Track executor expenses (worksheet)

You also might incur expenses in your executor role which should be charged to the estate. Remember, in your role as a fiduciary, it is your job to follow the will to work on behalf of the beneficiaries. However, if you incur expenses to do your job effectively, it is perfectly appropriate to charge those to the estate. Consult your estate attorney to determine what costs can be paid by the estate as rules differ by state.

Travel is one area of significant potential expense. If you live in a different place than the deceased, you might need to drive or fly in to take care of everything from closing bank accounts and making court appearances to being at the home for needed maintenance and repairs. The travel costs should not come out of your own pocket. The estate will typically cover them.

It might be necessary to pay the expenses yourself upfront and keep track of your receipts if you incur any expenses during the administration of the estate. You can then be reimbursed by the estate. If the court is closely overseeing the administration of the estate, the judge might require this procedure. The judge also might require you to file your receipts with the court and receive their approval before you may be reimbursed.