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Taxes after a death: what families should ask their CPA

Short answer: Taxes after a death can include a final personal return, income earned by the estate, property taxes on the house, and possible tax on a sale. Rules and thresholds change, and each estate is different, so families should bring a list of questions to a qualified CPA or tax attorney. This page is education only, not tax advice.

Questions about returns

• What returns need to be filed for the person who passed, and by when?
• Does the estate itself need to file a return or get a tax ID number?
• Who signs them?

Questions about the house

• How is the value of the house set for tax purposes at the date of death?
• Are there property tax exemptions or deadlines I should know about?
• If we sell, how is any gain or loss figured?
• Do costs for repairs or clean-out matter?

Questions about timing

• Does it matter whether we sell this year or next?
• What records should I keep?
• When should we talk again?

For CPAs and tax professionals

If you serve families after a death, a one-page plain-English handout on what you need from them (documents, dates, contacts) can make a hard time easier. No payment is requested or offered in exchange for referrals.

A note

This page is general, educational information. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Talk to your own attorney, CPA, or broker about your situation.

Try this week

1. Write the three questions you hear most.
2. Make a one-page document checklist for families.
3. Share it with attorneys you work with.

Questions people ask

Is this tax advice?

No. It is a list of questions for a CPA or tax attorney.

Do all estates owe estate tax?

Rules and thresholds change. Ask a qualified professional.

Where do I find a CPA?

Ask your attorney, or search your state CPA society.

This page is general, educational information. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Talk to your own attorney, CPA, or broker about your situation. I'm a GGMS customer, and I receive a discount from GGMS.