For executors & personal representatives
Estate income taxes.
When you are handling an estate, the tax responsibilities may be unfamiliar. We help you understand the income-tax work and take it one step at a time.
Tell us about the estate
A return for the
estate’s income.
An estate can receive income after a death—from investments, property, or other assets. Form 1041 is the federal income-tax return used by estates that have a filing requirement.
Our work focuses on bringing those records together and preparing the agreed fiduciary income-tax returns. The first filing, an ongoing year, or a final estate return may each call for different information.
Not every estate needs a Form 1041. You do not need to determine that before contacting us.
01 / The estate
Form 1041
Income, deductions, gains, and losses reported on the estate’s federal income-tax return.
02 / Beneficiaries
Schedules K-1
Related reporting of beneficiary tax items, where applicable to the estate.
03 / State requirements
Fiduciary returns
Relevant state income-tax returns, with the states and scope reviewed before acceptance.
Once we are engaged
The records tell
the story.
We explain what is needed and provide secure-sharing instructions after engagement. You do not need to gather everything before the first conversation.
Depending on the estate and the years involved, we may ask for:
- Prior fiduciary returns and relevant tax notices.
- Income statements and records of asset sales.
- Records of expenses and distributions.
- Estate documents and beneficiary information relevant to the return.
Please wait for secure-sharing instructions before sending sensitive records.
A separate tax question
When an estate needs additional tax review.
Form 1041 reports an estate’s income. Form 706 addresses a separate estate-tax question.
For a U.S. citizen or resident who dies in 2026, the federal Form 706 filing threshold is exceeded when the gross estate, adjusted taxable gifts, and any applicable historical specific gift-tax exemption total more than $15 million. The applicable amount depends on the year of death.
A return may also be relevant below that threshold to elect portability for a surviving spouse. State estate-tax rules and nonresident/noncitizen cases can differ.
Being below the federal estate-tax threshold does not settle whether Form 1041 is needed. Separate specialist review may be appropriate; Olivia’s service focuses on estate income-tax preparation.
Further reading: IRS Form 706 instructions and estate-tax questions. Checked September 21, 2026.
A few common
questions.
Do I need to know whether a return is required?
No. Tell us what you know about the estate and the years involved. We will discuss the information needed to review the filing responsibilities and proposed engagement.
Can I ask on behalf of the executor?
Yes. A family member or other helper is welcome to start the conversation. We will clarify who is responsible for the estate and who can authorize the work before an engagement begins.
What if there is a deadline?
Mention the deadline or notice you are concerned about when you contact us. We review the situation before accepting work; an inquiry alone does not make us responsible for a filing deadline.