Iowa Executor and Estate Kit: the $50,000 Small Estate Route After 40 Days, First Month Checklist and Estate Ledger

Who it is for

Whoever is settling the estate of someone who lived in Iowa. Handed to the bank or other holder. The successor gives the holder an affidavit under penalty of perjury. Only when an Iowa estate is open is an affidavit for a deceased distributee filed with the clerk.

Not the right fit if

The person didn't live in or own property in Iowa, or a will contest or family dispute means you need an estate attorney. Not a form preparation or legal service.

Why it is different

• Sources, checked November 2026: Iowa Code 633.356, Distribution of property by affidavit (Iowa Legislature); Iowa Code 633.279, Signed and witnessed (Iowa Legislature, 2024).
• 4 facts aren't stated on those pages, so the kit says so and links where to check.

What is inside

• Iowa small estate route. Personal property worth $50,000 or less, and no real property. For deaths before January 1, 2025, real property passing to exempt persons as joint tenants with survivorship didn't count against this. Real estate in the person's name alone takes the estate out of this procedure. 40 days. Forty days after the death. Handed to the bank or other holder. The successor gives the holder an affidavit under penalty of perjury. Only when an Iowa estate is open is an affidavit for a deceased distributee filed with the clerk.
• How a Iowa will had to be signed. Two witnesses, who sign at the testator's request in the presence of the testator and each other. Allowed at signing or any later date, before a person authorized to administer oaths and take acknowledgments. A self-proved will can be admitted without witness testimony. The will stays valid, but unless two disinterested witnesses also signed, an interested witness loses whatever the will gives beyond what that witness would get with no will.
• Iowa estate ledger (Excel). Assets, debts, payments and distributions; it compares the countable assets with $50,000, dates day 40 after the death and flags real estate in the person's name alone, which rules the route out.
• First 30 days, tracker and letters. The first month in order with day 40 marked, a documents and accounts tracker, and plain letters to a bank, a utility and Social Security.
• Still to confirm in Iowa. notary or oath, official form, simplified court procedure: check Iowa Code 633.356, Distribution of property by affidavit (Iowa Legislature); if the will is handwritten: check Iowa Code 633.279, Signed and witnessed (Iowa Legislature, 2024).