If you're starting estate planning, one of the first and most important steps is creating a comprehensive list of personal assets. I’ve drafted thousands of estate plans in my 15-year career as an estate planning and business attorney in the United States, and I can tell you from firsthand experience: families who arrive with a complete estate planning asset list save weeks of work, thousands in legal fees, and countless headaches for their loved ones.
In this article, I’m giving you my exact list of personal assets template that I provide to private clients (normally $350+), completely free. You’ll also get my proven system for filling it out correctly so your executor, trustee, or family can find everything without calling dozens of banks and brokers after you’re gone.
Important Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or tax advice. Estate laws vary by state. Always consult a qualified attorney or tax professional in your jurisdiction before finalizing your plan.
Every week I see the same story: a client passes away, and the family spends 6–18 months and $10,000–$50,000 just locating assets. The IRS now requires executors to report ALL assets on Form 706 or 8938 in certain cases (source: IRS.gov Instructions for Form 706), and missing even one account can trigger penalties.
A complete estate planning asset list prevents that nightmare. It also:
Click here to download the free Excel template (instant download, no email required)
Or download the PDF version if you prefer to print and fill by hand.
My template is divided into the exact categories I use with high-net-worth and middle-class clients alike. Each tab includes columns for institution name, account number (last 4 digits only for security), approximate value, beneficiary listed, and notes/location of statements.
| Category | Examples | Why It’s Critical |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Real Estate | Primary home, vacation home, rental properties, timeshares, land | Title & deed location, mortgage balance, homestead status |
| 2. Bank Accounts | Checking, savings, CDs, money market | POD/TOD designations override your will |
| 3. Investment & Brokerage | Taxable accounts, IRAs, 401(k), 403(b), HSA | Beneficiary forms trump will (see IRS.gov Pub 559) |
| 4. Retirement Plans | Pension, annuities, deferred comp | SECURE Act 2.0 changed required distributions |
| 5. Life Insurance & Annuities | Term, whole life, group policies | Often overlooked; proceeds usually income-tax-free |
| 6. Business Interests | LLC, S-Corp, partnership, sole prop | Buy-sell agreements & valuation discounts |
| 7. Vehicles & Toys | Cars, boats, RVs, aircraft | DMV title location; loan balances |
| 8. Personal Property | Jewelry, art, collectibles, firearms, furniture | Appraisals needed if over $50k total |
| 9. Digital Assets | Crypto wallets, NFTs, domain names, rewards points, social media | Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act |
| 10. Debts Owed to You | Private mortgages, personal loans to family | Promissory notes location |
| 11. Liabilities | Mortgages, HELOCs, credit cards, taxes owed | Net worth calculation for estate tax (2025 exemption $13.99M) |
| 12. Safe Deposit Box & Storage | Box number, key location, storage unit | Banks drill boxes after 2–3 years of non-payment |
Follow this exact process I give clients during our first meeting:
In 15 years I’ve seen them all:
Having helped over 2,000 families protect what they’ve built, I can promise you this: the 4–6 hours you invest in a proper list of personal assets today is the single highest-ROI action you can take in estate planning.
Download your free estate planning asset list template now and take control of your legacy.
→ Download Excel Version (Free)
→ Download PDF Version (Free)
Remember – this is not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is unique. Please consult a qualified professional.