"do I have to file a 1041-a?"
You are getting out of DIY territory with this one; charitable contribution rules for estates and trusts can be complex.
Generally, however, trusts claiming a Section 642(c) charitable deduction are required to file a 1041-A except for trusts that are required to distribute all of their income currently or wholly charitable trusts. Further, split-interest trusts file Form 5227, not
Form 1041-A.
