Pennsylvania Probate Requirements
Pennsylvania probate requirements: small estate threshold $50,000, creditor notice 1 year from death, Register of Wills. Updated guidance for executors.
Key probate facts for Pennsylvania
| Small estate threshold | $50,000 |
|---|---|
| Will filing deadline | 21 days after death |
| Probate petition deadline | No specific deadline |
| Creditor notice period | 1 year from death |
| Inventory deadline | 9 months and 10 days after death |
| Executor residency | No residency requirement |
| Bond required | Yes, unless waived |
| Executor compensation | Reasonable compensation |
| Estate / inheritance tax | Yes |
| Community property | No |
| Homestead protection | No specific homestead exemption |
| Vehicle transfer | Simplified procedures for estates under $50,000 |
| Probate court | Register of Wills |
Inheritance tax: Inheritance tax: 0% (spouse), 4.5% (children/grandchildren), 12% (siblings), 15% (others)
Sources
- Pennsylvania Register of Wills / Orphans' Court
- Pennsylvania Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code (Title 20)
- IRS — Estate & Gift Tax
- Social Security Administration — Survivors Benefits
- USA.gov — What to Do After Someone Dies
- American Bar Association — Real Property, Trust & Estate Law
This summary is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Probate procedures change; verify with the Register of Wills or a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.