I’m the executor of an estate for a family member who recently passed — Is there an executor of estate form I should file?

As executor of an estate, the form you’ll file for the deceased person is Form 1040 as a final return. If you are legally deemed the executor or fiduciary of an estate, you may also file a Form 1041 for the deceased individual’s estate.

How Many Years Do I Need to Worry About Filing Forms as Executor of an Estate?

Executors of estates only file the final Form 1040 for the year when the person died. This statement is true unless the taxpayer did not file prior returns. If the taxpayer failed to file, the personal representative may need to file more than that one final return.

You or a joint fiduciary file Form 1041 for the estate every year if the estate has gross income of $600 or more or if one or more of the beneficiaries of the estate are nonresident aliens, you must file Form 1041. This is true even if the gross income of the estate is less than $600.

More Filing Tips For Executors of Estates

When filing as an executor of estate, on the Form 1040, include only income and expense items up to the date of death.

You’ll also file a return for the estate on Form 1041. Include only income and expense items after the date of death.

More Tax Filing Help for Estate Executors

If you need help with filing tax returns as an estate executor or other general estate tax questions, get expert help. You can count on H&R Block to help as you’re filing taxes as an estate executor. Make an appointment with one of our knowledgeable tax pros at H&R Block.