Maintaining a “Tickler” Chart

A “Tickler Chart” is a list of all the actions likely to be necessary in a case, with two columns to the right, showing when each action is required to be taken and when each has been completed.

A Pleadings File will tell you where you’ve been. A Tickler Chart will tell you where you’re going and when you have to get there:

Tickler Chart Form
“No Tax” Tickler Chart Form (ie, Obtain EIN, Send Notice to IRS, & File Decedent’s Final 1040 return but no estate income tax or estate tax return due)
Example of Not Using or Ignoring a Tickler Chart