When someone passes away, the surviving parties must prepare an estate inventory. It shows which assets and liabilities are included in the estate and who is entitled to represent it in legal and financial matters. The document must be submitted to the Swedish Tax Agency no later than four months after the date of death.

What is an estate inventory?

It’s a legal document that summarizes the deceased person’s financial situation at the time of death. The document lists all assets and liabilities, as well as who the estate beneficiaries are.

The document also serves as the estate’s legal authorization. For that reason, banks, authorities, and other parties often require a registered estate inventory before taking any action, for example allowing withdrawals from bank accounts or the sale of property.

When does it have to be completed?

Deadlines are important.

The estate inventory must:

• be prepared within three months of the date of death
• be submitted to the Swedish Tax Agency no later than four months after the date of death

If these deadlines aren’t met, the Swedish Tax Agency can charge a late fee. In addition, the administration of the estate could be delayed.

Who’s responsible?

The estate beneficiaries are jointly responsible for ensuring that the estate inventory is correctly prepared and submitted on time.

Declarant

You have to appoint a declarant. This is usually the person with the best knowledge of the estate’s financial situation. The declarant provides information about assets and liabilities and is responsible for making sure that the information is accurate.

Estate inventory administrators

Two administrators have to be present at the estate inventory meeting. They have to be impartial and are responsible for certifying that the process has been carried out correctly.

How it works, step by step

1. Compile assets and liabilities

First, you gather information about the estate’s financial situation. This can include, for example:

• bank accounts and cash
• real estate and cooperative apartments
• securities and insurance policies
• loans, credit, and other liabilities

The more complete and accurate your documentation is, the smoother the process will be.

2. Hold the estate inventory meeting

At the meeting, the estate informant presents the information. At the same time, the appraisers review the contents and ensure that everything is accurate.

3. Prepare the document

Once the meeting has been completed, you compile all the information into a formal estate inventory document. The document has to meet the legal requirements and include all necessary attachments.

4. Submit the estate inventory

Finally, you submit the document to the Swedish Tax Agency. You have to include:

• the original document
• a certified copy
• any wills
• proof of summons
• any waivers of inheritance and powers of attorney

Once the Swedish Tax Agency has registered the estate inventory, you’ll receive it back with a registration stamp.

Why is the estate inventory so important?

The estate inventory forms the basis for the entire continued administration of the estate. It’s required, among other things, in order to:

• legally represent the estate
• carry out the distribution of the estate
• sell a home or other property
• close or manage bank accounts

Without a registered document, many necessary actions cannot be carried out.

What happens if you submit it late?

If you don’t submit the estate inventory on time, the Swedish Tax Agency can charge a late filing fee. In addition, the estate’s assets can remain frozen for a longer period, which often creates practical difficulties for the surviving relatives.

For this reason, it’s important to start the process well in advance.

How we can help you

We can assist at different levels, depending on your needs.

• Legal consultation through the process
• Preparation of the document
• Review of documents you have prepared yourself

FAQ about estate inventories

How long does an estate inventory take?
The statutory deadline is four months from the date of death. However, the actual time required depends on the size and complexity of the estate.

Can you prepare the estate inventory yourself?
Yes, you can. However, many people choose to get legal assistance to reduce the risk of mistakes.

What happens if it is submitted late?
The Swedish Tax Agency can charge a late filing fee, and the administration of the estate could be delayed.