Money & accounts
File the decedent's final income tax return
The final 1040 covers January 1 through the date of death. The estate may also need its own tax return (Form 1041) if it has income during administration.
- When to do it
- By the next April 15 (or extended deadline).
- Estimated time
- 1–2 weeks of work, often best handed to a CPA
What you’ll need
- Prior year's tax return for reference
- W-2s, 1099s, and other income documents
- Receipts for deductible expenses
- EIN for the estate (for Form 1041)
Steps
- Gather all income and expense documents covering the year of death up to the date of death.
- File Form 1040 marked as the final return.
- If the estate received income after death (interest, dividends, rent), file Form 1041.
- If the estate is large enough, an estate tax return (Form 706) may also be required.
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Related tasks
- Notify the Social Security AdministrationIf the decedent was receiving Social Security, the funeral home usually reports the death. Confirm — and stop benefits to avoid clawbacks.
- Notify banks, brokerages, and retirement accountsEach financial institution has its own death notification process. Some assets pass to a beneficiary directly; others must go through probate.
- Open an estate bank accountYou'll need a dedicated account in the estate's name to receive incoming funds and pay debts. Don't commingle with personal money.