Detailed Answer

Filing a final accounting in a North Carolina probate estate lets the court and beneficiaries see all financial activity from start to finish. If you need to correct or update that accounting later, you file an amended final accounting. Here’s how to complete each step under North Carolina law.

1. Understand What a Final Accounting Covers

Your final accounting must list:

• The opening balance when you qualified as personal representative.
• All receipts you handled (sales of assets, dividends, rents).
• All disbursements you made (expenses, taxes, distributions).
• The closing balance—often zero if you distributed everything.

You must include supporting vouchers or receipts for major items.

2. Follow the Timing Rules

Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-18-1, you file your final account as soon as estate administration ends. Annual accountings fall due 12 months after qualification, but the final accounting is required when you finish paying debts, taxes, and distributions. Missing this deadline can expose you to personal liability.

3. Prepare and File the Final Accounting

Use the local Clerk of Superior Court’s accounting forms or a custom format that includes all required elements. Then:

1. Sign the accounting under oath.
2. File the original with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the estate is pending.
3. Pay the applicable filing fee.

4. Serve Notice on Interested Parties

North Carolina law requires you to notify beneficiaries and creditors of the accounting. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-14-13 (link), you must:

• Serve a copy of the accounting on each beneficiary and creditor.
• Include a notice of hearing or deadline for objections.
• File proof of service with the court.

If no one objects within the statutory period (often ten days), the clerk can allow the accounting by written order. Otherwise, the court will hold a hearing.

5. Filing an Amended Final Accounting

If you discover errors or omissions after the final accounting is on file, you must correct them promptly:

1. Label the document “Amended Final Accounting.”
2. Explain each change and attach revised schedules or vouchers.
3. File the amended version with the Clerk of Superior Court and pay any additional fee.
4. Serve the amended accounting on all beneficiaries and creditors like the original.
5. File proof of service and request allowance of the amendment.

The court treats an amended final accounting the same as the original, so follow all notice and objection procedures again.

6. Obtain the Court’s Allowance

Once the clerk or judge signs off on the final (or amended) accounting, you receive an order allowing your report. You then ask for the order of final distribution to close the estate formally.

This process releases you from further financial responsibility as personal representative.

Key Steps to Filing Final and Amended Final Accountings

• Gather all receipts, disbursements, and account balances.
• Use court-approved forms or include every required accounting element.
• File the final accounting when administration ends (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-18-1).
• Serve beneficiaries and creditors, then file proof of service (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-14-13).
• Label and file any corrected report as an “Amended Final Accounting.”
• Follow the same notice and hearing steps for the amendment.
• Obtain the clerk’s or judge’s allowance and final distribution order.

Ready to Close an Estate in North Carolina?

Filing a final or amended final accounting can feel complex. Our attorneys at Pierce Law Group guide personal representatives through every step. For clear, accurate filings and peace of mind, contact us today. Email intake@piercelaw.com or call (919) 341-7055.