Estate Return 1041

[Randall]

If the Estate Return 1041 is not required, do you file anyway and mark 'Final' just to close out the Tax ID number?  I usually recommend it but I know others don't bother with the filing.

[BulldogTom]

If they applied for and received a tax ID number, I would.   IRS might want to know why you got a number and never filed a return, and if they ask, you are going to have to spend time on the account anyway.

Tom
Longview, TX

[mcbreck]

19 minutes ago, BulldogTom said:

If they applied for and received a tax ID number, I would.   IRS might want to know why you got a number and never filed a return, and if they ask, you are going to have to spend time on the account anyway.

Tom
Longview, TX

Yep. I've had many cases over the years where someone applied for the EIN and the IRS mailed them a letter 2 years later wondering why nothing was received. I spend more time on the letter than I do a 1041 showing $1 of income.

[Medlin Software, Dennis]

I recently handled (2 years of time) two intestate estates.  neither required estate tax returns.

If, down the road, I get a nasty gram, I will add to this topic.

[Catherine]

If there's an EIN, I file and mark it final. Last thing I want is a letter, two years from now, and having to dredge up the old information.