2023 Estate Tax Return Checklist - Form 706

Sep 19, 2026

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2023 Estate Tax Return Checklist - Form 706 provides a structured step-by-step collection process for completing a U.S. estate tax return. It covers obtaining key estate and fiduciary authorizations, wills and amendments, decedent and spouse identification details, beneficiary information, and prior tax returns. The checklist also instructs on gathering death-related documents, probate and trust materials, valuation and financial records, insurance documentation, and jurisdiction-specific property characterization, supporting review, accuracy, and IRS readiness.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages20

Reading Time7 min

AccessFree to download

Estate Tax Section

Form 706 Checklist Items

Checklist Estate Tax Section 2023 Estate Tax Return Checklist Form 706 | Decedent’s name Client number Personal representative(s) Date of death Prepared by Date Reviewed by Date | | | | --- | --- | --- | | 100) General | Yes/
Done | No/
N/A | | 101) Obtain a signed engagement letter from the fiduciary (executor/executrix/trustee) . | | | | 102) Obtain the proper authorization(s) for the estate, trustee and decedent. Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, authorizes an individual to represent a taxpayer before the IRS. Form 56, Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship, notifies the IRS of the creation of the fiduciary relationship. | | | | 103) Obtain a copy of the last known executed will and testament (including any codicils or amendments) . | | | | 104) Obtain the decedent’s name, Social Security number (SSN), citizenship at death, date of naturalization (if applicable), domicile at death, year domicile established, marital status at the date of death, date of birth and date of death. | | | | 105) Obtain the name, citizenship and SSN of the decedent’s spouse at the time of death. If the decedent had previous spouses, obtain the name, citizenship, SSN, date of death and date of annulment or divorce and the state of domicile. | | | | 106) Determine the fiduciary’s/fiduciaries’ name, complete address, telephone number, email address and SSN. Determine if Form 8822-B has been filed or needs to be filed. | | | | 107) For all beneficiaries, obtain their full name, address, relationship to the decedent, identification number, date of birth and citizenship or resident alien status. | | | | 108) Obtain a copy of the decedent’s federal, state and local income tax returns for the three years immediately preceding the death and the final return in the year of death. | | | | 109) Ask the fiduciary to provide any correspondence related to the decedent, to or from the IRS or state/local tax authorities, including any adjustments made to prior returns, that could affect later returns. | | | | 110) Obtain a certified copy(ies) of the death certificate. | | | Reviewed Nov. 1, 2023 2023 Estate Tax Return Checklist – Form 706 | 1 Yes/ Done No/ N/A | 111) Obtain a certified copy(ies) of letters of testamentary or administration. | | --- | | 112) Obtain a copy of the inventory of the decedent’s assets, if applicable. | | 113) Determine the decedent’s occupation (or former occupation, if retired) . | | 114) Obtain a copy of the probate petition and any filed pleadings in the probate estate, if applicable. | | 115) Identify the name and location of the court where the will was probated (city and state), or the estate administered and the case number, if applicable. | | 116) Obtain copies of trust agreements for any trust created by the decedent and any trust created by another in which the decedent possessed a beneficial interest, over which the decedent held any power, or of which the decedent was a trustee. | | 117) Obtain a copy of any buy-sell agreements, partnership agreements and stockholders’ agreements related to closely held businesses. | | 118) Obtain copies of any federal gift tax returns previously filed. Contact the IRS to determine if previous returns have been filed, if necessary. Determine if gift tax adjustments have been made or are currently being conducted by the IRS for gift tax returns filed by the decedent or the spouse. | | 119) If there was a predeceased spouse, obtain a copy of the predeceased spouse’s Form 706 and closing letter (or account transcript) and determine the unused exclusion (portability) amount, if any. Note that portability is applicable for a spouse who dies after 2010. Portability is only available for the most recently deceased spouse. Note Rev. Proc. 2022-32 provides a simplified method for certain estates to obtain an extension of time to file a return on or before the fifth anniversary of the

FAQs

What initial documents should be obtained for the estate’s executor or trustee process?

Obtain a signed engagement letter from the fiduciary and obtain the proper authorizations for the estate, trustee, and decedent, including Forms 2848 and 56 when applicable.

What identity and tax information is required about the decedent and spouse?

Gather the decedent’s name, SSN, citizenship and related immigration/domicile details, marital status, and date of birth and death. Also obtain spouse identity details at death, including citizenship and SSN, and any previous spouse records if applicable.

Which financial and valuation records are included in the checklist?

Collect the decedent’s federal/state/local income tax returns for the three years before death and the final return, obtain death certificates and probate or trust documents, and secure bank, brokerage, and other financial records. The checklist also calls for valuation information for ownership interests in partnerships, LLCs, closely held corporations, and unincorporated businesses.

Sep 19, 2026

Upload by Hazel