@gravestones wrote:
Thank you for your response. We have checked with both plan administrators and there were definitely NO beneficiaries. Unfortunately, we are not surprised. As for the deceased, I am in the process of doing his final 1040. I think I may have read that estate taxes need to be paid first before creditors, however, the monies will be received in 2022 for 2022 taxes. I hate to make certain creditors wait another year since I really don't want to be nagged by collectors. The tax rate for the estate is quite high.
I believe the estate can choose its own tax year. If the estate will have no income until 2022, then you don't need to file a 1041 for 2021, and you can close the estate's tax year on a different tax year (like September to August) if that's more convenient for you.
