What is one of the responsibilities of a personal representative in estate administration?

The responsibility of a personal representative in estate administration encompasses various duties, one of which is to file an application to pass accounts. This procedure is crucial as it provides a formal accounting to the beneficiaries regarding the estate's financial activities. This includes detailing the assets collected, debts settled, and distributions made. Filing this application ensures transparency and helps protect the personal representative from potential claims of mismanagement or disputes from beneficiaries.

In administering an estate, the personal representative must be diligent in providing an accurate and thorough account of the estate’s finances. This not only fulfills legal obligations but also fosters trust and clarity among the beneficiaries regarding how the estate is being handled.

In contrast, preparing a new will is not under the personal representative's responsibilities since they are managing an existing estate as per the decedent’s wishes outlined in the will. Seeking out beneficiaries is typically part of the initial steps in estate administration, but the obligation extends beyond mere identification; it focuses on managing and distributing the estate according to the established legal processes. Imposing taxes on the estate is not a duty of the personal representative; rather, it is a function of tax authorities based on applicable laws, which the personal representative must comply with by submitting any required tax documents.