My father died 8/21/2016 but received 1099-C in 2017. Should I file the 1099-C using 1040 or on 1041 I need to file for the estate.

[jc4jp]

Dad passed on 8/21/2016 and I was able to negotiate a settlement for a credit card which was all the money left in the estate at that time. So I got the 1099-C in 2017. I tried to file a 1040 for my father but get an error when I enter DOD of 8/21/2016. I can enter it on the 1041 I file for his estate but then tax amount is a lot higher than if claimed under the 1040. What is the correct way to file this 1099-C? The 1041, I use TurboTax Business. 

[DianeW · Accepted solution]

You are required to file this on the estate return because the final return of the decedent that was filed in 2016 included only income that was received prior to death.  Everything after death is filed on the estate tax return, then tax is paid or the distributions are passed through to the Form 1041-K1 to the beneficiaries.