It depends. The deceased with file a final return including income up to the date of death, then the estate could fille a calendar year beginning with the date of death through December 31st. Continue reading to see how to use a fiscal year. You can deduct expenses each year as they occur, first the year of death and then, the following tax year (2025), assuming there will be enough income in the estate to file in 2025.
However, estates often have administrative expenses and income that don't align neatly with the calendar year as you indicated. Choosing a fiscal year can allow the executor to match income and expenses and simplify the process of closing out the decedent's final financial matters. The choice is made when the estate files its first Form 1041 (U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts). The executor simply indicates the chosen taxable year on the form and is locked (the IRS must give permission to change it after that).
Taxable income of $600 or more is the filing requirement for Form 1041.
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