Article Library

Estate tax returns filed after July 2015 and now required to file Form 8971 with the IRS Service Center in Cincinnati by February 29, 2016.  Schedule A to Form 8971 reports the estate tax value of property passing from an estate or decedent to that beneficiary.  Each beneficiary will receive a separate Schedule A reporting the property received by him or her.  Form 8971 and Schedule A is a reporting requirement that is separate and distinct from the obligation to file an estate tax return.  Form 8971 is not filed as part of the estate tax return.

Notice 2015-57 fixed February 29, 2016 as the due date for all Forms 8971 and all Schedules A, that are  required to be filed with IRS after July 31, 2015 and before February 29, 2016.  Returns filed after that date will require Form 8971 to be filed no later than the earlier 30 days after the date Form 706, Form 706-NA or Form 706-A is filed (including extensions) or, if the first Form 706, Form 706-NA or Form 706-A is filed after the due date and after July 2015, 30 days after filing.