Sep232025
Probate Q&A Series

Do I need to include my husband’s retirement account and joint stocks on the inventory? – North Carolina

Short Answer

In North Carolina, list probate assets on the Inventory and separately identify certain non‑probate items that can be tapped to pay claims. Retirement accounts with a named beneficiary usually are not listed; if the estate is the beneficiary or no beneficiary exists, include them. Joint stocks or brokerage accounts with right of survivorship or TOD registration are listed in the section for property that can be added to the estate if needed to pay debts; jointly held without survivorship belongs on the Inventory only in the decedent’s share.

Understanding the Problem

You are the executor in North Carolina and must file the 90‑day Inventory with the Clerk of Superior Court. You want to know whether to list a retirement account, joint stocks and bonds, and a half interest in inherited real property, given your upcoming Inventory deadline after receiving letters testamentary.

Apply the Law

North Carolina separates assets into: (1) probate assets you administer, (2) non‑probate assets that can be brought in only if needed to pay valid estate claims, and (3) non‑probate assets that typically stay outside administration. The Inventory is filed in the estate file with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county of administration and is due within three months of qualification. Values are reported as of the date of death, with enough detail to identify each item.

Key Requirements

  • File on time: The executor files an Inventory within three months of qualification with the Clerk of Superior Court; ask for a short extension if needed.
  • Include probate assets: List cash, bank accounts, securities held solely by the decedent or jointly without survivorship, vehicles, and tangible items; give date‑of‑death values and specific identifiers (e.g., number of shares, VINs).
  • List survivorship/TOD assets in the “can be added” section: Joint brokerage/securities with right of survivorship and transfer‑on‑death (TOD) registrations are identified as property that can be added to the estate if needed to pay claims; keep proof of the registration.
  • Retirement accounts: Do not include IRAs/401(k)s that name an individual beneficiary; include only if payable to the estate or no beneficiary is in place.
  • Real property: Show the decedent’s interest in nonsurvivorship real estate (e.g., a tenant‑in‑common share) in the section for property that can be added to pay claims; entireties property is not listed, and realty devised to the estate is listed as an estate asset.
  • Debts are not assets: You do not list medical bills on the Inventory; handle them through the notice‑to‑creditors process and payment priority rules.

What the Statutes Say

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Your husband’s retirement account is not listed if it names you or another person as beneficiary; include it only if the estate is the beneficiary or no beneficiary is on file. Joint stocks/bonds registered with survivorship or TOD are listed in the Inventory’s section for property that can be added to the estate if needed to pay debts; if they were jointly owned without survivorship, include only your husband’s share as a probate asset. A half interest in inherited real property (not held with survivorship) is shown as real property that can be added to pay claims, with a brief legal description and date‑of‑death value.

Process & Timing

  1. Who files: Executor. Where: Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the estate is open. What: Inventory for Decedent’s Estate (AOC‑E‑505) with date‑of‑death statements, brokerage confirmations, survivorship/TOD evidence, vehicle details (VIN), and legal descriptions for realty. When: Within 3 months after qualification.
  2. Categorize assets: put solely owned assets in the estate section; place joint survivorship/TOD securities in the “can be added” section; omit retirement accounts with individual beneficiaries. Use date‑of‑death values; for securities, list number of shares and price per share; for vehicles, list VIN and make/model. If values are pending, note “undetermined” and supplement later.
  3. File and follow up: After filing, be prepared to provide proof of ownership type if the Clerk asks. If new assets surface or values change, file a supplemental inventory or report changes on the next account as directed by the Clerk. Expect the Inventory fee to be based on personal property administered.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

  • Do not list retirement accounts with a living, named beneficiary; include only if payable to the estate or no beneficiary is on file.
  • Correctly classify joint securities: survivorship or TOD goes in the “can be added” section; non‑survivorship goes on the main Inventory only for the decedent’s share.
  • Real property nuances: list only nonsurvivorship interests (or realty devised to the estate). Entireties property is not listed. Include a brief legal description for any listed tract.
  • Level of detail: use date‑of‑death values; identify securities by type and share count and vehicles by VIN; keep statements and registration documents handy in case the Clerk requests them.
  • If the estate cannot cover debts (e.g., medical bills), you may need to seek recovery from survivorship/TOD assets under North Carolina law; discuss the process before paying claims.
  • Do not list the estate checking account itself; report the decedent’s original assets on the Inventory and later account for receipts/disbursements on annual/final accounts.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, list probate assets and identify survivorship/TOD items separately. Retirement accounts with a named beneficiary are generally not inventoried; include only if payable to the estate or no beneficiary exists. Joint stocks/bonds with survivorship or TOD are listed as property that can be added to pay claims; non‑survivorship shares are inventoried only in the decedent’s portion. File the Inventory (AOC‑E‑505) with the Clerk of Superior Court within three months of qualification.

Talk to a Probate Attorney

If you’re dealing with what to list on a North Carolina estate Inventory and how to classify joint and beneficiary‑designated assets, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your 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.

Category: Probate Q&A Series

Author: jpierce

Attorney Jared Pierce is the founder of Pierce Law Group in Raleigh, North Carolina, a firm he established with a dedicated focus on probate administration and estate planning across North Carolina. Born and raised in the Republic of South Africa, Jared moved to Durham with his family in 2001, bringing with him a rich cultural background and a distinctive accent that often serves as a conversation starter.