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Register of Wills · Carroll County · 2026 Primary
The Register of Wills oversees the legal process of settling a person's estate after they pass away, ensuring assets are distributed correctly to heirs and beneficiaries according to the law. This office is responsible for maintaining permanent records of wills and probate documents while also collecting inheritance taxes on behalf of the state. By managing these sensitive transitions, the official ensures the orderly and transparent transfer of property within the community.
View all candidates in this racePaul G. Zimmermann is a Republican candidate seeking re-election as Carroll County Register of Wills in the 2026 primary and general election. He has served as the county's register of wills since 2002 and faces scrutiny following an audit released in March 2026 which found his office failed to independently verify inheritance tax deposits and did not segregate collection duties despite concerns dating back to 2018. Zimmermann signed off on this audit report and pledged immediate action to correct the identified missteps regarding financial record-keeping and compliance with laws. He is competing in the Republican primary against Crystal L. Starner for a general election scheduled for November 3, 2026. The Community Media Center offered him an opportunity to record a candidate profile for their voters guide.
Sources: Campaign website
Financial Compliance
Correcting internal control deficiencies regarding inheritance tax deposits and segregation of duties.
“Paul Zimmermann... signed off on audit report and pledged immediate action to correct office's missteps.”
A state audit of the Carroll County Register of Wills Office found that the office has not been independently verifying its deposits of inheritance tax money. Auditors have raised concerns about this same issue since 2018, but the office hasn't corrected the error according to an audit report from Maryland's Office of Legislative Audits released earlier in March 2026. Paul Zimmermann signed off on the audit report and wrote that his office is taking immediate action to correct its missteps.
“Audit found office did not segregate collection and accounts receivable duties, leading to significant deficiencies in internal control that could impact financial record-keeping.”
Source“Carroll County Register of Wills Office failed to independently verify inheritance tax deposits, despite state audit concerns since 2018.”
Source