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Wills, estates, probate and taxes
Wills and estates
A will is a legal document that transfers ownership of the estate at the time
of death. An estate consists of bank accounts, houses, land, furniture, automobiles,
stocks, bonds, life insurance policies, retirement funds, pensions and death benefits.
If your loved one did not have a will, the estate will be distributed according
to state law. Your loved one's lawyer, family or friends might know where the
will is kept. If your loved one did not have a will, the estate will be distributed
according to state law.
A personal representative (also known as an executor or administrator) may be
named in the will. This person will be responsible for seeing that the property
is distributed in accordance with the will. If there is no will or if a personal
representative is not named, the court will appoint one, usually the spouse or
a relative. Probate
Probate is a legal process used to distribute the estate and pay any outstanding
debts. Your county probate court division office is an excellent source of accurate
information about probate. The phone number is in your telephone book or directory
information. Taxes
The personal representative is responsible for filing final federal and state
income tax returns for the year of death and previous years. Estate, inheritance,
business and property taxes may also be due.
For more information about taxes due in the state of Minnesota, call the Department
of Revenue at 651-296-3781 or 1-800-657-3871.
For Federal tax information, call the Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-1040.
To order Publication 559, "Information for Survivors, Executors and Administrators"
and other tax forms call, 1-800-829-3676.  Back to A Guide for Surviviors |
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Allina Grief Resources
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