If you are the designated beneficiary on a deceased person's bank account, you typically can go to the bank immediately following their death to claim the asset. In general, there is no waiting period for beneficiaries to access the money; however, keep in mind that laws can vary by state and by bank.
Depending on the complexity of the estate, the probate process, if applicable, generally takes at least six months to a year. And that's usually for the best, says Private Wealth Advisor Cheryl Smith. Too often beneficiaries make large purchases or sweeping decisions that they later regret.
Executors often use certified mail to send inheritance checks, requiring a signature upon delivery. This method provides a paper trail that can be crucial for legal and record-keeping purposes.
The length of time for paying beneficiaries of a probate estate depends on several factors, such as when the executor files the will with the probate court, estate expenses and assets, and estate tax liability. That being said, the probate process typically takes anywhere from six months to a year or more.
Q: Can an Executor Withhold Money From a Beneficiary in California? A: Executors do not have the authority to act outside the guidelines stipulated in the will. An executor cannot withhold money from a beneficiary unless they are directed to do so through a will or another court-enforceable document.
For the inheritance process to begin, a will must be submitted to probate. The probate court reviews the will, authorizes an executor and legally transfers assets to beneficiaries as outlined. Before the transfer, the executor will settle any of the deceased's remaining debts.
In general, any inheritance you receive does not need to be reported to the IRS. You typically don't need to report inheritance money to the IRS because inheritances aren't considered taxable income by the federal government. That said, earnings made off of the inheritance may need to be reported.
There's no standard deadline for paying beneficiaries of a will, but estates complete the probate process in six to nine months on average. Probate laws vary by state, and many states don't set a deadline at all for executors to pay the beneficiaries of a will.
Executors can use the money in the estate in whatever way they determine best for the estate and for fulfilling the decedent's wishes. Typically, this will amount to paying off debts and transferring bequests to the beneficiaries according to the terms of the will.
The timeline is much shorter. California laws, for example, require that beneficiaries are notified within 60 days of the death. After you are notified, you typically must play another waiting game.
Deposit the money into a safe account
Your first action to take when receiving a lump sum is to deposit the money into an FDIC-insured bank account. This will allow for safekeeping while you consider how to make the best use of your inheritance.
Before an executor can provide any funds to a beneficiary, they have to ensure that all the deceased's bills, taxes, and estate administration expenses are paid. The executor must notify any known creditors of the death so those creditors can make a claim against the estate.
If you are the beneficiary of a trust, the California Probate Code requires trustees to notify you within 60 days of the settlor's death. Sometimes the trust settlor will also notify any disinherited heirs as well to avoid any ambiguity.
If you received a gift or inheritance, do not include it in your income. However, if the gift or inheritance later produces income, you will need to pay tax on that income. Example: You inherit and deposit cash that earns interest income. Include only the interest earned in your gross income, not the inherited cash.
The personal representative collects all the property of the person that died, pays their bills, and then distributes any remaining property to the people with a legal right to receive the property (called heirs or beneficiaries).
While executors have discretion in some areas, your core decision-making is bounded by: The deceased's will. You must follow their distribution wishes rather than diverging based on your own judgments.
An heir can claim their inheritance anywhere from six months to three years after a decedent passes away, depending on where they live. Every state and county jurisdiction sets different rules about an heir's ability to claim their inheritance.
Many people worry about the estate tax affecting the inheritance they pass along to their children, but it's not a reality most people will face. In 2025, the first $13,990,000 of an estate is exempt from federal estate taxes, up from $13,610,000 in 2024. Estate taxes are based on the size of the estate.
Bottom Line. California doesn't enforce a gift tax, but you may owe a federal one. However, you can give up to $19,000 in cash or property during the 2025 tax year and up to $18,000 in the 2024 tax year without triggering a gift tax return.
Immediately after receiving an inheritance, you should notify your local Social Security office.
The Executor must submit the Will and other important documents to the probate court, and then pay any outstanding bills and taxes. Once that's done, you can expect to receive a disbursement of financial assets and transfer of ownership of any tangible assets.
An inheritance tax is levied on the value of the inheritance received by the beneficiary, and it is paid by the beneficiary. There is no federal inheritance tax. Inherited assets may be taxed for residents of Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.