nonam -

As far as I know, the method for valuing an estate is the same at
either valuation date - so any matured T-Bills (and the interest paid)
would simply count as cash. (Sorry about your mother.) The reason I
suggested an attorney is simply that there are money-saving issues more
complex than the one you asked about. It wasn't clear to me through
your posting that the guy you had misdirected you. You can refuse to
pay your attorney, if he gave you incorrect advise - just like a
contractor who doesn't do the job right. See if you can't find a good
one, though, possibly through an accountant (a small CPA firm probably
knows reliable estate attorneys). A book I read on being an executor
gave a useful ballpark frame of reference ($12 bucks). Good luck to
you.

I did at $300/hr. His answer didn't make sense which is why I posted
the question. I ended up researching the answer and convincing him that
I was right after he give me the wrong answer. He agreed quickly but I
wonder what the bill will be. In this case, his answer would have cost
an extra $9000 in taxes.

Nonam -

Estate attorneys are not that expensive - you might want to consult
with one(!).

I am the executor of a taxable estate. The estate had several treasury
bills which matured 4 months after the date of death of my mother. I
have elected to use the alternate evaluation date. What is the correct
(for federal estate taxes - form 709) evaluation of these treasure
bills? Is it a) the value at the date of death or b)the face value.