After a death in Wisconsin, the estate either qualifies for the simplified procedure for estates under $50,000small estate: § 867.03Verified Sep 9, 2026View source or goes through probate, where creditors have 4 monthsWis. Stat. § 859.01 (3-4 month deadline set by court)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source to file claims after notice.
Certified copies come from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Vital Records OfficeWisconsin Department of Health Services - Vital Records OfficeVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the funeral home usually places the first order. The first certified copy costs $20Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Vital Records OfficeVerified Oct 15, 2026View source and each additional copy ordered with it $3Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Vital Records OfficeVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; standard processing takes About 10 business days by mail; about 5 business days onlineWisconsin Department of Health Services - Vital Records OfficeVerified Oct 15, 2026View source. Banks, insurers, government agencies and retirement plans each want a certified copy, so the first order is for several. The Wisconsin death certificate guide carries the ordering details.
Wisconsin sets an order for who controls the disposition of remains: surviving spouse, then surviving children, then surviving parentsWis. Stat. § 154.30(2)(a)Verified Oct 17, 2026View source. The state allows you to name your own agent in advanceWis. Stat. § 154.30(8)Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, and a written designation outranks the default order. The Wisconsin 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, Wisconsin allows estates valued at $50,000small estate: § 867.03Verified Sep 9, 2026View source or less to use the Transfer by Affidavitsmall estate: § 867.03Verified Sep 9, 2026View source, which avoids full probate administration. The Transfer by Affidavit is presented directly to the bank, employer, or other holder of the property — it is not filed with a court. There is no statutory waiting period.
Wisconsin uses Petition for Formal Administration (PR-1901)Wis. Stat. ch. 856 (formal opening, qualification, letters) & ch. 865 (informal administration); § 856.21 (persons entitled to domiciliary letters — priority); § 865.08 (informal appointment; letters)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source, filed with the Circuit CourtWis. Stat. ch. 856 (formal opening, qualification, letters) & ch. 865 (informal administration); § 856.21 (persons entitled to domiciliary letters — priority); § 865.08 (informal appointment; letters)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. Probate registrar issues Domiciliary Letters after the court grants the petition. The Wisconsin Letters Testamentary guide carries the documents, the bond and the self-filing rules.
A simple estate in Wisconsin typically settles in 6 months to 9 months, and an average estate in 9 months to 12 months. The creditor claim period of 4 monthsWis. Stat. § 859.01 (3-4 month deadline set by court)Verified Sep 9, 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 Wisconsin: probate petition, small estate affidavit, creditor notice and closing forms. Prepare each form for Wisconsin.
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Affidavit of Death
In Wisconsin, a surviving joint owner or a transfer on death deed beneficiary records the “Termination of Decedent’s InterestWisconsin Register of Deeds Association form HT-110 and TOD-110, Version 6.21.18Verified Oct 26, 2026View source”.
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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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Notice to Creditors
In Wisconsin, the notice to creditors is published for 3Wis. Stat. §§ 859.01, 859.02, 859.07, 859.25Verified Oct 19, 2026View source weeks in a local newspaper, and creditors have 4 monthsWis. Stat. § 859.01 (3-4 month deadline set by court)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source from the personal representative's appointment to present claims.
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Affidavit of Heirship
In Wisconsin, heirs put their identity on the land records with a recorded affidavit of facts affecting title that states who the heirs areWis. Stat. §§ 706.05, 706.06, 706.09(1)(i); WisDOT Form MV2300Verified Sep 24, 2026View source.
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Small Estate Affidavit
In Wisconsin, the Transfer by Affidavitsmall estate: § 867.03Verified Sep 9, 2026View source covers estates valued at $50,000small estate: § 867.03Verified Sep 9, 2026View source or less, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.
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Estate Inventory
In Wisconsin, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 180 daysWis. Stat. §§ 858.01, 858.13, 858.15, 858.17Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
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Estate Closing
In Wisconsin, the personal representative is discharged automatically once the statutory period runsWis. Stat. §§ 865.16(2), 865.18, 863.47Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required.
Free tools for settling an estate in Wisconsin: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool for Wisconsin.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In Wisconsin, certified death certificates come from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Vital Records OfficeWisconsin Department of Health Services - Vital Records OfficeVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $20Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Vital Records OfficeVerified Oct 15, 2026View source, additional copies $3Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Vital Records OfficeVerified Oct 15, 2026View source each.
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Do I Need Probate?
In Wisconsin, estates valued at $50,000small estate: § 867.03Verified Sep 9, 2026View source or less skip probate with the Transfer by Affidavitsmall estate: § 867.03Verified Sep 9, 2026View source.
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What Happens to Jointly Owned Property When an Owner Dies?
When a joint owner dies in Wisconsin, what the survivor records is the “Termination of Decedent’s InterestWisconsin Register of Deeds Association form HT-110 and TOD-110, Version 6.21.18Verified Oct 26, 2026View source”.
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Do I Have to File Tax Returns for Someone Who Died?
Wisconsin requires a final state income tax return for the decedent alongside the federal Form 1040Wis. Stat. § 71.06(1r), (2e)(bm); Wis. Stat. § 71.05(22)(dp), (dt)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.
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How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Wisconsin: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 180 daysWis. Stat. §§ 858.01, 858.13, 858.15, 858.17Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsWis. Stat. §§ 859.01, 859.02, 859.07, 859.25Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.
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How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Wisconsin levies no estate or inheritance taxWis. Stat. § 72.36 (Sunset; 2013 Wis. Act 20) — the ch. 72 estate tax "does not apply to deaths occurring after December 31, 2012, unless the federal estate tax law is modified to provide a federal estate tax credit for state death taxes." Ch. 72 remains on the books as a dormant federal-credit (pickup) tax that computes to $0, not a repealed one. Wisconsin has no inheritance tax for decedents dying on or after January 1, 1992 and no gift tax for gifts made on or after January 1, 1992 (WI DOR, Estates, Trusts, and Fiduciaries common questions).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.
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What Taxes Apply to My Inheritance?
Wisconsin imposes no inheritance or estate taxWis. Stat. § 72.36 (Sunset; 2013 Wis. Act 20) — the ch. 72 estate tax "does not apply to deaths occurring after December 31, 2012, unless the federal estate tax law is modified to provide a federal estate tax credit for state death taxes." Ch. 72 remains on the books as a dormant federal-credit (pickup) tax that computes to $0, not a repealed one. Wisconsin has no inheritance tax for decedents dying on or after January 1, 1992 and no gift tax for gifts made on or after January 1, 1992 (WI DOR, Estates, Trusts, and Fiduciaries common questions).Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; probate assets arrive when the estate closes, 6 months to 9 months for a simple estate.
Wisconsin Executor ChecklistWis. Stat. § 851.40(1) (attorney: just and reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage); § 814.66(1)(a)2. (filing fees: $20 ≤$10K, 0.2% over $10K, no statutory cap); § 856.25(1)/(4) (bond, solely discretionary with court; will requests not binding); §§ 858.13/858.15 (court-appointed appraisers; no appraisal for readily-ascertainable assets); § 857.05(2) (2% PR commission on inventory less liens + net principal gains; parties may agree to different rate in writing); § 859.01 (3-4 month creditor claims set by court); § 859.07 (publication, first insertion within 15 days of order); Ch. 865 (informal administration by probate registrar); small estate: § 867.03(1g) (Transfer by Affidavit, $50,000 gross value of property subject to administration, no CPI, no post-death waiting period), § 867.03(1h) (person named in the will solely as PR cannot receive real property via affidavit), § 867.03(1j) (30-day hold on the holder, sole-named-PR affidavits only), § 867.03(1p)/(2m) (30-day heir notice, then recording with the register of deeds, for real property), § 867.01 (summary settlement, $50,000 with surviving spouse/domestic partner or minor children, or the § 859.25 expense test), § 867.02 (summary assignment, $50,000) — all fields re-verified against docs.legis.wisconsin.gov chapter PDFs 2026-09-09Verified Sep 9, 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.
Wisconsin: State law sets the order of who controls disposition of remains. Order: Designated representative under the decedent's authorization for final disposition, or a successor representative; then Surviving spouse; then Surviving children (a majority if more than one; a minority may act after reasonable efforts to notify the others); 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.
Wisconsin: Cremation has a 48-hour waiting period. Medical examiner authorization is required before cremation. A burial or disposition permit is required, issued by the funeral director or family member who moves the body, on the report for final disposition (Wis. Stat. § 69.18(3)). Within 2 days after the medical certification is received. The funeral director or family member filing the death record sends it to the physician, coroner or medical examiner within 24 hours of being notified of the death, the certifier completes the medical certification within 6 days after the death is pronounced, and the record is then filed with the local registrar within 2 days (Wis. Stat. § 69.18(1)(bm), (2)).
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.
Wisconsin: Order from Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Vital Records Office. Fee: $20/copy ($3 additional). Available: online, phone, mail, in-person. Processing: About 10 business days by mail; about 5 business days online.
Change locks if necessary, ensure the home is secured, and safeguard valuable items. Review who has keys and whether security measures are needed.
Wisconsin: Homestead exemption up to $75,000.Wis. Stat. §§ 815.20, 990.01(14), 861.21Verified 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.
Wisconsin: Small estate affidavit available for estates under $50,000. Informal (unsupervised) probate available. Independent administration reduces court oversight.Wis. Stat. § 851.40(1) (attorney: just and reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage); § 814.66(1)(a)2. (filing fees: $20 ≤$10K, 0.2% over $10K, no statutory cap); § 856.25(1)/(4) (bond, solely discretionary with court; will requests not binding); §§ 858.13/858.15 (court-appointed appraisers; no appraisal for readily-ascertainable assets); § 857.05(2) (2% PR commission on inventory less liens + net principal gains; parties may agree to different rate in writing); § 859.01 (3-4 month creditor claims set by court); § 859.07 (publication, first insertion within 15 days of order); Ch. 865 (informal administration by probate registrar); small estate: § 867.03(1g) (Transfer by Affidavit, $50,000 gross value of property subject to administration, no CPI, no post-death waiting period), § 867.03(1h) (person named in the will solely as PR cannot receive real property via affidavit), § 867.03(1j) (30-day hold on the holder, sole-named-PR affidavits only), § 867.03(1p)/(2m) (30-day heir notice, then recording with the register of deeds, for real property), § 867.01 (summary settlement, $50,000 with surviving spouse/domestic partner or minor children, or the § 859.25 expense test), § 867.02 (summary assignment, $50,000) — all fields re-verified against docs.legis.wisconsin.gov chapter PDFs 2026-09-09Verified Sep 9, 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.
Wisconsin: 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, Wisconsin's estate recovery program (Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Estate Recovery Program) 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.
Wisconsin: Divorce automatically revokes beneficiary designations naming a former spouse on life insurance, retirement accounts, POD bank accounts, TOD investment accounts, annuities (Wis. Stat. § 854.15). 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.
Wisconsin: Homestead exemption up to $75,000. Acreage limits: 40 acres urban, 40 acres rural. Wisconsin allows Transfer on Death (TOD) deeds. Check the county recorder's office to see if a TOD deed was recorded -- if so, the property transfers outside probate.Wis. Stat. §§ 815.20, 990.01(14), 861.21Verified 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.
Once appointed by the court, obtain letters testamentary (with will) or letters of administration (without will). These prove your authority.
Wisconsin: Domiciliary Letters are issued by the Probate registrar (register in probate) in informal administration; the circuit court in formal administration — Domiciliary Letters (PR-1810) issue on qualification. The state's title for the role is Personal Representative. The Letters document is official form PR-1810 (Domiciliary Letters (Informal and Formal Administration)). Typically filed with the petition: Certified copy of the death certificate — NOT a filed document in Wisconsin. No statute or statewide probate form requires one to open an estate or obtain Letters; where a Register in Probate asks to see one, the clerk abstracts it onto form GF-162 and hands the original back (Wis. Stat. § 69.24(1)(a) makes copying a vital record a Class I felony); Original will and any codicils, filed with the court (Wis. Stat. § 856.05 — duty to deliver the will within 30 days of knowledge of the death); Proof of Heirship (Informal and Formal Administration) (PR-1806) to establish the decedent's heirs (Wis. Stat. §§ 852.01, 854.03, 863.23); Consent to Serve (Informal, Formal, and Special Administration) (PR-1807) (Wis. Stat. §§ 856.23, 865.08(2)); Waiver and Consent of interested persons (PR-1803 informal / PR-1846 formal) where required (Wis. Stat. § 879.09); Notice to creditors / notice setting deadline for filing claims (PR-1804 / PR-1805) (Wis. Stat. §§ 859.01, 859.07); Bond unless the court orders appointment without bond (PR-1809A Signature Bond in Estate or Trust Proceedings) (Wis. Stat. § 856.25).Wis. Stat. ch. 856 (formal opening, qualification, letters) & ch. 865 (informal administration); § 856.21 (persons entitled to domiciliary letters — priority); § 865.08 (informal appointment; letters)Verified Aug 24, 2026
If the court requires a bond, obtain a surety bond from an insurance company. The bond protects beneficiaries from executor misconduct.
Wisconsin: Bond required unless waived in will. Typical premium: 0.5% of estate value.Wis. Stat. § 856.25 (bond solely within court discretion; will requests not binding)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source
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.
Wisconsin: Attorney fees typically 1.8-2.9% of estate.Wis. Stat. § 851.40(1) (just and reasonable compensation for services under chs. 851-879, incl. ch. 865 informal administration; no statutory percentage for attorneys)Verified Sep 9, 2026View source
Publish a notice in a local newspaper to alert potential creditors. This starts the creditor claim period running.
Wisconsin: Wisconsin requires publication for 3 consecutive weeks. Typical cost: $150. The executor places the notice with the newspaper directly. Creditors have 4 months from the opening of probate to file claims. Proof of publication must be filed with the court.Wis. Stat. §§ 859.01, 859.02, 859.07, 859.25Verified Oct 19, 2026View source
Identify email accounts, social media, online banking, cryptocurrency, and other digital assets. Note any password managers used.
Wisconsin: Wisconsin 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.Wis. Stat. Chapter 711Verified 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.
Wisconsin: Search Wisconsin Department of Revenue, Unclaimed Property 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.
Wisconsin: Wisconsin is a community property state. Real property acquired during marriage belongs to both spouses equally. Community property receives a full step-up in basis. File appropriate affidavits with the county recorder to establish surviving spouse ownership.Wis. Stat. §§ 766.001(2), 766.31(3), 766.51, 766.60(5), 766.62Verified 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.
Wisconsin: Divorce automatically revokes beneficiary designations naming a former spouse on life insurance, retirement accounts, POD bank accounts, TOD investment accounts, annuities (Wis. Stat. § 854.15). 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 180 days after appointment as personal representativeWis. Stat. §§ 858.01, 858.13, 858.15, 858.17Verified Sep 15, 2026View source
Wisconsin: Inventory due within 180 days of appointment. A court-designated appraiser values the assets. Supplemental inventory required for assets discovered after the initial filing.Wis. Stat. §§ 858.01, 858.13, 858.15, 858.17Verified Sep 15, 2026View source
Review claims submitted by creditors. Reject invalid claims and pay valid debts from estate/trust assets.
Wisconsin: If the estate cannot pay every claim, payment order: Administration expenses; then Reasonable funeral and burial expenses; then Family provisions (§§ 861.31, 861.33, 861.35); then remaining claims in statutory order.Wis. Stat. §§ 859.01, 859.02, 859.07, 859.25Verified Oct 19, 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)
Wisconsin: File Form 1 (Wisconsin Income Tax Return) for January 1 through date of death. Due April 15 following year of death. File Form 1 for income earned January 1 through date of death. Enter special conditions code 06 (07 if deceased spouse; 08 if both) and the date of death per the 2025 Form 1 instructions.Wis. Stat. §§ 71.03(6), 71.13, 71.06(1r)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.
Wisconsin: File Form 2 (Wisconsin Fiduciary Income Tax for Estates and Trusts) for estate/trust income. Required when the estate has $600 or more of gross income reportable to Wisconsin (2025 Form 2 Instructions, I-022; nonresident estates apply the same $600 test to Wisconsin-source gross income, and a trust files on ANY taxable income or on $600 of gross income). Gross income is measured before expenses, so an estate that sells the decedent's residence for gross proceeds over $600 must file even if the sale is at a loss. Due April 15 for a calendar-year estate or trust, or the 15th day of the 4th month after the close of a fiscal year. Tax rates same as individual Single/HoH schedule — Wis. Stat. § 71.06(1r) is captioned "FIDUCIARIES, SINGLE INDIVIDUALS, AND HEADS OF HOUSEHOLD; AFTER 2024" (3.5%–7.65%); estates and trusts use Schedule A. Standard deduction not allowed for estates/trusts (Wis. Stat. § 71.15 and § 71.05(22)(b)4.; Form 1-ES directs estates and trusts to enter $0).Wis. Stat. §§ 71.03(6), 71.13, 71.06(1r)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)
Wisconsin: 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.
Wisconsin: Tax clearance IS REQUIRED before final distribution. Wisconsin DOR issues a Closing Certificate for Fiduciaries, requested on Schedule CC. Form: Schedule CC (Request for a Closing Certificate for Fiduciaries).Wis. Stat. §§ 71.03(6), 71.13, 71.06(1r)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.
Wisconsin: Executor compensation is set by statute. Commissions are taxable income to the executor and are usually waived when the executor is also the main beneficiary.Wis. Stat. § 857.05(2) (2% commission on inventory value less mortgages and liens plus net principal gains, subject to court approval; a different rate by written agreement; extraordinary services)Verified Sep 9, 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
