Estate Planning in Pennsylvania: Free Download: PA Estate Administration Checklist (2025 Updated)

As a Pennsylvania estate planning and probate attorney with over 12 years of experience guiding families through estate administration in PA, I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming the process can feel after losing a loved one. One of the most common questions my clients ask is, “What exactly do I need to do, and in what order?” That’s why I created this comprehensive, Pennsylvania-specific Estate Administration Checklist—and I’m giving it away completely free.

This article explains everything you need to know about estate planning in Pennsylvania and walks you through the entire estate administration checklist Pennsylvania executors must follow. By the end, you’ll be able to download my attorney-drafted 18-page checklist (updated for 2025 law changes) in fillable PDF format—no email required.

Important Disclaimer: This article and the downloadable template are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently, and every estate is unique. Always consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney before taking action.

Why Estate Planning in Pennsylvania Is Different From Other States

Pennsylvania has several unique laws that directly affect estate administration:

• Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax – 4.5% for lineal descendants, 12% for siblings, 15% for everyone else (no tax for surviving spouses)
• No requirement for formal probate if assets are under $50,000 and pass to a surviving spouse (2025 threshold)
• “Small Estate” petitions available when total probate assets ≤ $50,000 (excluding real estate titled joint or with beneficiary designations)
• Register of Wills offices operate county-by-county with different local rules and forms
• Spousal elective share = 1/3 of the probate estate, even if the will leaves the spouse nothing

Because of these rules, using a generic national checklist can lead to costly mistakes. My PA estate administration checklist is built exclusively around Pennsylvania statutes (Title 20 Pa.C.S.) and current Register of Wills practices.

Download Your Free Pennsylvania Estate Administration Checklist (2025)

Click here to download the free fillable PDF checklist (no signup required)

The 18-page template includes:

• Timeline tracker (what to do in first 30 days, 3 months, 9 months, etc.)
• County-specific Register of Wills contact list
• Inheritance tax rate calculator worksheet
• Inventory templates approved by PA Dept. of Revenue
• Notice letter templates (creditors, beneficiaries, Dept. of Human Services)
• Account filing checklist for Orphans’ Court

The Complete Pennsylvania Estate Administration Checklist: Step-by-Step

Phase 1: Immediate Actions (First 7–30 Days)

Task	Deadline / Notes	Done ✓
Locate original Will and any Codicils	Search safe deposit box, attorney office, home safe
Order 10–20 certified death certificates	Banks and life insurance require originals
Notify Social Security Administration (800-772-1213)	If decedent received benefits
File Petition for Probate / Letters Testamentary at county Register of Wills	Required unless small estate
Open estate checking account	Separate from personal funds – required by law
Secure real estate and valuable personal property	Change locks if necessary

Phase 2: 30–90 Days – Notices and Inventory

• Publish notice to creditors in newspaper of general circulation + county legal journal (required in most counties)
• Send direct written notice to known creditors within 90 days
• File Inventory with Register of Wills within 9 months (some counties require earlier)
• File PA-1500 Inheritance Tax Return within 9 months of death (5% discount if paid within 3 months – see PA Dept. of Revenue)
• Notify PA Dept. of Human Services if decedent received Medicaid after age 55

Phase 3: Ongoing Administration (3–18 Months)

• Pay valid creditor claims (1-year statute of limitations from publication)
• File federal Form 706 if gross estate > $13.61 million (2025 threshold – IRS.gov)
• Liquidate or distribute assets according to Will
• File final Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Return if amendments needed
• Prepare informal or formal Account for beneficiaries
• File Family Settlement Agreement or Petition for Adjudication with Orphans’ Court

Common Mistakes That Delay Pennsylvania Estate Administration

In my experience reviewing hundreds of estates, these are the top errors executors make:

1. Failing to file the Inventory on time → automatic penalties
2. Paying inheritance tax late → 6% annual interest + penalties
3. Distributing assets before the 1-year creditor period expires → personal liability
4. Using personal funds to pay estate expenses without reimbursement documentation
5. Missing the 5% early-payment discount on inheritance tax

How to Avoid Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Surprises

Pennsylvania remains one of only six states with an inheritance tax. Key 2025 rates:

Relationship to Decedent	Tax Rate
Spouse	0%
Children, grandchildren, parents	4.5%
Siblings	12%
Nieces, nephews, friends, charities (if not 501(c)(3))	15%

Pro tip: Life insurance payable to named beneficiaries and retirement accounts with designated beneficiaries are not subject to PA inheritance tax.

Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning in Pennsylvania

Do all estates in PA have to go through probate?

No. Assets with beneficiary designations (life insurance, POD accounts, TOD securities, retirement accounts) and jointly owned real estate with right of survivorship pass outside of probate.

How long does estate administration take in Pennsylvania?

Simple estates: 10–14 months. Complex or litigated estates: 2–5 years.

Can I handle estate administration without a lawyer in PA?

Yes for small estates under $50,000, but I strongly recommend at least a one-hour consultation. The average executor who hires counsel saves more in tax and penalties than the attorney fee.

Final Thoughts: Start Your Pennsylvania Estate Plan Today

Estate planning in Pennsylvania doesn’t have to be complicated, but skipping it—or using outdated forms—can cost your family thousands. Download my free PA Estate Administration Checklist today and take the first step toward protecting your loved ones.

Download Free Pennsylvania Estate Administration Checklist (Fillable PDF – Updated 2025)

If you have questions about your specific situation, feel free to contact my office for a no-pressure consultation. Remember—this article is educational only and not legal advice. Always verify current law with a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.

Sources:
- Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries)
- Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Inheritance Tax Division – revenue.pa.gov
- Internal Revenue Service Estate Tax Guidance – irs.gov
- Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts