In which state should the estate tax return be filed?

[burketaxman]

I am executor for an estate - the decedent lived in another state, so do I file the estate tax return in the state where I live or where the decedent lived? TurboTax doesn't give me a choice - it only gives me access to my state's return.  Do I have to purchase the decedent's state's program on top of what I've already paid for?

[tagteam · Accepted solution]

You are going to have to check the taxing authorities for the states involved here (Secretary of State, FTB, Division Taxation, etc.) as state law varies.

A return will generally need to be filed in a state where the estate had state-source income (such as from a rental property located in a particular state) and generally where the decedent resided on the date of death.

There are states where a return is required to be filed if a trust or estate is being administered in that state.