You may need professional help in preparing returns to settle the estate. Closing the estate A final account is due one year from your date of qualification or within six months after receiving the Estate Tax Certificate, whichever is later. The Estate Tax Certificate is a statement by the Department of Revenue that North Carolina estate taxes have been settled. It will usually not be issued until a closing letter has been received from the Internal Revenue Service. This letter from the IRS is evidence that the federal estate tax return was accepted.
Some estates take years to settle.
This is because closing often depends on filing estate tax returns. But, estates sheltered by the applicable credit amount usually do not require a federal estate tax return. If the estate you are handling falls into this category, it may be possible to settle it within a year. Preparing the final account includes providing payment of final expenses such as attorney's fees and your own commission. Final distributions to heirs are made, and, after approving the final account, the clerk of court will discharge you from further liability.