In the event of the death of a loved one, a Final Estate Tax Return must be filed with the Internal Revenue Service. This document is similar to an individual income tax return. It must detail all of the deceased’s income and claim any deductions and credits. If the decedent’s estate is more than $600, the estate must file a Form 1041. For more information, visit the IRS website. Here are some tips to prepare and file a Final Estate Tax Return.
The final return covers the taxable year of death and includes income sources, mortgage interest, a property tax statement, and the usual standard deductions. If the surviving spouse did not file their own tax returns, this will be a better option. When preparing the Final Estate Tax Return, make sure that the executors have the proper identification number, as the IRS requires one to complete the return. Make sure to make these decisions as soon as possible after the death of the surviving spouse.
The executor should also obtain a letter of administration from the IRS. The letters will allow the executor to act on behalf of the estate and pay taxes. The letters of administration are also needed for other documents, including the estate tax return. The executor will need this document if the surviving spouse has not remarried in the past calendar year. Once the letters of administration are obtained, the executor should prepare and file the Final Estate Tax Return.
If the surviving spouse is a U.S. citizen, the final estate tax return will be filed. If the surviving spouse dies before the decedent’s estate has been distributed, the executor should file the Final Estate Tax Return and make the QDOT election. If the decedent’s surviving spouse passes before the estate tax return is filed, the DSUE amount is reduced. This is because of a special rule that applies to certain kinds of QDOTs.
The executor must properly identify the assets of the estate on the appropriate schedule. The value of the assets at the date of death must be disclosed on the return. If the executor has elected portability, the Final Estate Tax Return must be filed by the appointed date. Unless there are substantive reasons for the delay, a penalty may be imposed. Nevertheless, this court should grant an extension if the executor fails to file the Final Estate Tax Return on time.
If the decedent was not a resident of the U.S., the executor may elect portability on behalf of the estate. If the estate tax return is filed by the appointed executor within nine months of the decedent’s death, the executor must file it within the time limit. Portability can only be triggered by the executor’s election. If a non-resident decedent was appointed, the executor must file the Estate Tax Return regardless.
