Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania
Questions payment of $10,000 for Regster of wills
My sister was recently apptd ex of her brother-in-law estate. This should be a very simple est to adm so I was leery when my sister informed me that when she hired an atty, he immediately had her make out a check for $10,000 payable to the Registrar of Wills. Why? Another check in the amt of $4,000 was requested. When i questioned my sister about this check - her answer - I don't know. The total val of est less than $100,000 - it's been over 9 mos and still not settled. I find it questionable since the atty asked for this sum before knowing what the value of the estate was. Please advise.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Questions payment of $10,000 for Regster of wills
Most likely the payment to the Register of Wills was a deposit for the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania imposes a "death tax" on assets (other than life insurance) owned by resident decedent at the time of death. The amount of the tax is driven by relationship of the beneficiaries to the decedent. The tax rates are 0% to surviving spouses, 4.5% to children, 12% to siblings and 15% to everyone else.
Re: Questions payment of $10,000 for Regster of wills
In Maryland a bond is generally sufficient for administration of the estate. This estate is subject to Pa. law and accordingly this may differ since estate administration is state specific. If you have any unanswered questions as to sufficiency of estate administration you may benefit from contacting an attorney.
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