Final 1041 tax return and fiscal year

[Rates Payer]

Can I file a final tax return marked "fiscal" for 2025  when the estate activity spans two calendar years? 

I am the executor of my mom's small estate

Mom died April 28, 2025

There is $14,000 in the estate checking account with no interest earned

Estate has less than $600 income 

On March 19, 2026, I will distribute $14,000 in the estate checking account to myself as the only heir. This is the only thing left to do. 

Can I then file a  1041 for 2025 marked "fiscal"  and "initial" and "final"?  

I notice that the Turbo Tax query screen asks for the "ending month." It doesn't use the actual specific date of death (April 28, 2025) for the start of the fiscal year. When I input "March" as the "Ending Month" the form prints out April 1, 2025 to  March 31, 2026 as the fiscal year. 

I realize that no return is required but I've heard the IRS might send a letter if you don't have a "final" return.

Any help would be appreciated!

[MaryK4]

Yes, you can mark an estate return as First Year and Final especially in your case where you are just trying to prevent an IRS inquiry in the future.  The April 2025 to March 2026 is fine, as it correctly identifies the fiscal tax year you are reporting.   

[Rates Payer]

Thank you!  I appreciate your support of the Turbo Tax community.