If you are the personal representative of a Maryland estate, you need to file an inventory of the estate's assets within a specific timeframe. The Maryland probate inventory form submission guidelines tell you exactly what to report, how to value it, and where to send it. Missing the deadline or leaving out assets can slow down the entire probate process.

What is the Maryland probate inventory form?

The inventory form is a legal document that lists everything the deceased person owned at the time of death. This includes real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, stocks, and personal property. You submit it to the probate court in the county where the estate is being handled. The form serves as a record of the estate's value before you begin paying debts and distributing assets.

When do you need to submit the inventory?

Under Maryland probate inventory form submission guidelines, you generally have 30 days after your appointment as personal representative to file the inventory. Some courts grant extensions if you request one before the deadline. If you are handling an estate without a will, the same timeline applies. You can check the specific intake forms for estates without a will on the Maryland probate intake forms page for intestate estates.

How do you determine the value of assets?

You must use the date-of-death value for every asset. For bank accounts, this means the balance on the day the person died. For real estate, you may need a professional appraisal or a broker price opinion. Vehicles are valued using the NADA guide or Kelley Blue Book for the date of death. Stocks and bonds use the closing price on the date of death. Do not guess or estimate the court expects accurate numbers.

What about jointly owned property?

If the deceased owned property jointly with someone else, you only include it on the inventory if it passes through probate. Joint property with right of survivorship automatically goes to the surviving owner and is not part of the probate estate. Similarly, assets with a named beneficiary like life insurance or retirement accounts are not listed on the inventory.

What are the most common mistakes on the inventory form?

Executors often forget small assets like jewelry, tools, or furniture. Others accidentally list non-probate assets, which can confuse the court. A frequent error is using an estimated value instead of a proper appraisal. Under Maryland probate inventory form submission guidelines, the court may reject an inventory that looks incomplete or inaccurate. Another common mistake is missing the signature of a co-personal representative. If more than one person is appointed, all must sign the form.

Do you need to submit supporting documents with the inventory?

In most cases, you do not attach bank statements or appraisal reports to the inventory form itself. However, you must keep those documents for your records. The court or beneficiaries can request to see them later. The Maryland estate settlement document requirements page explains what supporting records you may need to provide during the full estate settlement process.

Where do you file the inventory?

You file the completed inventory form with the probate court in the county where the deceased person lived. Each county may have its own specific intake form requirements. You can review the list of Maryland probate court intake forms for executors to find the correct form for your county.

What happens if you miss the deadline?

Missing the 30-day deadline can result in the court sending you a warning or, in some cases, removing you as personal representative. You can file a late inventory, but you should include an explanation for the delay. If you anticipate needing more time, request an extension in writing before the deadline passes. The court is usually reasonable if you communicate early.

What is the difference between inventory and appraisement?

The inventory lists every asset and its value. The appraisement is the valuation portion it confirms how you determined those values. On the Maryland inventory form, these two parts are combined into one document. You list each asset and its appraised value on the same form. For estates with complex assets like a business or real estate in multiple states, you may need a professional appraiser to help complete the appraisement section. The Maryland personal representative duties page covers your full responsibilities during estate settlement.

Can you change the inventory after filing?

Yes. If you discover additional assets after you have filed the inventory, you submit a supplemental inventory. This is a separate form listing only the newly found assets and their values. You do not redo the original inventory. Just file the supplemental form as soon as you learn about the new assets.

Practical tips for a smooth inventory submission

  • Start gathering asset information immediately after the death. Do not wait until week three.
  • Use a spreadsheet to track every asset before transferring it to the official form. This helps avoid omissions.
  • Keep a copy of the filed inventory with the court's date stamp for your records.
  • If the estate is small, ask the court if you qualify for a simplified process with fewer filing requirements.
  • Ask beneficiaries if they know of any assets you might have missed. They often have useful information.

Your next step

Download the inventory form for your county, gather all financial records as of the date of death, and determine the value of each asset. Complete the form carefully, review it for accuracy, and file it with the probate court before the 30-day deadline. If you need guidance on the specific form for your situation, refer to the Maryland probate inventory form submission guidelines page for county-specific instructions and deadlines.