Instructions For Washington Estate Tax Return (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

ESTATE TAX FILING CHECKLIST AND INFORMATION SHEET

Checklist for those estates that must file an estate tax return

Copy of Federal Form 706 United States (and Generation-Skipping Transfer), 706NA, or 706QDT Tax Return signed

by the person required to file;

All supporting documentation for completed return schedules;

Copy of approved Form 4768 Application for Extension of Time to File a Return and/or Pay U.S. Estate (and Generation-

Skipping Transfer) Taxes, if filed;

Original Washington Estate and Transfer Tax Return signed by the person or persons required to file;

Copy(ies) of any Washington schedules that differ from the Form 706 schedules, along with supporting documentation

(Schedule J or M);

Copy of Death Certificate;

Copy of Will;

Copy of letters of administration/testamentary, if any;

Copy of trust(s);

Copy of other state estate tax returns and proof of payment, if any; and

Payment, if any.

After Filing - What's Next

The filing will be reviewed in order based upon the postmark date. During our review we may request additional information or

documentation. When the Department's examination is complete or when a copy of the federal closing letter, acceptance

letter, or IRS final examination papers is filed with the Department, the Department will issue a final estate tax release.

We are often asked if a Department of Revenue release is needed to make distributions or to close probate. A Department

release is not required to make distributions or to close probate; however, the personal representative is ultimately responsible

for payment of any tax due. Please note that if the estate is closed and there is an adjustment that results in a refund a warrant

will be made out in the name of the estate and it may be difficult to negotiate the warrant if the estate is closed.

Top Ten Most Common Estate Tax Filing Errors

Estate tax filing is not complete. Failed to file supporting documentation for completed schedules.

Copies of the death certificate, will, and/or trusts are not filed with the return.

Washington estate tax return or Form 706 not signed by person required to file the return.

Taxable gifts are not considered when determining if an estate meets the filing threshold.

Errors made calculating the state death tax.

Funeral expenses not reduced by 50% in a community property estate.

Failure to adequately identify assets are that included as part of a marital deduction or credit shelter trust.

Incorrect apportionment of assets between Washington and other states and incorrect apportionment calculation. Estate fails to

include a copy of the other state estate tax return and proof of payment.

Mortgages on real property deducted on Schedule A rather than on the appropriate Schedule K.

10.

Incorrect valuation of stocks and bonds, using closing value rather than the average of the high and low for the date of death or

alternate valuation date.

What if I have questions regarding the new estate tax?

Telephone: Please call (360) 570-3265 and press option number 2 to be connected with the next available estate tax specialist.

E-mail: You can send your questions via e-mail to communications@dor.wa.gov.

Web site: Additional information on the estate tax is available on the Department's web site at

E-mail list service: You can subscribe to Estate Tax Notifications at

https://dor.wa.gov/Content/Contactus/email/listServ.aspx?listtype=estate. By subscribing to the list you will receive information

updates from the Department. You are free to unsubscribe at any time.

For tax assistance visit or call (360) 570-3265. To inquire about the availability of this document in an alternate format for the visually

impaired, please call (360) 705-6715. Teletype (TTY) users may call 1-800-451-7985.

REV 85 0049e (a) (10/26/05)

Instructions For Washington Estate Tax Return Page 2

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