What Role Does a CPA Play During the Georgia Probate Process?

February 22, 2026•4 min read

If you’ve been named the executor or administrator of a Georgia estate, chances are you’re knee-deep in paperwork, deadlines, and legal terms that make your head spin. And just when you thought it couldn’t get more confusing, someone asks, “Do you have a CPA helping you with probate?”

That’s what this blog is all about. I sat down with a Georgia CPA who specializes in probate cases, and let me tell you—there’s more to it than just filing a tax return. From handling the decedent’s final tax filings to protecting the executor from liability, a probate CPA plays a critical role in settling the estate cleanly and legally.

Whether you’re dealing with a house in Warner Robins, an inherited property in Byron, or just trying to figure out who owes what to the IRS, you’ll want to keep reading.

Watch the Full Video.

What a Probate CPA Actually Does

Most folks think a CPA just helps you do taxes. In probate, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. A good probate CPA will:

File the decedent’s final personal tax return
Prepare fiduciary returns for the estate (Form 1041)
Track expenses and distributions for the court
Advise the executor on what’s deductible—and what’s not
Help prevent audits or tax penalties that fall on you as the executor

As our guest said in the video, “I’m not just here to do the numbers. I’m here to keep you out of trouble.” That about sums it up.

For more help, schedule a call with us.

Common Tax Mistakes Executors Make

Here’s the thing—probate isn’t just about filing forms. If you miss the tax deadlines, you could owe penalties. If you misreport income, the IRS could come after the estate… or you.

Some common mistakes include:

Not reporting rental income from inherited property
Forgetting to file the deceased’s final return (yes, even if they passed in January)
Skipping the estate income return altogether
Mixing estate funds with personal funds, creating an accounting mess

Our CPA guest shared a story about an executor who distributed funds before filing returns—and had to pay the IRS out of pocket later. Don’t be that guy.

Does Every Estate Need a CPA?

Not always. But if the estate has:

More than $25,000 in assets
Rental income or investment accounts
A business or side hustle still making money
Complicated expenses or beneficiaries

…then yes, a CPA is worth their weight in gold.

Even for smaller estates, the peace of mind is huge. You don’t want to be halfway through probate and realize the IRS is knocking because a form was filed wrong.

When Should You Bring in the CPA?

Early.

The earlier, the better. Ideally, the CPA works alongside the probate attorney, helping track everything from the beginning. That way, when it’s time to close the estate, you’ve already got clean records, clear answers, and no IRS surprises.

A CPA can also help before you file probate—especially if the decedent had unfiled taxes, liens, or a business that needs to be shut down.

What It’s Like Working with a Probate CPA

Most CPAs don’t know probate. So when you find one who does, it’s a game-changer.

They’ll ask for:

Death certificate
Letters of Administration or Testamentary
Access to financial records and any property income
A list of known creditors and beneficiaries

A good one will even help you prepare accounting reports for court—something most executors aren’t trained to do.

Bottom Line: You Don’t Need to Do This Alone

If you’re handling probate in Georgia, a CPA isn’t just helpful—they can be the difference between a clean estate closing and a financial mess that drags on for months (or years).

And if you’re dealing with real estate as part of that estate—whether it’s a house in Warner Robins, a family farm in Hawkinsville, or a rental in Bonaire—I can help.

Need Help with a Probate Property? Let’s Talk.

I’m Chris, your local real estate problem solver here in Middle Georgia. I work with families going through probate to make the real estate side of things easier—whether that means listing the property, selling it fast for cash, or just walking you through your options.