Typically, calculating a distribution from a will, in a common estate, is a result of poor estate planning. If an executor needs an analysis pad to figure out a distribution involving many beneficiaries, the estate plan has the following flaws:

• There are too many beneficiaries in the estate plan.
• The estate plan has a complicated distribution formula.

In the article The Estate Income Tax Returns: Execute the Plan, calculating the distribution written in the will forced me, as executor, to use an analysis pad, then an excel spreadsheet. The distribution formula consisted of twenty beneficiaries receiving different amounts of property calculated in percentages and shares. In fact, the complicated distribution formula took me a few drafts to get to a final draft. After completing the final draft on an excel spreadsheet, to make sure the distribution calculation was accurate, I emailed the spreadsheet to my attorney and the tax professional. The professionals reviewed the final draft and approved the distribution. Finally, after the review, I was able to distribute the property to the beneficiaries. In addition, the spreadsheet of the final draft became the template for the next distribution.

Although the distribution worked out well, an executor of a common estate should never have to calculate a complicated distribution. Therefore, calculating a distribution from a will should rarely be necessary.

When Calculating a Distribution becomes Necessary

Unfortunately, for an executor of an estate going through a formal probate process, distributions require accuracy. At the end of the probate process, the executor has to provide a final accounting to the beneficiaries in which distributions are part of the accounting. As a result, any mistakes in calculating a distribution becomes noticeable to the beneficiaries and questions will arise. So, if an executor seems confused about the distribution formula in the will, calculating the distribution becomes necessary.

The Consequence of Poor Estate Planning

In the end, calculating a distribution is just another consequence of poor estate planning. In common estates, people tend to make estate planning more complicated than it needs to be. When putting together an estate plan, list the fewest amount of beneficiaries as possible. As a result, the distribution becomes a smooth process and not a complicated calculation. Furthermore, your executor will think of you in glowing terms while going through the probate process.

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