Short answer

For both annual and final probate accountings in Arkansas you should prepare a complete, verified accounting that shows beginning balances, all receipts, all disbursements, interim balances, and ending balances. Supporting documents typically include the original estate inventory, appraisals, bank and brokerage statements, canceled checks and deposit slips, invoices and receipts for expenses, proof of debt payments, tax returns for the estate, vouchers for distributions to heirs and beneficiaries, and a proposed order of distribution. You must file or present the accounting to the probate court and provide notice to interested persons.

Detailed answer — what the court expects (Arkansas overview)

Arkansas law vests the probate court with authority to supervise the administration of estates, including review of accounts submitted by fiduciaries (personal representatives, guardians, conservators). See Arkansas Code Title 28 (Probate and Administration) for the statute framework: Ark. Code Title 28. The court’s practical expectation is a clear, chronological accounting supported by source documents so the judge (and heirs) can verify the estate’s financial activity.

Core elements every accounting must show

• Identification of the fiduciary and the estate (name of decedent, estate file number).
• Accounting period — the date range the report covers (for annual accounts, typically one year; for a final accounting, the entire administration period).
• Beginning inventory and cash balance (as of the start of the accounting period).
• Detailed list of receipts during the period (sources and dates): rents, dividends, sale proceeds, life insurance paid to the estate, refunds, etc.
• Detailed list of disbursements (purposes and dates): funeral expenses, creditor payments, taxes, probate fees, attorney fees, guardian/conservator fees, repairs, mortgage payments, court costs.
• Interim balances after each significant transaction or summarized by category.
• Ending inventory and cash balance (as of the end of the accounting period).
• Proposed distributions (for a final accounting) showing who gets what and the authority for distribution.
• Statement of any compensation claimed by the fiduciary and any attorneys’ fees sought.
• Verification signed under oath by the fiduciary (sworn statement that the accounting is true and correct).

Common supporting documents to attach or have available

• Original estate inventory and appraisals (real estate, business interests, collectibles).
• Bank statements and canceled checks for the account(s) used by the estate or fiduciary.
• Brokerage statements and trade confirmations for investment accounts.
• Receipts and invoices for repairs, medical and funeral expenses, and other payments made by the estate.
• Closing statements (HUD/ALTA) for any real estate sold during administration.
• Settlement statements or proof of payment to creditors (including copies of creditor claims and court orders allowing or disallowing them).
• Federal and state income tax returns filed on behalf of the decedent and the estate, and proof of payment of estate taxes (if any).
• Records of loans, promissory notes, or other receivables collected or written off.
• Proof of service showing notice to interested persons (heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors) when required by the court.
• Proposed form of order and proposed final decree or discharge for the judge’s signature.

Special situations to document carefully

• If you sold estate property, include the sale contract, closing statement, and proof the sale proceeds were deposited into the estate account.
• If you paid a creditor claim, attach the claim, any allowance order, and proof of payment.
• If the fiduciary took compensation or reimbursement, provide a clear calculation and justification (minutes or court order if required).
• For guardianships/conservators, include inventories of the ward’s assets and any Medicaid receipts or long‑term care billing reconciliations.

Process notes

Most courts require the fiduciary to file the accounting with the clerk and serve copies on beneficiaries and other interested parties. The court may schedule a hearing. If no interested person objects, the court commonly approves the accounting and enters an order allowing final distribution and discharging the fiduciary. If objections arise, the court will resolve them before final discharge.

Helpful hints — practical checklist for preparing an Arkansas probate accounting

1. Open and maintain a separate estate bank account for all receipts and disbursements; never mix personal funds with estate funds.
2. Create a simple chronological ledger (spreadsheet) that lists date, description, source/payee, check number, and running balance.
3. Attach or index supporting documents to match each ledger entry (scanned copies are acceptable for court review in many counties).
4. Keep original bills and canceled checks for at least the period the estate remains open; the court may request originals.
5. Provide clear, labeled tabs or an index when you file the accounting so the judge and beneficiaries can follow the books quickly.
6. Serve all required notices of filing to beneficiaries and creditors and retain proof of service.
7. If you plan to request fiduciary or attorney fees, present a detailed time entry log and fee calculation so the court can evaluate reasonableness.
8. For complicated financial items (business interests, closely held stock, real property of uncertain value), include a written appraisal or valuation report.
9. Before filing a final accounting, reconcile the estate bank account to the proposed final distribution and ensure taxes and claims are resolved or reserved for.
10. When in doubt about form or content, ask the probate clerk which format they prefer and consider consulting a probate attorney to avoid delays or objections.