Probate and Estate Bookkeeping in Las Vegas

When a business owner dies, the business keeps running and its records often fall behind. Sunderland Valley Enterprises brings the books current for executors, trustees, and probate attorneys in Las Vegas, so the estate can report accurately and the family can decide whether to keep, sell, or close the business. The work is prepared by Jacqueline Oberst, a former CFO and Certified Exit Planning Advisor.

What families and executors face

In many small businesses the owner kept the books, or kept them in their head. After a death, the person named to handle the estate may find a QuickBooks file with no password, months of unrecorded transactions, unpaid taxes, and customers and employees who still need answers.

The estate needs to know what the business owned and owed on the date of death and what has happened since. We build that record from bank statements, payroll reports, loan documents, and prior tax returns.

What we prepare

Books reconstructed and reconciled through the date of death
A balance sheet as of the date of death showing what the business owned and owed
Books kept current during the administration of the estate
Monthly profit and loss statements so the family can see whether the business is supporting itself
A list of open items for the attorney and tax preparer, such as unfiled returns or loans with no paperwork
An organized document file for the attorney, the tax preparer, and the court

Deciding what happens to the business

Heirs usually have three choices, to keep the business, sell it, or close it. Each one depends on accurate numbers. As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Jacqueline helps families understand what the financial statements say about the business and what a buyer or lender will ask to see.

If the family keeps it

We continue with monthly bookkeeping and financial statements so the new owner starts with clean records.

If the family sells it

Buyers ask for several years of financial statements. We prepare them and organize the supporting documents for the sale process.

If the business closes

We keep the books through the final month so the last tax returns can be prepared and the estate can account for what remains.

Have a case with a deadline?
30 minutes, no cost, with Jackie directly.

Schedule a Confidential Call

Working with probate attorneys and trustees

We take direction from the attorney or the fiduciary, work to court deadlines, and deliver statements in the format requested. We coordinate with the estate’s tax preparer so nothing is prepared twice. See our page on bookkeeping and financial reconstruction for attorneys.

Frequently asked questions

Who handles the bookkeeping for a business after the owner dies?

The executor, called a personal representative in Nevada, or the trustee is responsible for the business records during administration. Most hire a bookkeeper to bring the books current and keep them up to date.

What if we cannot get into the owner’s accounting software?

We can rebuild the books from bank and credit card statements, which the personal representative can request from the bank. Access to the old file helps, but the work can be done without it.

How far behind can the books be?

Any amount. We regularly start from statements alone and work forward month by month until the books are current.

Do you prepare the estate’s tax returns?

No. We prepare the business books and financial statements and work alongside the estate’s tax preparer or CPA.

Can you help us understand whether to sell the business?

Yes. Once the books are current, we walk the family through what the statements show and what a buyer would look at. Jacqueline is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor and works with owners preparing a business for sale.

Have a case with a deadline?

30 minutes, no cost, and you will speak with Jackie directly. Everything you share stays confidential.