What to Do When Someone Dies in Indiana
A complete guide to death certificates, probate, estate taxes, and funeral costs in Indiana. Everything you need to know about handling a death in the state of Indiana.
Quick Facts: Indiana
Death Certificates in Indiana
Cost Per Certified Copy
The first certified copy costs $10. Additional copies cost $4 each.
How Many to Order
We recommend ordering 10 to 15 copies. Banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, the DMV, employers, and other institutions typically require original certified copies. Ordering extras upfront saves time and money compared to requesting more later. Ten copies in Indiana would cost approximately $46.
Where to Order
Death certificates in Indiana are issued by the Indiana State Department of Health, Vital Records. Your funeral home will typically order the initial copies for you as part of their services.
Visit Indiana State Department of Health, Vital RecordsFiling Deadline
In Indiana, a death must be registered within 5 days. The funeral home or attending physician typically handles the filing.
Probate in Indiana
Small Estate Threshold
Estates valued under $50,000 may qualify for simplified probate or a small estate affidavit. Estates under $50,000 may use simplified procedures.
Probate Court
Probate in Indiana is handled by the Superior Court or Circuit Court (Probate).
Visit Superior Court or Circuit Court (Probate) websiteTypical Timeline
Probate in Indiana typically takes 6-12 months. The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the estate, whether anyone contests the will, and the court's caseload.
Small Estate Affidavit
If the estate is valued below the small estate threshold of $50,000, you may be able to use a small estate affidavit instead of going through formal probate. This is a simplified process that allows heirs to collect assets by presenting a sworn statement to banks and other institutions. Waiting periods and specific requirements vary, so check with the Superior Court or Circuit Court (Probate) in your county for exact procedures.
Key Things to Know in Indiana
State-Specific Notes
Indiana eliminated its inheritance tax in 2013. The state allows unsupervised administration for most estates, which is less expensive and faster than supervised probate.
No State Death Taxes
Indiana does not have a state estate tax or inheritance tax. Only the federal estate tax applies, and it only affects estates exceeding $13.61 million.
Funeral Costs in Indiana
These are median costs in Indiana. Actual costs vary significantly based on the funeral home, location within the state, and services selected. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes must provide itemized pricing when you ask. You are not required to purchase a package and can choose individual services.
Major Cities in Indiana
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Probate Guide
How probate works, when you can skip it, and what it costs in your state.
Estate Tax
Federal and state estate tax thresholds, exemptions, and filing deadlines.
Funeral Costs
Average funeral costs by type and practical ways to reduce expenses.
Master Checklist
Track every task from day one through closing the estate.