Question

I’m the executor of my mother’s estate and have a question about estate tax rules. She died in 2020, but the estate still isn’t finalized. Should I wait until the estate is final to file estate taxes?

Answer

No.

Estate tax rules dictate that you must file a Form 1041: U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts for any year either of these applies:

  • The estate had $600 or more gross annual income.
  • One or more beneficiaries of the estate are nonresident aliens.

Gross income is income from all sources without subtracting any expenses.

File estate taxes each year by the appropriate filing deadline for the estate’s tax year.

You must file Form 706 within nine months after date of death for estates:

  • More than the estate exclusion amount for the year — $5.34 million in 2014
  • More than $5.43 million in 2015

Related Topics

Related Resources

Filing for a Deceased Taxpayer

If you need help handling an estate, we're here to help. Learn how to file taxes for a deceased loved one with H&R Block.

Don’t overlook the 5 most common tax deductions

From retirement account contributions to self-employment expenses, learn more about the five most common tax deductions with the experts at H&R Block.

New baby or house? How major life changes affect your taxes

Getting married? Having a baby? Buying a house? Go through your life events checklist and see how each can affect your tax return with the experts at H&R Block.

Spring Cleaning: Your Household Goods, Your Tax Deductions

Donating household goods to your favorite charity? Learn the ins and outs of deducting noncash charitable contributions on your taxes with the experts at H&R Block.