Reimbursable Expenses for Estate Representatives in 2012

2012 Reimbursable Mileage & New Postage Rates below!

Did you know that not only do attorneys and fiduciaries need to stay on top of changes in the State of California Probate Code; but they also must monitor the California Rules of Court; the Business & Professions Code; and, the state, federal and local tax rules?  In addition, each court publishes local rules to clarify how they interpret codes or rules. These codes and rules can change each year. 

To help the attorneys and fiduciaries we serve, we have put together a “cheat sheet” for selected counties in Northern California.  Take a look at our website page Tidbits & Morsels to get a quick look at how each court views fees, costs, and reimbursable expenses, such as mileage, copies, postage, telephone, internet, etc.  Each local court views fees and costs differently.

Most expenses incurred by an Executor, Estate Administrator, Conservator, or Guardian must be approved by the court before reimbursement to the personal representative.   Some courts allow reimbursement for some of these miscellaneous expenses and others do not.  It pays to keep track of your expenses, but remember that your attorney may choose not to submit all expenses you incur in handling a loved one’s estate. Check with your attorney.

Actually, fiduciaries must be aware of a wide variety of areas that touch on the different types of cases they handle.  This means they need to know how to evaluate and hire the additional professional expertise required for each situation they encounter.  Enter your email address to the left to receive regular emails from The ACE Fiduciary Group Blog - The 5th Chapter.  This way, you’ll receive our posts on topics and resources that can help personal representatives and professional fiduciaries.

Remember to note business related mileage in a small pocket calendar or other manner that can be to used as back-up for your tax return or for your attorney, if requested.                    
2012 IRS business mileage reimbursement rate is 55.5 cents per mile, 23 cents medical mileage, and 14 cents for charitable mileage. 
US Postage rates will increase to 45 cents for a first-class single letter on January 22, 2012.

Stay warm, healthy, and have a Happy New Year!