How Do I File Taxes for a Deceased Person in Missouri?
Find out which tax returns you need to file after someone dies. See state-specific forms, deadlines, and whether tax clearance is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
At minimum, a final federal income tax return (Form 1040) and a final Missouri income tax return (MO-1040) must be filed for income earned through the date of death.RSMo 143.481, 143.501, 143.511; RSMo 473.397Verified Jul 13, 2026 If the estate earns income during administration, a federal fiduciary return (Form 1041) and Missouri fiduciary return (MO-1041) may also be required.
The final federal and Missouri income tax returns are due april 15 following year of death (automatic 6-month extension with federal extension).RSMo 143.481, 143.501, 143.511; RSMo 473.397Verified Jul 13, 2026 The fiduciary return is due 15th day of 4th month after close of tax year (april 15 for calendar year); automatic extension with federal extension (form 7004) or mo-60. form mo-1041 (2025), verbatim: "this return is due on april 15, 2026 for calendar year returns or for fiscal year returns it is due on or before the fifteenth day of the fourth month after close of the taxable year." rsmo 143.511, 143.551. verified 2026-07-13..
No. No mandatory pre-distribution tax clearance for estates. Form 943 (Request for Tax Clearance) available voluntarily to confirm no outstanding MO tax liabilities. State taxes are priority class 8 claims under RSMo 473.397 ("Debts and taxes due the state of Missouri, any county, or any political subdivision"). Verified 2026-06-12.RSMo 143.481, 143.501, 143.511; RSMo 473.397Verified Jul 13, 2026 All tax obligations must be satisfied before making final distributions.
Yes. Estate size does not affect the requirement to file a final income tax return. A final Form 1040 is required regardless of estate value if the deceased had income. What smaller estates typically avoid is the federal estate tax return (Form 706).
The executor named in the will (or the court-appointed administrator) is responsible for filing the final income tax return and any estate tax returns. If the deceased was married, the surviving spouse can file a joint federal return for the year of death. For trust assets, the successor trustee handles fiduciary tax returns. The Missouri estate settlement plan covers all filing responsibilities in order.
No. Missouri does not impose a state estate tax or inheritance tax. The primary tax filings after death are income tax related (final return and, if applicable, estate income tax return). See how Missouri compares with the death tax calculator.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Named as Executor
What an executor actually does: getting appointed, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and where personal liability starts.
Learn more
Death of a Parent
A step-by-step guide to what happens after a parent dies: the documents to find, the certificates to order, and whether probate is even required.
Learn more
Loss of a Spouse
What a surviving spouse needs to do: death certificates, survivor benefits, whether probate is even required, and the tax election that expires.
Learn more
Named as Trustee
Being named trustee means managing trust assets and carrying out the grantor's wishes. Your duties, timeline, compensation, and how to get started.
Learn moreMore tools for handling this estate
Calculators and checklists for executors and trustees.
Petition for Probate and Letters
Prepare the application to open probate and request Letters Testamentary or of Administration.
Notice to Creditors
Prepare the creditor notice for an estate — the official state form or a notice typeset to statute, plus mailed notices for known creditors.
Small Estate Affidavit
Prepare the affidavit that collects a small estate's property without probate — the official state form or an affidavit drafted to statute, plus a presentation letter for each holder.
Estate Inventory
Prepare the probate inventory of estate property — every asset at its date-of-death value, composed to your state's statute, with the state's filing or delivery instructions.
Estate Closing
Prepare the paperwork that closes the estate — the state's closing statement, petition for discharge, or final account, with the state's closing instructions and the optional federal forms.
Letter of Instruction
Prepare the letter of instruction a bank or insurer requests during estate settlement.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.
How Much Can an Executor Charge?
Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. See if your state has statutory fees or uses reasonable compensation.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
What's Fair Trustee Compensation?
Find out what's fair compensation for serving as trustee. Compare family, professional, and corporate trustee rates based on your situation.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax (12 states + DC), and inheritance tax (5 states) for an estate or trust.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
Calculate how many certified death certificates you need based on the assets and accounts you need to close. See state-specific ordering information.
Hire a Missouri Estate Administration Attorney
Browse 7 estate administration firms in Missouri with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
Your kids shouldn't have to do this.
Missouri Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering Missouri probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.