Lindell G. Douglas, CFP®
Managing Partner

(954) 306-8668

Estate Read Time: 3 min

Four Steps to Valuing an Estate

Determining the value of an estate is a fundamental first step in estate management and a critical requirement for settling a decedent’s estate.1

How to Assess the Value of an Estate

  1. Select the date of calculation. Because values move up and down, you need to set a specific date for a valuation. For a living person, you are free to pick any date. If you’re assessing the value of a decedent’s estate, you may choose either the date of death or the date six months after their death (the “Alternate Valuation Date”). If you use the Alternate Valuation Date, any asset sold or distributed during the first six months following the death must be valued as of the date of sale or distribution.2
  2. Determine the assets comprising the estate. This asset list should include everything an individual owns or has ownership interests in.
  3. Gather all financial statements as of the date of calculation. If an account is owned individually, the entire value should be calculated in the estate. If owned jointly with a spouse who has rights of survivorship, then 50 percent of the value should be included.
    Remember to:
    -Deduct any outstanding mortgage balance.
    -Include life insurance when the policy owner is the deceased individual or the beneficiary is the decedent’s estate.3
  4. Calculate deductions. Subtract any debts from the total value of assets. For the decedent, this may also include any regular bills that may be due (e.g., utilities, medical expenses, etc.), charitable gifts, and state tax obligations.

Assessing the precise value of an estate can be complicated, especially when settling an estate. Please consult a professional with estate expertise regarding your individual situation.

1. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.
2. Investopedia.com, January 10, 2023. The article assumes the deceased has a valid will and has named an executor who is responsible for carrying out the directions of the will. If a person dies intestate, it means that a valid will has not been executed. Without a valid will, a person’s property will be distributed to the heirs as defined by the state law.
3. Several factors will affect the cost and availability of life insurance, including age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Life insurance policies have expenses, including mortality and other charges. If a policy is surrendered prematurely, the policyholder also may pay surrender charges and have income tax implications. You should consider determining whether you are insurable before implementing a strategy involving life insurance. Any guarantees associated with a policy are dependent on the ability of the issuing insurance company to continue making claim payments.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

An Inside Look at Retirement Living

An Inside Look at Retirement Living

A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.

Test Your Life Insurance Knowledge

Test Your Life Insurance Knowledge

How much do you know about one of the most important tools you have to help protect your and your family’s financial future?

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Five Most Overlooked Tax Deductions

Five overlooked tax deductions to help manage your tax bill.

Keeping Summer Safe: Pool and Spa Safety Tips

Each year hundreds of children die or are injured in pool accidents. By taking seven steps, you can keep your pool safe.

Estate Management Checklist

Is your estate in order? This short quiz may help you assess your overall strategy.

View all articles

Federal Income Tax

Use this calculator to estimate your income tax liability along with average and marginal tax rates.

Capital Gains Tax Estimator

Use this calculator to estimate your capital gains tax.

Saving for Retirement

This calculator can help you estimate how much you may need to save for retirement.

View all calculators

Managing Your Lifestyle

Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.

5 Smart Investing Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

An Inside Look at Retirement Living

A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.

View all presentations

Working With A Financial Professional

A financial professional is an invaluable resource to help you untangle the complexities of whatever life throws at you.

What You Need to Know About Social Security

Every so often, you’ll hear about Social Security benefits running out. But is there truth to the fears, or is it all hype?

The Power of Compound Interest

Learn how to harness the power of compound interest for your investments.

View all videos