How many years do I need to file for a deceased person?

[mplsjdoe]

I filed for my deceased uncle after he passed away.  I filed normal and stated that he was deceased.  Later the following year, one of his accounts required that his money be released to an estate only.  I had to set up an "estate" account at my bank with a tax ID number for his estate.  I am assuming that I now have to file as his estate for another year and anything sent in the name of the estate goes under that return?  If the final amount is settled this year and the estate is closed, then I file again next year and that is the last time I need to file?

[fanfare]

Your assumption is not correct.

Money released to the Estate account with EIN does not mean you must file an estate tax return.

However, if the estate earned income of $600 or more, then you must file. That is the cutoff point

[mplsjdoe]

What does "earn" mean?  As in earning interest on balance or similar?  If I use the estate bank account I set up just to move the money to, then close it, does that count as earned money? Thank you for the reply.

[CailaL]

@TurboTaxRichardK @mplsjdoe

[RichardK]

Yes, that is correct, if the estate is closed in 2016, then in 2017 you file a final 2016 estate income tax return (Form 1041), and you do not file any returns after 2017.