When a Client Dies: Advising the Family on Tax and Financial Issues Involved in the Administration of the Estate

Overview

This is a rebroadcast from AICPA ENGAGE 2026.

A client’s passing sets in motion a wide range of tax, financial, and fiduciary responsibilities that require thoughtful coordination and planning.

This session provides a comprehensive review of the myriad tax and financial issues involved in the administration of a client’s estate, including:

First steps to take upon learning of a client's passing

Coordinating efforts among the financial advisers assisting the family

Planning for and preparing federal and state estate tax returns, including the federal portability election

Planning for and preparing federal and state individual income and fiduciary income tax returns, including a review of the various income tax planning issues and elections that arise

Discussing various financial planning issues that the family faces, including qualified retirement plan distribution options

Advising on any generation-skipping income tax elections and issues

Highlights

· Estate administration fundamentals · Tax compliance and planning · Income tax considerations · Family and adviser coordination · Retirement and wealth transfer planning · Financial planning for suvivors

Prerequisites

3-4 years in the profession

Designed For

· CPAs advising families after a client death · Estate administration and fiduciary tax practitioners · Financial advisers coordinating with legal and tax teams · Professionals preparing estate, income, or trust returns

Objectives

Identify the tax and financial planning issues involved in the administration of a client's estate.
Determine the tax compliance issues faced in the administration of an estate.
Identify how the CPA can provide value to the family in the administration of a client's estate.