How do I list multiple checking and savings accounts on the inventory when there isn’t enough space on the form? – North Carolina

Short Answer

In North Carolina, the estate inventory must list the decedent’s probate assets, including bank accounts that belong in the estate. When the inventory form does not have enough lines for multiple checking and savings accounts, the usual solution is to attach an additional page (a continuation sheet) that follows the same format and clearly ties back to the inventory. The key is to keep each account separately identifiable (institution, last digits/account number, ownership type, and date-of-death value) and make sure the total carries over correctly.

Understanding the Problem

In a North Carolina estate administration, a personal representative (including co-administrators) must file an estate inventory with the Clerk of Superior Court. The question is how to handle the practical problem of listing many checking and savings accounts when the official inventory form does not provide enough space. The decision point is whether the accounts can be listed on an attached continuation page that becomes part of the filed inventory, rather than trying to squeeze multiple accounts into one line or leaving accounts off the filing.

Apply the Law

North Carolina requires a personal representative to file an inventory within a set time after qualification, and the inventory should be complete and accurate based on what is known at the time. If additional assets are discovered later, or if a value or description turns out to be wrong or misleading, North Carolina law directs the personal representative to file a supplemental inventory. Bank accounts also raise a common classification issue: accounts held solely in the decedent’s name are typically listed as estate assets, while jointly held accounts with survivorship or payable-on-death accounts may be treated differently depending on how they are titled and whether estate funds are needed to pay claims.

Key Requirements

List each account clearly and separately: Each checking/savings account should be identifiable by financial institution and account identifier (often the last 4 digits), with a date-of-death balance (and any accrued interest if available) so the Clerk can see what was reported.
Match the ownership category used on the inventory: Accounts owned solely by the decedent are typically listed as probate assets; jointly held accounts and certain beneficiary-designated accounts may belong in a different section depending on local practice and the account’s legal title.
File on time and correct later if needed: The inventory is due within three months after qualification, and if more accounts are found later (or values change because the initial information was incomplete), a supplemental inventory may be required.

What the Statutes Say

N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 28A (Administration of Decedents’ Estates) – North Carolina’s probate administration statutes include the inventory requirements, timing, and the ability/obligation to supplement an inventory when new assets are discovered or corrections are needed. (Specific section citations depend on the sub-issue and should be confirmed for the filing at hand.)

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Here, two co-administrators/personal representatives are preparing the estate inventory and have multiple checking and savings accounts to report. The practical way to satisfy the “complete inventory” requirement is to list each account as its own line item, and when the form runs out of space, attach a continuation sheet that uses the same headings and item numbering so the Clerk can audit it. If an account statement is delayed or an account is discovered after filing, the inventory can be updated through a supplemental filing rather than omitting the account.

Process & Timing

Who files: The personal representative(s) (including co-administrators). Where: With the Clerk of Superior Court (Estates) in the county where the estate is administered in North Carolina. What: The estate inventory form used by the Clerk (often called the “Inventory for Decedent’s Estate”), plus attached continuation sheet(s) listing additional bank accounts in the same format. When: Generally within three months after qualification (the “90-day inventory” timeframe).
How to format the continuation sheet: Title it clearly (for example, “Inventory Continuation Sheet – Bank Accounts”), include the estate file number (if assigned), and continue the item numbers from the last line on the form. For each account, list: institution name, account type (checking/savings), account identifier (often last 4 digits), ownership/titling category used on the inventory, and date-of-death value.
How to handle later changes: If additional accounts are found later or a listed value/description turns out to be wrong or incomplete, file a supplemental inventory (or follow the Clerk’s local procedure for updating the inventory) so the court record stays accurate.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

Mixing accounts into one line item: Combining multiple accounts into a single entry can create confusion and audit problems. Separate line items (even on an attachment) usually make the filing clearer.
Leaving off jointly titled or beneficiary-designated accounts without checking titling: Some accounts pass outside probate, but the correct treatment depends on how the account is titled and local Clerk expectations. Misclassifying these accounts can trigger follow-up questions or require corrections.
Not being consistent with totals: If continuation sheets are used, the totals on the main form should match the sum of the attached pages. Inconsistent totals are a common reason Clerks request clarification.
Waiting too long for statements: If statements are slow to arrive, it may be better to file on time with the best available information and then correct through a supplemental inventory, rather than missing the deadline.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, a personal representative generally must file the estate inventory within three months after qualification and should list bank accounts as separate, identifiable items. When the inventory form runs out of space, the usual approach is to attach a continuation sheet that follows the same format, continues the item numbering, and keeps the totals consistent. The next step is to file the inventory (with attachments) with the Clerk of Superior Court by the three-month deadline and supplement it later if additional accounts or corrected values are discovered.

Talk to a Probate Attorney

If co-administrators are dealing with an estate inventory that includes many checking and savings accounts (and questions about how each account should be categorized and documented), our firm has experienced attorneys who can help explain the filing options and timelines. Call us today at [919-341-7055].

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.