Estate Tax Returns (Form 706)

What we need

• The decedent's name, Social Security number, and date of death
• A certified copy of the death certificate
• A copy of the will and any trust documents
• The executor's information and court appointment (Letters Testamentary)
• Date-of-death values of real estate, with appraisals
• Bank, brokerage, and retirement account statements as of the date of death
• Business interests, with valuations
• Life insurance — Form 712 from each insurer
• Vehicles, valuables, and other personal property
• Jointly owned property and the co-owners
• Debts of the estate — mortgages, loans, and final bills
• Funeral and estate-administration expenses
• Bequests to a spouse or to charity
• Any gift tax returns (Form 709) filed during the person's lifetime

Timing & thresholds: estate tax returns are generally due nine months after the date of death, and only larger estates owe federal tax — though some states have their own, lower thresholds. We'll confirm whether one is required, and whether a portability election makes sense for a surviving spouse.

What's included

• A review of the estate's assets and values
• Complete preparation of the federal Form 706, and any state estate return
• Guidance on the portability election for a surviving spouse, where it applies
• Secure filing with the IRS and your state
• A copy of the completed return for your records
• If we make an error on your return, we fix it