Hospice Training Guide

NECESSARY DUTIES, TASKS & CHECKLISTS

Tax Tasks Checklist

Legal Tasks

 State and federal income tax returns for the de- ceased must be filed at the usual time, and real estate belonging to the deceased must be listed for both county and city taxes. A state inherit- ance tax and a federal estate tax may be due. Consult your attorney or tax preparer.

 Keep receipts of all bills or medical and funeral expenses and for grave markers, in addition to the usual record of deductible expenses and con- tributions. Establish a record of any outstanding accounts (money owed to the deceased) on the date of death.

The following information is provided to acquaint individuals with the process and some of the terminol- ogy involved in settling an estate. Call the office of the Clerk of the Superior Court, Estate Division, in the county where the deceased person lived. An attorney may be helpful in guiding you through the estate set- tlement process. If you would like an attorney referral, please contact the Four Seasons Foundation at 828.513.2440.

Definitions Will: A document that specifies how one wishes for their possessions to be disposed of after death. Intestate: “Without a will.” If there is no will, the es- tate is divided among the family members according to the provisions of the North Carolina law of intes- tate succession. Administrator of the Estate: The one handling the estate of a person who dies intestate. Administrator: _________________________________ Executor of the Will: The person designated in the will to be responsible for the estate. If you are the person so designated, you will need to pay a fee, be sworn in by the Clerk of the Court, and in some cases, post a bond. You will receive testament letters empowering you to handle the affairs of the estate. Executor: _____________________________________

Duties of the Executor 1. Establish a checking account for the estate (a bank customer service representative can help you). 2. Make inventories of the estate to be submitted to the Estate Auditor in the office of the Clerk of Court. 3. Publish a classified newspaper notice of the death to notify creditors. The Clerk of Court can provide information about how often and for how long this notice must run. The newspaper will provide a statement that the ad has run. This must accom- pany the 90-day inventory submitted to the Estate Auditor. 4. Pay creditors.

Financial Tasks Checklist

Bank Related  A safe-deposit box held jointly or solely by the deceased can be opened only in the presence of a repre- sentative of the clerk of court who will make an inventory of the contents. Insurance Related  Phone or write each company with which the deceased had a health insurance policy. Ask the agent what changes need to be made to continue coverage of you. Ask if there is any premium refund due to you. Be sure to complete all necessary forms within one year of the death. Survivor’s Benefits  If the deceased had been employed, ask the employer’s personnel department to inform you of any ben- efits due to you. Ask about group life insurance, unused vacation credits, CDs, stocks, and IRAs that the deceased might have had with the firm.  Most families are eligible for survivor’s benefits from Social Security. If you think you may be eligible, call the local Social Security office. In some cases, the benefits begin from the date of death. Act promptly and mail all applications “Registered Mail-Return Receipt Requested.” Return and do not cash any Social Security checks bearing the name of the deceased even if you are a copayee.  Many families are also eligible for survivor’s benefits from the Veterans Administration. Contact the lo- cal VA office or the regional office in Winston-Salem. The VA will also provide a cemetery marker and flag for a deceased veteran at no charge.

Deeds & Titles Checklist Jointly owned real estate in North Carolina automatically goes to the spouse, regardless of the will, provided (1) the property was acquired during marriage and (2) both names appear on the deed.  If the deceased’s name is listed on the mortgage to your home, notify the company holding the mort- gage. Inquire if the deceased had mortgage insurance and ask what procedure to follow.  Titles on vehicles owned by the deceased must be transferred to the new owner, and any remaining indebtedness settled. A copy of the letter testamentary or letter of administration and the vehicle reg- istration are needed for a transfer of title. There is a fee for this service. Contact the local license plate agency for more information.  The auto insurance company must be notified of a change in the title.

Personal Tasks Checklist

 Review your will and make any necessary changes.  Review your own life insurance policies and make any necessary changes in beneficiaries and coverage.  Credit cards: Return the deceased’s card with your next bill, cut in half, and request that their name be removed from the account.

 Auto insurance: Cancel policies in the name of the deceased. If you have sold the vehicle, ask for a prorated refund of premium. If you plan to use the car, ask for a new policy in your name.  Cancel unwanted memberships and request a prorated refund of dues.

You can find additional resources on our estate planning website: FSLegacy.org or call Four Seasons Foundation at 828.513.2440 for a referral to an attorney, tax professional, or financial advisor.

866.466.9734 • FourSeasonsCare.org

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