How To Pay Taxes On Behalf Of An Estate

When Taxes Are Due

The Executor is responsible for paying these taxes by April 15 of the year after the year in which the deceased died. Depending on how close to that date the person died, you may be able to get an extension. If you're interested in trying to get an extension, it's a good idea to talk to an accountant, who may be able to help you.

How Much Will You Have To Pay In Taxes?

Because everyone's estate is different, it is hard to give general advice for how to pay taxes on behalf of an estate or a person who died. In addition, there are different taxes that must be paid on income the person who died received during the year of death while he or she was alive, and income, earnings, or savings that the estate has accrued after the death. There are also specific rules for different types of investments or assets, and different ways that survivors may choose to report deductions and file a final tax return. If you are the Executor or administrator of an estate, it may be best to contact a local accountant to help you make sense of the situation.

Understanding The Federal Estate Tax

The top federal estate tax rate is 40 percent for the year 2018, with an exemption of $11.18 million. This means that if the estate is valued at less than $11.18 million, the estate will not have to pay any federal taxes on those assets, and heirs will receive those assets in their entirety. If the estate is valued at more, all assets above $11.18 million will be taxed on average 16.5 percent with a top rate of 40 percent. That said, the estate tax is not the only tax that may need to be paid. Since there are a number of other tax issues to consider when settling an estate, it's generally a good idea to work with an accountant to determine the amount and types of taxes you'll need to pay. [Related: State-By-State Estate And Inheritance Tax Rates]

Working With An Accountant

Filing taxes can be incredibly complicated, confusing, and frustrating. Hiring an accountant can make this process much easier. An accountant can help you file tax returns on behalf of the person who died and the estate, and can also help you file your own tax returns, which may be complicated if you inherited any of the deceased's estate.

Once taxes have been paid and the estate's final bills, dues, and expenses have been paid, the Executor or administrator of the estate can begin to distribute assets as laid out in the Will.