Estate Income Tax Return Due Date: Key Deadlines and Filing Tips

Handling an estate’s tax obligations can be complex, particularly when filing its income tax return. Executors must meet IRS requirements to avoid penalties and complications.

Filing Requirements

An estate must file an income tax return if it generates at least $600 in gross income or if any beneficiary is a nonresident alien. The IRS requires estates to use Form 1041 to report income, deductions, and tax liability.

Taxable income includes interest, dividends, rental income, and capital gains. If the estate operates a business, its earnings must be reported. Deductions, such as legal and accounting fees, executor commissions, and property maintenance costs, can lower taxable income. Estates can also deduct distributions to beneficiaries, as those amounts are typically taxed to the recipients.

Certain elections can impact tax liability. Medical expenses paid by the estate for the decedent can be deducted if not claimed on the final individual tax return. Charitable contributions may also be deductible if authorized by the will or trust.

Choosing a Tax Year

Unlike individuals, estates can choose a calendar or fiscal year for tax reporting. The fiscal year must end within 12 months of the decedent’s death. This choice affects when income is recognized and when taxes are due.

A fiscal year can help manage tax burdens by spreading income across multiple years. For example, if an estate receives a large sum soon after the decedent’s death, choosing a fiscal year that defers tax liability into the following year can be beneficial. This can also help align deductions with taxable income, particularly when administrative expenses are high.

If the estate has fluctuating income—such as rental properties or business interests—a fiscal year can smooth income recognition and prevent tax spikes.

Due Date for Filing

The deadline depends on the chosen tax year. Estates using a calendar year must file by April 15 of the following year. Those using a fiscal year must file by the 15th day of the fourth month after the fiscal year ends. For example, if the fiscal year ends on June 30, the return is due October 15.

Unlike individual taxpayers, estates do not receive automatic extensions. Executors must file Form 7004 to request extra time. The extension applies only to filing, not tax payments—interest and penalties still accrue on unpaid balances.

State filing deadlines may differ from federal requirements. Executors should check state tax laws to avoid penalties.

Extension Options

If more time is needed to gather financial records or resolve legal matters, an executor can request an automatic five-and-a-half-month extension by filing Form 7004 before the original due date. However, tax payments must still be made on time to avoid interest and penalties.

An extension can help with tax planning, particularly when coordinating distributions to beneficiaries. Extra time allows for better planning of deductions, such as administrative expenses or depreciation on estate property.

For estates involved in complex transactions, such as selling real estate or business interests, an extension can prevent the need for an amended return. If significant income events occur late in the tax year, delaying the filing can provide a more accurate picture of taxable income and deductions.

Late Filing Penalties

Failing to file on time can lead to penalties. The IRS imposes a failure-to-file penalty of 5% of the unpaid tax per month, up to 25%. If the return is more than 60 days late, the minimum penalty is the lesser of $485 (for returns due in 2024) or 100% of the unpaid tax.

In addition, estates that do not pay their tax liability on time face a failure-to-pay penalty of 0.5% of the unpaid tax per month, also capped at 25%. If both penalties apply in the same month, the failure-to-file penalty is reduced to 4.5%, making the total penalty 5%. Interest also accrues on unpaid balances, based on the federal short-term rate plus 3%.

These penalties can quickly reduce estate assets, delaying distributions to beneficiaries and complicating administration. Filing and paying taxes on time helps preserve estate funds and avoids unnecessary costs.