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Does the executor need to file a form 1041 for the estate?"
The filing requirements are as follows:
The fiduciary (or one of the joint fiduciaries) must file Form 1041 for a domestic estate that has:
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Gross income for the tax year of $600 or more, or
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A beneficiary who is a nonresident alien.
See
https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1041#idm139674713137312
