estate question

[robot1]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? PA
Husband passed away, I am beneficiary of everything. Can you pls tell me what exactly would be included in his "estate" for tax purposes. What is next legal step to close estate if will does not need to go to probate? Thanks

 

[anteater]

Husband passed away, I am beneficiary of everything. Can you pls tell me what exactly would be included in his "estate" for tax purposes.

Property owned jointly by spouses is exempt from PA inheritance tax. And property inherited from a spouse is taxed 0%. And the federal estate tax has an unlimited marital deduction. Therefore, if you, as the spouse, are inheriting everything, it does not make any difference.

What is next legal step to close estate if will does not need to go to probate? Thanks

That is kind of a confusing question. Probate is the legal process that transfers ownership of a deceased's property that is not transferred by joint ownership, beneficiary designations, etc. If all the property was jointly owned or had you as designated beneficiary, all that you should need to do is transfer the property into your name, usually by providing a death certificate and authentication that you are who you say your are.