How to Settle an Estate When a Client Dies

T. Jack Challis, Esq., James I. Dougherty, Esq., Andrew Whitehair, CPA, Michael J. Tucker, JD, CPA (moderator)
  • 3
  • Intermediate
  • Taxes

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Overview

Most estates are not taxable for federal estate tax purposes due to the large federal transfer tax exemption. However, administering and settling a decedent’s estate can be a trying, difficult process, even for those with experience in probate and estate administration. The tax practitioner/attorney team faces a variety of challenges when settling an estate, including safeguarding the decedent’s property during the administration process, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. This program offers a non-state-specific review of action items associated with administering and settling an estate.

Major Topics:

  • Tax advisor/attorney team roles
  • The probate process, including costs and time involved
  • Practitioner steps to safeguard estate assets and start estate administration
  • Federal and state tax issues, including selecting the estate’s tax year and preparing the decedent’s final Form 1040 and the estate’s Form 1041
  • Safe interim and final distribution of estate assets to beneficiaries

Learning Objectives

  • Be equipped with the skills and knowledge required  to administer and settle a client’s estate
  • Understand the functions non-attorney tax practitioners perform in estate administration and settlement

Any tax practitioner or attorney who may be called upon to participate in the administration and settlement of a client’s estate

A basic understanding of the tax rules relating to the federal transfer tax.

None

Yes

Yes

Varies by state. Click here for details