Notify the IRS; file the final individual income tax return and, if required, obtain an estate EIN and meet estate or trust filing obligations

The IRS, usually through a CPA or enrolled agent. Retain the same professional who prepared their returns if possible.

File the final Form 1040 covering January 1 through the date of death, due on the normal filing date the following year. Obtain an EIN for the estate online through the IRS, which is free and takes minutes, and use it for the estate bank account. File Form 1041 for estate income if the estate earns more than the filing threshold during administration. File Form 706 only if the estate exceeds the federal estate tax exemption, which is very high, but check your state, since several states have their own estate or inheritance tax with much lower thresholds.

Their Social Security number and last two or three tax returns All W-2s, 1099s, and K-1s for the year of death Letters testamentary or the trust document IRS Form 56 to notify the IRS of your fiduciary role

The final 1040 is due by the usual April deadline for the year of death. Form 706, where required, is due 9 months after death.