Estate Inventory Deed

The estate inventory deed (perukirja) is an official document prepared during the estate inventory that contains a list of the estate's assets, liabilities, and shareholders. It is submitted to the Tax Administration and serves as the basis for inheritance taxation.

Contents of the Estate Inventory Deed

The estate inventory deed (perukirja) is the document produced as the result of the estate inventory, providing a complete picture of the deceased's wealth at the time of death. The document records the personal details of the deceased and all shareholders, information about any will and prenuptial agreement, and a detailed list of assets and liabilities. Assets are valued at fair market value as of the date of death. If the deceased had a spouse, the surviving spouse's assets and liabilities are also recorded in the deed to determine the marital right.

Signatures and Verification

The estate inventory deed is signed by the estate reporter (usually the estate administrator) and two witnesses. The estate reporter certifies that they have provided correct and complete information about the estate's assets. The witnesses in turn certify that they have assessed the estate's assets to the best of their understanding. Not all shareholders need to sign the deed, but they must be verifiably invited to the estate inventory proceedings.

Submission to the Tax Administration

The estate inventory deed must be submitted to the Tax Administration within one month of the estate inventory. The Tax Administration uses the deed as the basis for inheritance taxation and determines each shareholder's inheritance tax based on it. The deed can be submitted electronically through the OmaVero service or by post. The Tax Administration may request additional information if the deed's details are incomplete or unclear.

Legal Significance

The estate inventory deed is the estate's most important document. It is needed at banks to arrange account access rights, to transfer real estate ownership, to claim insurance benefits, and to carry out the distribution of inheritance. Without the estate inventory deed, the estate's assets cannot in practice be distributed or transferred to the heirs. The deed also serves as evidence of the determination of the circle of shareholders.

Supplementary and Corrective Deeds

If new assets or liabilities are discovered after the estate inventory, a supplementary estate inventory deed must be prepared. Under the Code of Inheritance, the supplementary deed must be submitted within one month of the new asset becoming known. The supplementary deed also requires two witnesses and is submitted to the Tax Administration. Typical reasons for supplementation include subsequently discovered bank accounts, insurance payouts, or forgotten debts. The supplementary deed does not replace the original but supplements it.

It is advisable to familiarize yourself thoroughly with the document requirements for the estate inventory deed in advance, so that all necessary information is available at the proceedings.

Frequently asked questions

What does the estate inventory deed contain?

The estate inventory deed contains the personal details of the deceased and shareholders, a list of the estate's assets and liabilities valued at the date of death, information about any will and prenuptial agreement, and the witnesses' statement. The surviving spouse's assets and liabilities are recorded separately.

Where is the estate inventory deed submitted?

The estate inventory deed is submitted to the Tax Administration within one month of the estate inventory. The Tax Administration uses it as the basis for inheritance taxation. The deed is also needed at banks and authorities to manage the estate's affairs.

Can the estate inventory deed be amended afterwards?

Yes. If new assets or liabilities are discovered after the estate inventory, a supplementary estate inventory deed is prepared. The supplementary deed must be submitted within one month of the new asset becoming known. The supplementary deed is also submitted to the Tax Administration.