Quick answer: the deadline that shapes the whole schedule is the periodic accounting requirement — filed roughly every 9 to 12 months until the Probate Division approves closing. See the full DC probate timeline calculator for your specific estimate.
The core deadlines, in order
| Deadline | DC rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Small estate proceeding eligible | $80,000 or less (raised 2026) | D.C. Code § 20-351 |
| First accounting filed | Roughly 9–12 months after appointment | Probate Division practice |
| Subsequent accountings | Roughly every 9–12 months, until closing | Probate Division practice |
| Personal representative fee decision | Reasonable, or renounced (often by family) | § 20-751 |
| DC estate tax return (Form D-76), if applicable | Due 10 months after death | D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue |
A recurring deadline, not a single one
Worth understanding clearly: many states' probate timelines are shaped mainly by a single creditor claim deadline. DC's is shaped more by an ongoing duty: the personal representative files accountings with the Probate Division roughly every 9 to 12 months, and the estate cannot close until the court approves a final one. That's why DC's typical 12–18 month timeline runs longer than a bare creditor-deadline calculation would suggest.
A separate deadline for a separate tax
If the estate exceeds DC's own $4,988,400 exemption (2026), Form D-76 is due 10 months after death — a deadline that runs independently of the periodic accounting schedule and applies at rates from 11.2% to 16%.
Facing probate in District of Columbia?
Talk to a District of Columbia attorneyA local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.