The decedent's surviving adult children (§ 32-8-320(A)(3)); then others in statutory order. A written pre-need designation by the deceased, if one exists, controls over this order.

Evaluate whether the estate qualifies for small estate procedures or if full probate is required based on asset values and types. Small estate affidavit available for estates under $45,000. Informal (unsupervised) probate available. Independent administration reduces court oversight.

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. Statewide form: 300ES (Application (Informal) / Petition (Formal) for Probate of Will or Appointment). File with the County Probate Court. Filing fees vary by estate value. Informal probate available. Independent administration reduces court supervision. Typical duration: 9-24 months.

Once appointed by the court, obtain letters testamentary (with will) or letters of administration (without will). These prove your authority. Certificate of Appointment of Personal Representative are issued by the Probate Court; the personal representative must qualify under § 62-3-601 before letters / the Certificate of Appointment issue. The state's title for the role is Personal Representative. Typically filed with the petition: Death certificate — county Probate Court intake practice, not required by Title 62 or by Form 300ES; the counties differ on form (Berkeley and Horry ask for a certified copy, Charleston for the original and "no copies", Lexington and York for a copy), so confirm with the county where the estate is opened; Original will and any codicils (S.C. Code Ann. § 62-2-901, delivery of will to court); Qualification / Statement of Acceptance of the personal representative (S.C. Code Ann. § 62-3-601); Fiduciary Bond (Form 341ES) when required (S.C. Code Ann. § 62-3-603); Filing fee based on the gross value of the probate estate (S.C. Code Ann. § 8-21-770(B)).

After a Death in South Carolina

The first step in settling an estate in South Carolina is evaluating the estate's size and how assets are titled. Estates under $45,000 may bypass formal probate entirely. Trust-held assets transfer outside probate regardless of value.

Creditors in South Carolina have 8 months to file claims after notice is published. This claim period sets a minimum timeline for estate settlement. Simple estates typically close in 6 months to 9 months, while contested or complex estates take longer.

The executor or personal representative in South Carolina manages all estate affairs during the settlement period. South Carolina requires an executor bond by default. A bond waiver in the will eliminates this expense. South Carolina provides a family allowance for eligible survivors during administration, up to $45,000 (S.C. Code § 62-2-401 (exempt property); 2025 Act No. 26). The South Carolina executor fee calculator covers what that work can charge.

Total settlement costs depend on estate size, complexity, and whether disputes arise. Attorney fees, executor compensation, court filing fees, and publication costs total about $27,462 on a $500,000 estate. A revocable living trust bypasses this entire process — assets transfer privately without court involvement.

SimplyTrust Editorial·Updated September 8, 2026

Legal Sources

Data sourced from South Carolina statutes and official state code. How we research.

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