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New Member
posted May 31, 2019 11:36:19 PM

Do I have to file a Form 1041 for a decedents trust that has interest income of $24 for the year?

My dad died. The beneficiary was the trust. The trust had an interest income of $24 for the rear. As the trustee, am I required to file an income tax return?

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1 Best answer
Level 15
May 31, 2019 11:36:21 PM

"As the trustee, am I required to file an income tax return? "

If the trust retained the $24 of interest income and had no additional income, you can forget about filing a Form 1041 income tax return (the total income does not exceed either the $100 or $300 exemption), despite the fact that it would certainly be a good practice to do so. 

If you distributed the income to the beneficiary(ies), then file Form 1041, and associated K-1(s), so the beneficiary(ies) can report the income on personal income tax return(s).

4 Replies
Level 15
May 31, 2019 11:36:21 PM

"As the trustee, am I required to file an income tax return? "

If the trust retained the $24 of interest income and had no additional income, you can forget about filing a Form 1041 income tax return (the total income does not exceed either the $100 or $300 exemption), despite the fact that it would certainly be a good practice to do so. 

If you distributed the income to the beneficiary(ies), then file Form 1041, and associated K-1(s), so the beneficiary(ies) can report the income on personal income tax return(s).

Returning Member
May 31, 2019 11:36:23 PM

what if the beneficiary doesn't have enough income to file a 1040? what would he/she do with the k-1?

Returning Member
Mar 18, 2021 4:42:20 PM

If the trustee files the 1041 with K-1 for the distributed $24 interest (even though not required to file the 1041 because there was no trust taxable income) must the trustee also file the state equivalent (Virginia 770)?

Level 15
Mar 18, 2021 5:51:19 PM

@honeychuck 

 

The fiduciary of a resident estate or trust must file a return if the estate or trust is required to file a federal fiduciary income tax return (Form 1041), or if it had any Virginia taxable income.

 

See https://www.tax.virginia.gov/fiduciary-income-tax