CHAPTER 1. General Provisions [21500. - 21503.]

Cal. Probate Code - PROB 1.

in effect

Cal. Probate Code - PROB § 21500. Section 21500.

As used in this part, “Internal Revenue Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. A reference to a provision of the Internal Revenue Code includes any subsequent provision of law enacted in its place.

Cal. Probate Code - PROB § 21501. Section 21501.

(a) This part applies to a distribution made on or after January 1, 1988, whether the transferor died before, on, or after that date. (b) A distribution made on or after January 1, 1983, and before January 1, 1988, is governed by the applicable law in effect before January 1, 1988.

Cal. Probate Code - PROB § 21502. Section 21502.

(a) This part does not apply to an instrument the terms of which expressly or by necessary implication make this part inapplicable. (b) By an appropriate statement made in an instrument, the transferor may incorporate by reference any or all of the provisions of this part. The effect of incorporating a provision of this part in an instrument is to make the incorporated provision a part of the instrument as though the language of the incorporated provision were set forth verbatim in the instrument. Unless an instrument incorporating a provision of this part provides otherwise, the instrument automatically incorporates the provision’s amendments.

Cal. Probate Code - PROB § 21503. Section 21503.

(a) If an instrument includes a formula intended to eliminate the federal estate tax, the formula shall be applied to eliminate or to reduce to the maximum extent possible the federal estate tax. (b) If an instrument includes a formula that refers to a maximum fraction or amount that will not result in a federal estate tax, the formula shall be construed to refer to the maximum fraction or amount that will not result in or increase the federal estate tax.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026