E-file for estates and trusts

Form 1041, U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and TrustsPDF, is used by the fiduciary of a domestic decedent’s estate, trust, or bankruptcy estate to report:

  • Income, deductions, gains, losses, etc. of the estate or trust;
  • Income that is either accumulated or held for future distribution or distributed currently to the beneficiaries;
  • Income tax liability of the estate or trust; and
  • Employment tax on wages paid to household employees.

Form 1041 was added to the Modernized e-File (MeF) platform in January 2014. MeF can accept the current and prior two tax years.

  • In Processing Year 2024, MeF will accept Form 1041 Tax Years 2021, 2022, and 2023.

In addition to prior tax years, MeF offers the ability to:

  • File amended 1041 returns
  • Attach any supporting documents as a PDF (Note: Documents can no longer be mailed to IRS if Form 1041 is filed electronically)

Additional information for the 1041 MeF program


Modernized e-File (MeF) program information