Federal Income Taxation of Decedents, Estates and Trusts 2015 CCH Tax Spotlight Series

At the death of the decedent, a separate taxable entity, the decedent's estate, is created. A fiduciary is appointed to take over administration of the decedent's estate. The representative gathers the assets, files the decedent's final income tax return, satisfies tax liabilities, oversees creation and funding of any testamentary trusts, which become separate taxpaying entites. The estate is liable for the tax on the income received during the period of its administration and the fiduciary oversees preparation of all tax forms required including the final income tax return and any estate and gift tax returns that are due. CCH's Federal Income Taxation of Decedents, Estates and Trusts provides concise, plainEnglish coverage of these issues and more. It presents the fundamental rules for preparing a decedent's final income tax return and highlights the income tax rules for the decedent's estate and related trusts. Also covered are the special rules regarding the taxation of grantor trusts and bankruptcy estates. Fiduciary duties, including liability for filing a return and paying any taxes due on behalf of the estate or trust, are also thoroughly discussed. Examples illustrating these rules are provided throughout Among the subjects covered in this quick answer reference are: Decedent's last return Death of a partnership member Decedent's stock holdings Income tax return of estate or trust Grantor trusts Beneficiary's tax liability Bankruptcy estates Fiduciary duties and liabilities Latest changes to the Internal Revenue Code, as well as new regulations, rulings and cases, are reflected throughout the text through the date of publication.