Person deceased 2018. If the estate acct received interest payments, do I also need to file a return for the Estate or can I include earnings on the individual's return?

[fanfare · Accepted solution]

you need to file an estate tax return each year the estate earns income of $600 or more.

If the estate distributes the income to a beneficiary or other person, that person reports the income.

[User2929]

Just to verify, I need to file 2 returns for the year of death, 1 for the individual and 1 for the estate (if income is over $600)?

[fanfare]

IRS Pub 559-
"An estate is a taxable entity separate from the decedent and comes into being with the death
of the individual.
The estate's income, like an individual's income, must be reported annually on either a
calendar or fiscal year basis. The personal representative chooses the estate's accounting period
upon filing the first Form 1041. The estate's first tax year can be any period that ends on the
last day of a month and does not exceed 12 months.
Generally, once chosen the tax year cannot be changed without IRS approval. "

[User2929]

Fanfare, thanks again for your help and quick response. User2929.