The figures on this page are general estimates. Laws, fees, thresholds, and prices differ by state and change often, and your own situation may change the result. Before you act, confirm the current numbers and rules for Texas with a licensed professional — an attorney, tax advisor, or licensed agent as appropriate. Reading this page does not create a professional relationship.
When the clock starts in Texas
The single fact that governs every other date on this page: in Texas the creditor-claim period runs from the date the personal representative qualifies (inventory), and receipt of notice by a creditor (claims).
This is not the same in every state. Some states run the period from the date of death, others from the date letters are issued to the personal representative, others from first publication of the notice to creditors. A deadline calculated from the wrong event is simply wrong, and a missed claim deadline is not curable.
Texas deadlines at a glance
| Deadline | Texas | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory | Before the 91st day after the date the personal representative qualifies, unless the court grants a longer period or an affidavit in lieu of inventory is filed under §309.056. | Tex. Est. Code §309.051(a) |
| Creditor claim period | The personal representative must publish notice to creditors within one month after receiving letters. Where permissive notice is given to an unsecured creditor, that creditor must present the claim before the 121st day after receipt of the notice or the claim is barred. | Tex. Est. Code §308.051(a); §308.054(b) |
| Outer claim bar | Section 308.054 preserves the general statutes of limitation; the content of those provisions was not retrieved for this entry and is not restated here. | Tex. Est. Code §308.054(b) |
The inventory deadline, as written
Except as provided by Subsection © or Section 309.056 (Affidavit in Lieu of Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims) or unless a longer period is granted by the court, before the 91st day after the date the personal representative qualifies, the representative shall prepare and file with the court clerk a single written instrument that contains a verified, full, and detailed inventory of all estate property that has come into the representative's possession or of which the representative has knowledge.
— Tex. Est. Code §309.051(a)
The creditor-claim period, as written
Within one month after receiving letters testamentary or of administration, a personal representative of an estate shall provide notice requiring each person who has a claim against the estate to present the claim within the period prescribed by law… [Permissive notice] must expressly state that the creditor must present the claim before the 121st day after the date of the receipt of the notice or the claim is barred, if the claim is not barred by the general statutes of limitation.
— Tex. Est. Code §308.051(a); §308.054(b)
What this page does not state
Where a figure is not recorded above, it is because it was not found in the statute cited — not because no deadline exists. Court rules, local rules, and standing orders set additional dates that are not part of the statutory text, and those are not reproduced here. Confirm every date against the Texas court handling the estate.
Sources
- Statutes: Tex. Est. Code §309.051(a); Tex. Est. Code §308.051(a); §308.054(b); Tex. Est. Code §308.054(b)
- Authority: Texas Estates Code via Public.Law (texas.public.law)
- Source URL: https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._est._code_section_309.051
- Verified: 2026-08-15
Related Texas guides
- How Long Does Probate Take in Texas? — the overall timeline these deadlines sit inside.
- How much does probate cost in Texas? — the cost side.
- How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Texas? — compensation for the work.
- Texas Probate Fee Sheet — printable one-page reference.
- Executor Duties: The Complete Checklist — what the role involves.
Executor deadlines in other states
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This page reproduces Texas statutory deadlines as published at the time of verification. It is not legal advice. Statutes are amended, court rules impose additional dates, and application depends on the specific estate. Confirm every date with the Texas court or a licensed Texas attorney.