Short Answer

In North Carolina, every estate account must include proof for each disbursement. If estate funds were mistakenly used (for example, to pay taxes on real property that passed directly to heirs), the personal representative can correct it by (1) reimbursing the estate or (2) treating the payment as a distribution to the heirs. Use a sworn affidavit to explain the error and the correction, and attach signed receipts and bank records when you file the annual account by the statutory deadline.

Understanding the Problem

You are the North Carolina personal representative who must file an annual accounting with the Clerk of Superior Court. During the period, estate funds covered county property taxes on a house that passed directly to three heirs. You want to document the error and either repay the estate or record the tax payment as distributions to the heirs, using affidavits and signed receipts so the clerk can approve the account.

Apply the Law

North Carolina requires a personal representative to file annual or final accounts that list all receipts, disbursements, and distributions, supported by vouchers or verified proof. Real property usually passes directly to heirs unless the personal representative takes possession under court authority or a will provision. If estate funds paid a non-estate expense (such as taxes on real property that vested in heirs), the clerk will expect the account to show reimbursement to the estate or a properly supported distribution to the heirs. The Clerk of Superior Court is the forum that reviews and audits these accounts, and annual accounts are due based on the estate’s selected fiscal year.

Key Requirements

• Complete accounting with proof: List the transaction on the AOC-E-506 account and attach vouchers (e.g., canceled checks, itemized receipts) or a sworn statement as verified proof.
• Affidavit explaining the error: Provide a sworn affidavit from the personal representative describing what happened, why it was improper, and how it is being corrected.
• Two ways to cure: Either deposit reimbursement into the estate account, or classify the payment as a distribution to the heirs and obtain their signed receipts.
• Receipts from beneficiaries: Use signed beneficiary receipts (AOC-E-521 or similar) to evidence any distribution/ratification tied to the erroneous withdrawal.
• Timely filing and clerk review: File the corrected accounting by the annual-account deadline; the clerk may require additional proof or examine the personal representative under oath.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-21-1 (Annual accounts) – Requires annual accounts and permits the clerk to examine the personal representative under oath.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-21-3 (Contents of accounts) – Specifies what each account must include (receipts, disbursements, distributions, balance on hand).
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-21-5 (Vouchers and verified proof) – Allows verified proof in lieu of vouchers when necessary.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-13-3 (Powers of personal representative) – Addresses when a personal representative may take possession of real property; relevant to when estate-paid real property expenses may be appropriate.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Here, estate funds paid taxes on a home that passed directly to three heirs, so those taxes are ordinarily not an estate expense. You can correct this by depositing reimbursement into the estate account and documenting it with a sworn affidavit and bank records; or, with each heir’s signed receipt, record the tax payment as a distribution to them in equal shares. Any portion already returned is a receipt on the account; the remaining balance should be shown as either reimbursed or distributed with supporting vouchers and receipts.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: Personal representative. Where: Clerk of Superior Court (Estates Division) in the county of administration in North Carolina. What: Annual Account (AOC-E-506) with vouchers; attach a sworn affidavit explaining the erroneous withdrawal and the correction; include beneficiary receipts (AOC-E-521) if treating the payment as distributions. When: File by the 15th day of the fourth month after the end of the estate’s selected fiscal year (or as otherwise ordered by the clerk).
2. Respond promptly to any clerk request for more information (the clerk may issue a notice for additional items). Review can take several weeks and varies by county workload.
3. After approval, the clerk records the account. If this is a final account with proper receipts, the court may discharge the personal representative from further liability for the covered period.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• If the personal representative properly took possession of the real property under court authority or will terms, some property expenses may be allowable; otherwise, treat them as distributions or reimburse the estate.
• Get signed receipts from every affected heir; if an heir is a minor or under disability, obtain signatures from the proper legal representative.
• Do not commingle funds. Make any reimbursement by deposit to the estate account and include bank proof; if a voucher is missing, submit a verified statement describing the payment.
• Describe each correction clearly in the account (date, payee/payor, purpose, amount) and attach supporting documents to avoid delays.

Talk to a Probate Attorney

If you need to correct an estate accounting error and want to ensure the affidavit, receipts, and entries satisfy the clerk, our firm can help you understand your options and timelines. Call us today.

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.