Executor type (if filing electronically)

[ambrizry]

My 19yr old son who was my dependent died and I am doing his returns.

Turbo tax seems to want me to enter something for executor type on a California information worksheet, even though I will mail it.

What do I enter myself as? Since 19 he had no will or anything like that. The options are administrator, executor, beneficiary, spouse, trustee. no court involved as I have handled all things related to death since he lived at home as my dependent. He owes $, so no refund.

[DMarkM1 · Accepted solution]

On the CA "Info Worksheet" since there is no refund and you are mailing the return, you can leave it as "no entry."  If the program for some reason forces an entry, then "Beneficiary" will work. 

Also here is a CA link for more information on filing for deceased taxpayers including contact information for the CA Franchise Tax Board, if needed.

Sorry for your loss.

[ambrizry]

I marked it as administrator for now so I could get to exile for federal  as when I looked the 1310 form only has a box saying not A or B  for the 3rd option. The worksheet doesn’t even go with return it appears. I’ll change it though to beneficiary.  But I also realized since no refund they probably don’t care. And in fact that form is not necessary but I’ll send if turbo tax prints it.

thanks 

[AmyC]

I imagine the liability is not extensive for a 19 year old. I just want to let you know 2 things:

1.The IRS has a quick  How Do I File a Deceased Person interactive assistant. It is very detailed and may give you additional information. 

2. An executor can make a request for discharge from personal liability for a decedent's income, gift, and estate taxes. The request must be made after the returns for those taxes are filed. To make the request, file Form 5495. For this purpose, an executor is an executor or administrator that is appointed, qualified, and acting within the United States.

Within 9 months after receipt of the request, the IRS will notify the executor of the amount of taxes due. If this amount is paid, the executor will be discharged from personal liability for any future deficiencies. If the IRS hasn't notified the executor, he or she will be discharged from personal liability at the end of the 9-month period.

NOTE: Even if the executor is discharged from personal liability, the IRS will still be able to assess tax deficiencies against the executor to the extent he or she still has any of the decedent's property.

For additional assistance, please refer to Publication 559, Survivors, Executors, and Administrators

I am very sorry for your loss.

[ambrizry]

Probably a bit much. He didn’t even have a credit card yet.  No real worry about taxation I think.