You should meet with your CPA no later than two or three months after your spouse’s death. If you don’t have a CPA, or your CPA is not qualified to assist you in the matters discussed in this chapter, see “Choosing a CPA” at the end of this chapter. The initial meeting with your CPA is needed to strategize as to the most appropriate fiscal year for your late spouse’s estate and trust(s).

Once you have agreed on a tax year, you should agree to meet again sometime within the 65-day period discussed above. At the second meeting, you and your CPA can review income and expenses of the estate and trust(s) and determine what distributions should be made from the estate or trusts to achieve the optimal income tax result.

To better track income and expenses, you should maintain a single checking account for the estate and each trust (using the appropriate tax identification numbers). All disbursements should be made from these checking accounts. Each check register will provide a clear record of administrative expenses and evidence of distributions made to beneficiaries.

With these things in mind, and having already met with your CPA at least twice after your spouse’s death, you should bring the following information to your CPA at tax time:

1. Your last three federal and state personal income tax returns;
2. All current year 1099s (1099-DIV, 1099-INT, 1099-MISC, 1099-R);
3. All current K-ls and W2s;
4. Evidence of deductible expenses;
5. Evidence of distributions to beneficiaries;
6. The tax identification numbers of the estate and any trusts (bring copies of filed SS4s);
7. The name, address, and social security number of all estate and trust heirs and beneficiaries.