The responsible party can file the final personal income tax return (1040) for 2024, covering income from January 1 until date of death. See this IRS webpage for more information. The tax returns for the deceased and their estate are separate. The estate is a separate entity that is created upon the death of the decedent. The probate process is a legal procedure that involves transferring assets to the beneficiaries of the deceased.
An estate administrator must file the final tax return for a deceased person separate from their estate income tax return (Form 1041). Form 1041 for 2024 has the same due date as Form 1040 (April 15, 2025). This return reports income tax on income generated by assets of the estate of the deceased after the date of death. If the estate generates more than $600 in annual gross income, you are required to file Form 1041, U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts. An estate may also need to pay quarterly estimated taxes.
Most relatively simple estates (cash, publicly traded securities, small amounts of other easily valued assets, and no special deductions or elections, or jointly held property) do not require the filing of an estate tax return. A filing is required if the gross estate of the decedent, increased by the decedent’s adjusted taxable gifts and specific gift tax exemption, is valued at more than the filing threshold for the year of the decedent’s death. See this IRS webpage for more information.
There may also be state requirements, depending on your state.
@Timorshannon
**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
