Detailed answer — what Alaska law expects for probate accountings

Under Alaska law, personal representatives (executors or administrators) must provide accurate, verifiable accountings of estate finances whenever the court requires them. Accountings let the court and beneficiaries see what assets existed, what happened to them, and the proposed distribution. The primary legal authority for probate and estate administration is Alaska Statutes, Title 13 (Probate and Trust Administration). For an overview of the statutory framework, see the Alaska Legislature: Alaska Statutes, Title 13.

Although specific wording and format can vary by court and by case, Alaska practice generally requires the following for annual accountings and for a final accounting/settlement:

Core statements and schedules (required items)

• Inventory and appraisal (initial or updated): A complete list of estate assets at the relevant accounting date, including descriptions, locations, valuations, and how values were determined (appraisal, bank statements, recent sale prices). If not previously filed or if values changed materially, provide an updated inventory.
• Statement of receipts: A chronological ledger or schedule showing all money and property received by the estate during the accounting period (rents, dividends, checks collected, sale proceeds, refunds, insurance proceeds). Each entry should identify source, date, and amount.
• Statement of disbursements: A chronological ledger showing all estate expenditures during the accounting period (bills paid, administration expenses, taxes, attorney fees, funeral expenses, bond premiums, distributions to beneficiaries). Each entry should show payee, date, purpose, and amount.
• Cash balance reconciliation: A beginning cash balance, plus receipts, minus disbursements, equaling ending cash balance. This ties the accounting entries to actual bank or investment account balances.
• Bank and investment statements: Copies of statements showing balances for estate accounts covering the accounting period. Courts commonly require these to corroborate ledger entries.
• Vouchers, invoices, and receipts: Supporting documents for major expenditures (invoices for repairs, paid bills, cancelled checks, receipts for professional fees, receipts for distributions to beneficiaries). Small, routine items may not each require a voucher, but the court can request supporting proof.
• Tax returns and tax payments: Federal and state estate or income tax returns filed for the estate during the accounting period (or statements explaining why none were required), and proof of any tax payments.
• Proposed distribution schedule (final accounting): For a final accounting, a clear proposal showing how remaining assets will be distributed, including identifying beneficiaries, specific assets or cash amounts to be distributed, and any offset for prior interim distributions.
• Receipts or releases from beneficiaries (final accounting): Signed receipts or releases showing beneficiaries have accepted distributions (often required before the court will discharge a personal representative).
• Bond accounting (if bonded): If the personal representative posted a surety bond, provide the bond amount, premium paid, and any claims against the bond (if applicable).

Format and presentation

Alaska courts permit accountings in a simple tabular ledger format so long as entries are clear, fully explained, and supported by documents. Typical organization:

1. Cover page with case caption and accounting period.
2. Summary statement (opening balance, total receipts, total disbursements, closing balance).
3. Detailed receipts ledger (date, source, description, amount).
4. Detailed disbursements ledger (date, payee, purpose, amount) with voucher references.
5. Attach supporting bank statements, paid invoices, and receipts in the order they are referenced.

When is an annual accounting required?

Alaska courts may require periodic (often annual) accountings when estate administration continues over time, especially for ongoing trusts, ongoing business interests, rental properties, or when beneficiaries request accounting. Local practice and the judge’s orders control timing. For statutory rules and court authority, consult Alaska Statutes Title 13 (AS Title 13).

What does a final accounting include?

A final accounting must show everything from the opening inventory to the final distribution: all receipts and payments during the entire administration, reconciliation of cash, dispositions of each asset, payment of debts and taxes, attorney and personal representative fees (if allowed), and the proposed and completed distributions. The court will want vouchers and beneficiary receipts before approving discharge.

Common court requirements in Alaska

• Clear itemization: The court expects item-by-item detail rather than summary-only numbers.
• Supporting proof: Bank statements and paid invoices to support ledger entries.
• Notice to beneficiaries: Beneficiaries often must be served with the accounting and given a chance to object.
• Certification or oath: The personal representative typically signs the accounting under penalty of perjury that it is true and correct.

If you want the exact procedural requirements for your local court, see the Alaska Court System’s probate resources or contact the court clerk where the estate is administered.

Helpful hints — preparing an efficient annual or final accounting

• Start early: Assemble bank statements, cancelled checks, paid invoices, and receipts from the date you became personal representative to today.
• Use a simple spreadsheet: Separate receipts and disbursements, add running totals, and include columns for voucher/file references so you can attach supporting documents in order.
• Label attachments: Number or letter each supporting document and reference that label in the ledger so the judge and beneficiaries can follow the math.
• Show how asset values were determined: If you list real estate or business value, attach appraisals or a description of the valuation method.
• Include unpaid claims: If there are outstanding bills or claims, list them and explain whether they are contested, unpaid, or reserved for payment.
• Provide beneficiary contact info for service: The court will require proof that beneficiaries received the accounting (usually via mailed or filed service), so keep records of how and when you notified them.
• Document distributions: For final accounting, attach beneficiary receipts or a signed release when possible — this speeds court approval.
• Track attorney and fiduciary fees: Keep time records and invoices if you’ll ask the court to approve compensation.
• Expect follow-up: Courts often ask for clarifications or additional vouchers — keep original records available.

Example checklist (hypothetical estate)

For a simple estate with a house, a checking account, some brokerage assets, a car, and a few bills, an annual or final accounting might include:

1. Cover sheet with case number and accounting period.
2. Inventory listing: house (with appraisal), car (value), bank account balances (as of opening and closing dates), brokerage positions with valuation dates.
3. Receipts ledger: rental income, sale of small asset, dividends, pension checks collected.
4. Disbursements ledger: mortgage payments, utilities, property taxes, insurance, funeral expenses, repairs, attorney fees.
5. Bank statements and brokerage statements for the period.
6. Paid invoices and cancelled checks for major expenditures (repairs, attorney fee invoice, funeral home receipt).
7. Final proposed distribution schedule and signed releases from beneficiaries.

When to get help from a probate attorney

Consider hiring a probate attorney if:

• The estate has complex assets (business interests, rental properties, out-of-state property).
• There are tax issues, contested claims, or disputes among beneficiaries.
• You anticipate asking the court to approve significant fiduciary or attorney fees.
• You need help preparing formal accountings that will withstand court scrutiny.

An attorney can prepare the accounting in the format required by the local court, assemble vouchers, and handle objections or settlement negotiations.