When someone has died, or given a lot
Tax paperwork after a death comes in a certain order
An executor or a grieving family can find tax matters waiting: the person's last income return, sometimes an estate return, and balances or unfiled years nobody knew about. A large gift during life can call for a return of its own.
We sort what's due and when, in a plain order, and speak to the agency for the estate. We don't try to make any of it faster than it is, and we don't ask you to learn the vocabulary.
Final income tax returns for the person who died
Estate and gift tax returns, where they are required
A parent's old balances and unfiled years
Questions from the IRS after an estate return is filed
What an executor gets from us
- 01
A list of what is due
The returns the estate or the family must file, with dates, in the order that makes sense.
- 02
A reading of the old record
What the agency says was owed, and what was paid, before the estate takes a position.
- 03
The returns, prepared and filed
Drafted with the estate's accountant or yours, then reviewed with you before they go.
- 04
A voice for the estate
If the agency writes afterward, the letter comes to us and we explain the reply.
About tax after a death
Does every estate owe tax?
No. Many estates owe no estate tax at all, but may still have to file a final income return. Whether a return is needed depends on the size and makeup of the estate.
A parent died owing the IRS. Do I owe it?
Generally the debt is the estate's, not yours personally. How it is handled depends on what the estate holds and how it is administered, and we explain it before anything is paid.
What is a gift tax return?
A large gift can call for a return even when no tax is due. We help you decide when one is needed.
Do you serve as executor or trustee?
No. We handle the tax side and work alongside the estate's lawyer or the family's. We can suggest a colleague if you need one.
Tax questions after a loss
Tell us who died and which year the letter mentions, and we'll tell you what has to be filed.