Deadline Extension for Form 4768

Surviving spouses must ensure that Form 706 is filed after the deceased’s spouse’s death in order to elect portability. The form is typically due nine months following the death, and the executor has an additional six-months to file the form if he or she files From 4768 by the original nine month deadline.

The IRS recently announced that it is extending the deadlines for deaths occurring in the first six months of 2011. Executors of these estates now have an additional six months to file Form 4768. This extension allows executors to receive the extension retroactively if they missed the original nine month deadline. Now, the first returns for estates able to elect portability are due on Monday, April 2, 2012, the same day Form 706 must be filed.  

See Deborah L. Jacobs, IRS Extends Key Deadline For Widow and Widowers, Forbes, Feb. 17, 2012.

Special thanks to Jim Hillhouse (Professional Legal Marketing (PLM, Inc.)) for bringing this article to my attention.