Estates & Trusts

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Trusted Guidance for Sensitive Financial Matters

At Evans & Harris, P.C., we understand that estate and trust accounting isn’t just about compliance — it’s about care, clarity, and honoring important responsibilities. Whether you’re a trustee, executor, or family member managing a loved one’s affairs, you deserve a team that provides thoughtful support and precise financial work.

We regularly assist clients with estate-related filings, tax planning, and fiduciary accounting. Our role is to help make a difficult process a little less overwhelming, with reliable service you can count on.

How We Help

Services We Provide for Estates & Trusts

We work with families, legal professionals, and financial advisors to ensure the accounting and tax responsibilities of estates and trusts are handled correctly and respectfully.

Estate & Trust Income Tax Filings

We prepare federal and state income tax returns for estates and trusts, helping you meet all filing obligations and avoid penalties — even in multi-state situations.

Estate Tax Planning

For individuals with sizable estates, we offer tax planning services to help minimize the estate tax burden and preserve assets for future generations.

Fiduciary Accounting & Reporting

We assist trustees and executors with detailed fiduciary accounting that meets legal requirements and provides clarity for beneficiaries and stakeholders.

Succession Planning for Family-Owned Assets

We help business owners and individuals develop tax-efficient plans for transferring assets and responsibilities to the next generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need to file a tax return for a trust or estate in Alabama?

    Yes — in many cases, estates and trusts are required to file annual federal and state income tax returns until all assets are distributed. These filings are separate from the deceased individual’s personal tax return. If you’re managing an estate or serving as a trustee in Alabama, we can help determine your filing requirements and ensure everything is handled properly. We’ll guide you through each step with clarity and professionalism.

  • Can you help reduce estate taxes in Alabama?

    We offer estate tax planning to help reduce potential liabilities under federal and (where applicable) state estate tax laws. While Alabama currently does not have a state-level estate tax, federal thresholds still apply. Through early planning and asset structuring, we can help you protect more of what you’ve built and ensure a smoother transition for your heirs. The sooner you begin planning, the more options you may have.

  • What is fiduciary accounting, and do I need it?

    Fiduciary accounting refers to the formal financial reporting required when managing someone else’s assets — such as those held in a trust or estate. It includes tracking income, expenses, distributions, and maintaining detailed records. If you’re a trustee or executor, fiduciary accounting may be required by law or by the terms of the trust. We prepare these reports accurately and clearly, giving you confidence in your role and transparency for all parties involved.

  • Can you coordinate with my attorney or financial advisor?

    Yes — we frequently work alongside estate attorneys, financial planners, and other professionals as part of a client’s broader advisory team. Whether you need help structuring tax planning strategies or preparing accounting reports for legal review, we’re happy to collaborate. Our goal is to ensure everything runs smoothly, with minimal stress for you and your family.