Review the following frequently asked questions about Form 706:
When is Form 706 due?
- Generally, taxpayers file Form 706 to report estate and/or Generation Skipping Tax (GST) within 9 months after the date of the decedent's death. If unable to file Form 706 by the due date, the taxpayer may request a 6-month extension of time to file by filing Form 4768.
How do I create a 706?
- Form 706 is created like most other returns in the software through the Open/Create menu. Please refer to the related article below if you already have a 1040 return created using the ID needed for the 706.
What is the difference between Form 706 and Form 1041?
- The executor of a decedent's estate files Form 706 to figure any estate tax levied on the entire taxable estate (not just on the share received by a particular beneficiary). Conversely, Form 1041 can be filed annually by the fiduciary of a domestic decedent's estate, trust, or bankruptcy estate to report the income, deductions, gains, losses, etc. and any income tax liability of the estate or trust.
Who is required to file Form 706?
Can I e-file Form 706?
- Neither Form 706 or Form 4768 may be e-filed. File Form 706 at the following address:
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service Center
Kansas City, MO 64999
If using a private delivery service (PDS), mail to:
Internal Revenue Submission
Processing Center
333 W. Pershing Road
Kansas City, MO 64108
Can more than one Executor sign the return?
- If there is more than one executor, all listed executors are responsible for the return. It is sufficient for only one of the co-executors to sign the return. Drake Tax provides space for both an executor and second executor, if applicable, on screen 1. If there are multiple executors (more than 2), click the Multiple Executors link from screen 1 to enter the additional executors. Entering a second executor will automatically check box 6d on page 1 of the 706 return.
Do I need to attach any additional documents before mailing the return?
- The death certificate must be attached to the return. If the decedent was a citizen or resident of the U.S., and died testate (leaving a valid will), attach a certified copy of the will to the return. If you cannot obtain a certified copy, attach a copy of the will and an explanation of why it is not certified. Other supplemental documents may be required as explained in the 706 instructions.
Is a surviving spouse able to claim any unused exclusion amounts?
- Section 303 of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Re-authorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 authorized estates of decedents dying on or after January 1, 2011, to elect to transfer any unused exclusion to the surviving spouse. The amount received by the surviving spouse is called the deceased spousal unused exclusion, or DSUE, amount. More information is available in the 706 instructions, Part 6.
What if the decedent was neither a U.S. resident or U.S. citizen?
- Decedents who were neither U.S. citizens nor U.S. residents at the time of death, file Form 706-NA, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, for the estate of nonresident not a citizen of the United States.
How do I make additional 712 Part I screens?
- If multiple 712 Part I screens are needed in a return, press CTRL +Page Down to create a new Part I screen.
Does Drake Tax produce a "Line 7 Worksheet" for a 706 return?
- An estate return in Drake Tax does not produce a Line 7 Worksheet. You will need to complete this form outside of the software.
Does the DSUE automatically apply to the surviving spouse?
- If you intend to elect portability of the DSUE amount, timely filing a complete Form 706 is required.
How do I enter a Schedule B, C, and other schedules on a 706 return?
How do I get Form 8971-A to produce?
- Go to the PROP screen. Select the relevant property, then choose the Beneficiary Information tab and make the necessary selections.
Additional Resources:
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