Indiana § 32-17-14-12 - Transfer on death transfers of tangible personal property
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 32-17-14-12 — Transfer on death transfers of tangible personal property, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 32-17-14-12. Transfer on death transfers of tangible personal property
Sec. 12. (a) A deed of gift, bill of sale, or other writing intended to transfer an interest in tangible personal property is effective on the death of the owner and transfers ownership to the designated transferee beneficiary if the document:
(1) expressly creates ownership in beneficiary form;
(2) is in other respects sufficient to transfer the type of property involved; and
(3) is executed by the owner and acknowledged before a notary public or other person authorized to administer oaths or executed in the presence of a disinterested witness.
(b) A beneficiary transfer document described in this section is not required to be supported by consideration or delivered to the transferee beneficiary.
(c) This section does not preclude other methods of transferring ownership of tangible personal property that are permitted by law and have the effect of postponing enjoyment of the property until after the death of the owner.
(d) For purposes of this section, a witness is disinterested if the witness is not:
(1) the designated transferee beneficiary;
(2) the spouse of the designated transferee beneficiary;
(3) a descendant of the designated transferee beneficiary; or
(4) the spouse of a descendant of the designated transferee beneficiary.
(e) A disinterested witness may prove the owner's execution of a deed of gift, bill of sale, or other writing under this section as a witness may prove the signature of a grantor, principal, or affiant making a conveyance, mortgage, or other instrument of writing under IC 32-21-2-3(a).
As added by P.L.143-2009, SEC.41. Amended by P.L.185-2021, SEC.31.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 32-17-14-12
What does Indiana Code § 32-17-14-12 cover?
Section 32-17-14-12 ("Transfer on death transfers of tangible personal property") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 32-17-14-12?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 32-17-14-12" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 32-17-14-12 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.