CHAPTER 89FIDUCIARY INCOME TAX[Formerly fiduciary rules ch 48, See IAB 9/30/81][Prior to 12/17/86, Revenue Department[730]]70189.1(422) Administration. 89.1(1) Definitions. The following definitions cover 701—Chapter 89 and are in addition to the definitions contained in Iowa Code section 422.4.
"Administrator" means the administrator of the compliance division of the department of revenue or the personal representative of an intestate estate.
"Compliance division" is the organizational unit of the department created by the director to administer the inheritance and fiduciary income tax laws.
"Department" means the department of revenue.
"Director" means the director of revenue.
"Gross income" includes any and all income prior to any deductions as set forth on the Iowa fiduciary return of income.
"Personal representative" means the executor, administrator or trustee of a decedent’s estate.
"Tax" means the income tax imposed on estates and trusts under Iowa Code section 422.6.
"Taxable income" is the income of the fiduciary and also includes distributions to beneficiaries as set forth on the Iowa fiduciary return of income.
"Taxpayer" means the executor, administrator or other personal representative of a decedent’s estate required to file a return for the estate and the decedent under Iowa Code sections 422.14 and 422.23. “Taxpayer” also means the trustee of a trust subject to tax under 26 U.S.C. Section 641 and required to file a return under 26 U.S.C. Section 6012(b), as well as the trustee of the bankruptcy estate of an individual under Chapter 7 or 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code.
89.1(2) Delegation of authority. The director delegates to the administrator of the compliance division, subject always to the supervision and review of the director, the authority to administer the fiduciary income tax. This authority specifically includes, but is not limited to: determining the correct fiduciary income tax liability; making tax liability assessments; issuing refunds; releasing tax liens; filing tax liability claims in probated estates and releasing the claims upon payment of the tax; and issuing the certificate of acquittance authorized by Iowa Code section 422.27. The administrator of the compliance division may delegate the examination and audit of tax returns to the supervisors, agents and employees and representatives of the department.This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 421.2, 421.4, 422.6, 422.23, 422.25, 422.26, 422.27 and 422.73.Related ARC(s): 1545C70189.2(422) Confidentiality. 89.2(1) Confidential information. The state and federal returns and accompanying schedules, and the taxpayer’s books, records, documents and accounts of any person, firm or corporation are held confidential, except the information which is deemed a public record by state and federal law. See 26 U.S.C. Section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code pertaining to the confidentiality and disclosure of federal tax returns and federal tax return information. See rules 701—6.3(17A) and 701—38.6(422) regarding the confidentiality of a decedent’s individual income tax returns. 89.2(2) Information not confidential. Copies of wills, probate inventories, trust instruments, deeds and other documents which are filed for public record are not confidential. The fact alone that a return has or has not been filed with the department is not confidential information. 1976 Op.Att’y.Gen.679. 89.2(3) Documents to be filed. a. Estates of Iowa decedents. A copy of the inheritance tax return and probate inventory required by Iowa Code section 633.361 and 701—subrule 86.2(2) (relating to inheritance tax) and a copy of the decedent’s will in testate estates shall be filed with the first fiduciary return of income, unless previously filed with the department for inheritance tax purposes. b. Nonresident decedents—ancillary administration. If ancillary administration has been opened for the estate of a nonresident decedent, a copy of the inheritance tax return and probate inventory and a copy of the decedent’s will in testate estates shall be filed with the department, subject to the same conditions and requirements in estates of resident decedents. If ancillary administration has not been opened for a nonresident decedent with Iowa taxable income, a copy of the inventory filed in the primary estate, or the portion of the inventory listing the property generating the Iowa income and the decedent’s will in testate estates, must be filed with the department with the first fiduciary return of income. c. Inter vivos trusts. Inter vivos trusts with a situs in Iowa and inter vivos trusts with a situs outside Iowa with Iowa taxable income shall submit to the department with the first fiduciary return the following: (1) a copy of the trust instrument; (2) a list of the trust assets (those generating Iowa taxable income in case of trusts with a situs outside Iowa); and (3) an estimate of the fair market value of each asset. If the trust instrument is amended or additional assets are added to the trust corpus (additional assets which generate Iowa taxable income in case of trusts with a situs outside Iowa), a copy of the amended items must be submitted to the department with the first fiduciary return of income following the change. d. Testamentary trusts. If the estate was not reported for inheritance tax purposes, a copy of the decedent’s will and a list of assets in the trust corpus in testamentary trusts with a situs both within and without Iowa must be submitted to the department with the first fiduciary return of income. e. Safe deposit box. Effective July 1, 1998, there is no longer a requirement for safe deposit boxes to be inventoried and reported to the department prior to the delivery of the assets to the personal representative, transferee, joint owner or beneficiary. 89.2(4) Required records. The taxpayer shall keep records and accounts necessary to substantiate reportable income and deductions. Upon request, the taxpayer shall furnish the department documents, such as copies of tax returns, court orders, trust instruments, annual reports, canceled checks and like information, as may be reasonably necessary to enable the department to determine the correct tax liability. Tiffany v.County Board of Review, 188 N.W.2d 343, 349 (Iowa 1971). For taxpayers using an electronic data interchange process or technology also see 701—subrule 11.4(4).This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 422.25, 422.27, 422.28, 422.73 and 1997 Iowa Acts, chapter 60, sections 1 and 2.70189.3(422) Situs of trusts. 89.3(1) Testamentary trusts. The situs of a testamentary trust for tax purposes is the state of the decedent’s residence at the time of death until the jurisdiction of the court in which the trust proceedings are pending is terminated. In the event of termination and the trust remains open, the situs of the trust is governed by the same rules as pertain to the situs of inter vivos trusts. 89.3(2) Inter vivos trusts. If an inter vivos trust is created by order of court or makes an accounting to the court, its situs is the state where the court having jurisdiction is located until the jurisdiction is terminated. The situs of an inter vivos trust which is subject to the grantor trust rules under 26 U.S.C. Sections 671 to 679 is the state of the grantor’s residence, or the state of residence of the person other than the grantor deemed the owner, to the extent the income of the trust is governed by the grantor trust rules.If an inter vivos trust (other than a trust subject to the grantor trust rules in 26 U.S.C. Sections 671 to 679) is not required to make an accounting to and is not subject to the control of a court, its situs depends on the relevant facts of each case. The relevant facts include, but are not limited to: the residence of the trustees or a majority of them; the location of the principal office where the trust is administered; and the location of the evidence of the intangible assets of the trust (such as stocks, bonds, bank accounts, etc.). The residence of the grantor of a trust, not subject to the grantor trust rules under 26 U.S.C. Sections 671 to 679, is not a controlling factor as to the situs of the trust, unless the person is also a trustee. A statement in the trust instrument that the law of a certain jurisdiction shall govern the administration of the trust is not a controlling factor in determining situs. The residence of the beneficiaries of a trust is also not relevant in determining situs. 89.3(3) Part-year trust. A trust that has its situs part of the year within Iowa and part of the same year outside of Iowa is to report its income on Iowa Form IA-1041. Essentially, to report the income, the trust will be treated similarly to a nonresident or part-year resident for Iowa income tax purposes. To complete the return, the trust should complete page one of Form IA-1041, the income and deductions portions of the form. The income and deductions reported in these two portions of the form should include all the trust’s income reported during the tax year. After the previous computation has been completed, then Schedule C of Form IA-1041 is completed to determine a nonresident/part-year resident credit similar to the calculation set forth in rule 701—42.5(422) for individual income tax.This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 422.6, 422.8, and 422.14.Related ARC(s): 0398C70189.4(422) Fiduciary returns and payment of the tax. 89.4(1) Form of return. The form of the fiduciary return shall be prescribed by the director. It shall conform as nearly as possible to the federal fiduciary return. 89.4(2) Required federal returns and schedules. Nonresident estates with Iowa taxable income and trusts with situs outside Iowa with Iowa taxable income must submit a copy of the federal fiduciary return with the Iowa return. Estates of Iowa decedents and trusts with a situs in Iowa must submit copies of the federal schedules that substantiate gross income, deductions and ordinary and throwback distributions to beneficiaries with the Iowa return. 89.4(3) Same form for nonresident estates and foreign situs trusts. Nonresident estates and foreign situs trusts shall use the same form for reporting Iowa taxable income as prescribed for resident estates and trusts with a situs in Iowa. 89.4(4) Accounting period—tax year. The initial fiduciary return may reflect either a calendar or fiscal year accounting period, without the department’s prior approval. If a fiscal year is elected, it may end on the last day of any month, except December, but in no case shall the fiscal year adopted be for a period longer than the last day of the month preceding the decedent’s death or the month the trust was created. The accounting period for the purpose of the tax imposed by Iowa Code section 422.6 must be the same accounting period that is adopted for federal income tax purposes. This limitation is equally applicable to estates of resident and nonresident decedents and trusts with a situs within and without Iowa. If the taxpayer has not adopted a taxable year prior to the time the return is due to be filed and the tax paid, the taxable year is a calendar year until authorization is granted to change to a fiscal year. See 26 U.S.C. Sections 441 to 443, federal regulations Sections 1.441 - 1(g)(3) and 1.442.2.The permissible taxable years are illustrated by the following examples:Example 1. Decedent died July 4, 1990. The taxable year for the estate commences the day after the decedent’s death (July 5, 1990) and will end December 31, 1990, if a calendar year is adopted as the taxable year. If a fiscal year is adopted, it can end on July 31, 1990, or the last day of any future month (except December 31, 1990), but no later than June 30, 1991, subject to the condition that it is selected prior to the time the return and payment are originally due.Example 2. Grantor creates an irrevocable trust on July 27, 1989. On July 1, 1990, the trustee filed the initial fiduciary return of income, adopting at that time a taxable year ending November 30, 1989. Since the return was due March 17, 1990 (March 15 was a Saturday) for federal income tax purposes and March 31, 1990, for Iowa income tax purposes, it is delinquent and a fiscal year accounting period is disallowed and the trust taxable year is the calendar year. 89.4(5) Short year returns. If an estate or trust is in existence only a portion of the taxable year, a return must be filed for the partial year in accordance with subrule 89.4(6). 89.4(6) Minimum filing requirements. a. General rule. A fiduciary return of income must be filed if the gross income of the estate or trust for the taxable year is $600 or more, regardless of any tax liability. b. Exception to the general rule. A final fiduciary return of income must be filed for the taxable year in which an estate or trust is closed, regardless of the amount of gross income, if an income tax certificate of acquittance is requested. The final fiduciary return of income constitutes an application for an income tax certificate of acquittance pursuant to Iowa Code sections 422.27, 633.477 and 633.479. For a certificate of acquittance to be received, the appropriate box on the final fiduciary return must be checked to request the certificate. 89.4(7) Amended returns. An amended return must be filed if there is a change in income or deductions that results in a tax or additional tax due, or in a change in income, deductions or credits distributable to a beneficiary. An amended return may be filed in lieu of a claim for refund when a change in reportable income or deductions results in a tax overpayment. See 701—subrules 43.3(8) and 43.3(15) for the period of time for making a claim for a refund of excess tax paid. 89.4(8) Return due date. The fiduciary return must be filed with the department and the tax due paid in full on or before the last day of the fourth month following the end of the taxable year. Payment of 90 percent of the tax due with the filing of a return will grant a taxpayer a six-month automatic extension of time to pay the remaining tax due. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the due date is the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday as defined in Iowa Code section 421.9A. Returns not timely filed with 90 percent of the tax timely paid are subject to penalty as provided in rule 701—89.6(422). 89.4(9) Duties of the taxpayer. a. Income of the estate or trust. A taxpayer must timely file a fiduciary return if the minimum filing requirements specified in subrule 89.4(6) are met and must pay 90 percent of the tax due. Receipt of the return with 90 percent of the tax due paid will result in an automatic six-month extension of time to pay the remaining tax due. The department is not required to file a claim for taxes in the estate proceedings and have the claim allowed before the tax is paid. In re Estate of Oelwein, 217 Iowa 1137, 1141, 251 N.W. 694 (1933); Findley v.Taylor, 97 Iowa 420, 66 N.W. 744 (1896). The personal representative of an estate must pay the tax on income from property in the personal representative’s possession, prior to applying the income to estate obligations. See Iowa Code section 633.352. b. Decedent’s final individual income tax return. The executor, administrator, or other personal representative of the decedent’s estate must file an individual income tax return for the decedent for the year of the decedent’s death if the gross income attributable to the decedent for the part of the taxable year ending with death equals or exceeds the minimum filing requirements. See 701—subrules 39.1(1) to 39.1(3) and 39.1(5) for the minimum filing requirements for individual income tax. If the surviving spouse of a decedent has not remarried during the balance of the taxable year and has the same taxable year as the decedent, the personal representative of the decedent’s estate may file a joint return with the surviving spouse for the taxable year of death. In the event of such an election, the joint return must include the surviving spouse’s income for the entire taxable year and the decedent’s income for the portion of the taxable year ending with death. Income attributable to property owned by the decedent and the decedent’s rights to income received after the day of the decedent’s death are income of the decedent’s estate or the persons succeeding to the property or rights to income. See Iowa Code sections 633.350 to 633.353 for the circumstances under which the estate is charged with the income from the decedent’s property or the decedent’s rights to income. Income from property held by the decedent and others in joint tenancy received after the decedent’s death is charged to the surviving joint tenants, not to the decedent’s estate.The final return for a decedent may be filed at any time after the decedent’s death, but in no event later than the last day of the fourth month following the end of the decedent’s normal taxable year. The final income tax return of the decedent, if the minimum filing requirements are met, must be filed prior to the time an income tax certificate of acquittance is requested, even though this may require the early filing of the return. Therefore, filing a joint return with the surviving spouse is precluded if the decedent’s final return is required to be filed prior to the end of the normal taxable year. c. Decedent’s prior year returns. The personal representative of the decedent’s estate is not limited to filing the decedent’s final return and paying the tax due. In addition, the personal representative has the duty to file a return, if none was filed, and to pay any additional income tax owed by the decedent that may become due by reason of an audit of the decedent’s income or prior year returns. The personal representative’s duty to pay the tax, or additional tax, is limited to the probate property subject to the jurisdiction of the court. The probate property must be applied to the payment of the decedent’s tax liability according to the order for paying debts and charges specified in Iowa Code section 633.425. d. Withholding agent—general rule. The personal representative of a decedent’s estate and the trustee of a trust shall withhold Iowa income tax from a distribution of Iowa taxable income to beneficiaries who are nonresidents of Iowa. This withholding requirement applies to both Iowa and non-Iowa situs estates and trusts. See Iowa Code subsection 422.16(12) and 701—subrule 46.4(2), item “5,” for the duty to withhold. The amount of income tax to be withheld shall be computed either based on 5 percent of the taxable Iowa income distributed or according to tax tables provided by the department. See 701—subrule 46.3(3) for the required withholding form and return to be filed with the department. e. Exception to the general rule. If a nonresident beneficiary of an estate or trust who is to receive a distribution of Iowa taxable income files with the department a nonresident declaration of estimated tax and pays the estimated tax on the income declared in full, 89.4(9)“d” does not apply to the amount of the income declared. A certificate of release from the duty to withhold will be issued to the withholding agent upon request. See Iowa Code sections 422.16(12) and 422.17 and 701—subrule 46.4(3) relating to the release certificate. In addition, an estimated payment of withholding can occur if a distribution is being made to a taxable beneficiary. An estimated payment of withholding should be based on 5 percent of the taxable Iowa income. It is the department’s policy to allow estimated payments of withholding to be paid directly to the department. f. Withholding not required. Withholding is not required from the distribution made by estates and trusts of Iowa taxable income to beneficiaries who are residents of Iowa. g. Beneficiary’s share of income, deductions and credits. After the final distribution of income for the taxable year, but prior to the date for filing a beneficiary’s individual income tax return, the personal representative of an estate and the trustee of a trust shall furnish each beneficiary receiving a distribution from an estate or trust a written statement specifying the amount and types of income subject to Iowa tax and the kinds and amounts of the deductions and credits against the tax. A copy of the federal schedule K-1, Form 1041, adapted to reflect Iowa taxable income, may be substituted in lieu of the statement. h. Liability of a withholding agent. A withholding agent is personally liable for the amount of the tax required to be withheld under Iowa Code subsection 422.16(12) if the income tax liability of a nonresident beneficiary which is attributable to the distribution is not paid and, in addition, is personally liable for any penalty and interest due if the tax required to be withheld is not paid to the department within the time prescribed by law. See rules 701—44.1(422) to 701—44.4(422) for the application and computation of penalty and interest on income tax required to be withheld.This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 422.6, 422.8, 422.16, 422.21, 422.23, 422.25, 422.27, 633.352 and 633.425.Related ARC(s): 6551C70189.5(422) Extension of time to file and pay the tax. 89.5(1) Automatic extension of time to file. a. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 1986. An automatic two-month extension of time to file the fiduciary income tax return will be granted by the department if the requirements set out in subparagraphs (1) and (2) are met. (1) Filing the extension application on or before the due date of the return. See subrule 89.4(8) for what constitutes timely filing. (2) Payment of at least 90 percent of the tax by the due date. At least 90 percent of the tax required to be shown due must have been paid on or before the due date of the return. To determine whether or not 90 percent of the tax was “paid” on or before the due date, the aggregate amounts of tax credits applicable to the return plus the tax payments which were made on or before the due date are divided by the tax required to be shown due on the return. If the aggregate of the tax credits and the tax payments is equal to or greater than 90 percent of the tax required to be shown due, the taxpayer will have met the “90 percent” test and no penalty will be assessed.If the time for filing is extended, interest as provided by law, from the date the return originally was required to be filed to the date of actual payment of the tax, is to be computed on the unpaid tax. See rule 701—10.2(421) for the statutory rate of interest commencing on or after January 1, 1982. b. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 1991. See 701—subrule 39.2(4). 89.5(2) Additional extension of time to file beyond the automatic extension. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 1986. The department may grant an additional extension of time to file the fiduciary return, not to exceed four months, provided an application for additional time is filed prior to the expiration of the automatic extension of time. 89.5(3) Extension of time for the decedent’s final tax return. 701—subrule 39.2(4) which provides for extensions of time to file individual income tax returns will apply to the decedent’s final tax return. 89.5(4) Form of application and place of filing. The application for an extension of time to file the fiduciary income tax return must be made on forms prescribed by the director. The application must be filed with the department prior to the date the return is due, directed to the Compliance Division, Examination Section, P.O. Box 10456, Des Moines, Iowa 50306.This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 422.21.70189.6(422) Penalties. See rule 701—10.6(421) for the calculation of penalty for tax periods beginning on or after January 1, 1991.Related ARC(s): 7761B70189.7(422) Interest or refunds on net operating loss carrybacks. 89.7(1) Interest on unpaid tax. Tax not paid within the time prescribed by law, including the period during an extension of time, draws interest at the rate described in rule 701—10.2(421). Payments made are first credited to penalty and interest due and then to the tax liability. See Ashland Oil Co. v. Iowa Department of Revenue and Finance, 452 N.W.2d 162 (Iowa 1990). 89.7(2) Interest on refunds and tax paid prior to due date. For the purpose of determining the time interest begins to accrue, all income tax withheld, estimated tax paid and other tax paid prior to the due date shall be deemed to be paid on the last day the return is required to be filed disregarding any extensions of time to file the return and pay the tax. 89.7(3) Interest on a net operating loss carryback—the second calendar month period—on or after April 30, 1981. For net operating losses occurring in any of the taxable years ending on or after April 30, 1981, interest accrues on excess tax paid in a prior year, if the loss is carried back to such year, only after the close of the taxable year in which the loss occurs or on the first day of the second calendar month following the date the tax to be refunded was paid, whichever time is later.This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 422.25.Related ARC(s): 7761B70189.8(422) Reportable income and deductions. 89.8(1) Application of the Internal Revenue Code. Iowa Code section 422.4(16) provides that taxable income of estates and trusts for Iowa income tax purposes is the same as taxable income for federal income tax purposes, subject to certain adjustments specified in Iowa Code sections 422.7 and 422.9. Therefore, the Internal Revenue Code is also Iowa law insofar as it relates to what constitutes gross income, allowable deductions and distributions, subject to the adjustments specified above. See First National Bank of Ottumwa v.Bair, 252 N.W.2d 723 (Iowa 1977).For purposes of a distribution deduction under this chapter, an estate or trust shall receive a distribution deduction only for income taxable to Iowa. For example, municipal interest will be included in the distribution deduction because it is taxable to Iowa. U.S. government interest would not be included because it is not taxable to Iowa.For tax years ending after August 5, 1997, if the trust is a qualified preneed funeral trust as set forth in Section 685 of the Internal Revenue Code and the trustee has elected the special tax treatment under Section 685 of the Internal Revenue Code, neither the trust nor the beneficiary is subject to Iowa income tax on income accruing to the trust. 89.8(2) Authority of federal court cases, regulations and rulings. The director has the responsibility to enforce and interpret the law relating to the taxes the department is obligated to administer, including those portions of the Internal Revenue Code which are Iowa law under Iowa Code section 422.4(16). Federal regulations may be interpreted by Iowa courts for state tax purposes. In re Estate of Louden, 249 Iowa 1393, 1396, 92 N.W.2d 409 (1958). However, the construction of statutes by a court of the jurisdiction where the statute originated properly commands consideration and is highly persuasive. Eddy v.Short, 190 Iowa 1376, 1383, 179 N.W. 818 (1920), In re Estate of Millard, 251 Iowa 1282, 1292, 105 N.W.2d 95 (1960). Therefore, while federal court cases, regulations and rulings interpreting the Internal Revenue Code will be accorded every consideration, the department has the right to make its own interpretation of the Internal Revenue Code as to what constitutes taxable income for Iowa tax purposes, consistent with Iowa statutes and court decisions. Also see rule 701—41.2(422). 89.8(3) Reportable income in general—Iowa estates and trusts. Estates of Iowa resident decedents and trusts with a situs in Iowa must report all income received from sources within and without Iowa, regardless of whether the income is from real, personal, tangible or intangible property. See 89.8(11)“b” for the credit allowable against the Iowa tax for income tax paid to another state or country on income reported to Iowa for taxation. 89.8(4) Reportable income in general—foreign situs estates and trusts. Estates and trusts with a situs outside Iowa must report all income received from sources within and without Iowa, regardless of whether the income is from real, personal, tangible or intangible property. Foreign situs estates and trusts must also report that portion of the income which is from Iowa sources. Examples of Iowa source income include, but are not limited to: income from real and tangible personal property with a situs in Iowa, such as a farm and from a business located in Iowa; the capital gain portion of an installment sale contract of Iowa situs property; and wages, salaries and other compensation for services performed in Iowa, but received after the death of the decedent. Iowa source income would not include income from intangible personal property, such as annuities, interest on bank deposits, and dividends, unless the income was derived from a business, trade, profession or occupation carried on in Iowa. See paragraph 89.8(11)“d” for the credit allowed a foreign situs estate and trust for income earned outside Iowa. 89.8(5) Income from property subject to the jurisdiction of the probate court. a. Probate property subject to possession by the personal representative. Income received on probate property after the decedent’s death is chargeable to the estate or to the person succeeding to the decedent’s property depending on whether the personal representative has the right to, or has taken possession of, the probate property producing the income. (Rev.Ruling 57-133, 1-CB 200 (1957).) If the personal representative has taken possession of or has the right to possession of a specific item of probate property, the income from this property is estate income, even though the personal representative is bound by law to distribute the income during the course of administration to a beneficiary. Colthurst v.Colthurst, 265 N.W.2d 590 (Iowa 1978); In re Estate of Herring, 265 N.W.2d 740 (Iowa 1978). The personal representative is charged with the income from this property for each taxable year until the property is distributed or otherwise disposed of. Iowa Code section 633.351 (probate code) specifies the personal representative shall take possession of the decedent’s personal property, except exempt property, and also the decedent’s real estate, except the homestead, if any one of the following conditions are met: if there is no distributee present and competent to take possession; if the real estate is subject to a lease; or if the distributee is present and competent and gives consent to possession. Colthurst v.Colthurst, 265 N.W.2d 590 (Iowa 1978); In re Estate of Peterson, 263 N.W.2d 555 (Iowa Ct.of Appeals 1977). In addition, Iowa Code section 633.386 (probate code) gives the personal representative authority to lease real estate (and therefore to take possession) in order to pay the debts and charges of the estate. b. Income charged to the heir or beneficiary. Under Iowa law title to probate property, both real and personal, passes instantaneously on death to the heir or beneficiary. In re Estate of Bliven, 236 N.W.2d 366, 370 (Iowa 1975). If property is not subject to the personal representative’s right of possession under Iowa Code section 633.351 (probate code) and the personal representative has not exercised the right to sell, lease, mortgage or pledge real and personal property to pay debts and charges under Iowa Code section 633.386 (probate code), the income from this probate property is not estate income. It is income to the person succeeding to the property. 89.8(6) Income from nonprobate property. Income from property not subject to the jurisdiction of the probate court is charged to the beneficiary or other person succeeding to the property. Examples of income from nonprobate property include, but are not limited to: property held in joint tenancy, annuity payments, pension and retirement plans not payable to the estate, and income from certain trusts created by the grantor-decedent. See Wood, Admr., v.Logue, 167 Iowa 436, 441, 149 N.W. 613 (1914) for joint tenancy property not being subject to the jurisdiction of the probate court; also Lang v.Commissioner, 289 U.S. 109, 77 L.Ed.1066, 53 S.Ct.535 (1933). 89.8(7) Gross income of an estate. a. In general. 26 U.S.C. Section 641(b) provides that the taxable income of an estate or trust shall be computed in the same manner as the taxable income of an individual, except as modified in Subchapter J of the Internal Revenue Code. The gross income of an individual and, therefore, the gross income of an estate or trust, is not given a definitive meaning in 26 U.S.C. Section 641. Subrule 89.8(7), paragraphs “d” to “q,” describe the most common kinds of income of an estate or trust. However, those paragraphs are not intended to identify all types of taxable income. b. Definition of the period of administration. The income charged to the decedent’s estate is reportable by the personal representative for each taxable year during the period of the administration of the decedent’s estate, if the minimum filing requirements are met. The period of administration for Iowa income tax purposes is determined by applying federal tax law to Iowa estates because Iowa taxable income is the same as federal taxable income, subject to the adjustments provided in Iowa Code sections 422.7 and 422.9. Old Virginia Brick Co., Inc.v.Commissioner, 367 F.2d 276 (4th CA 1966); First National Bank of Ottumwa v.Bair, 252 N.W.2d 723 (Iowa 1977). It is the period actually required by the personal representative to perform the ordinary duties of administration, such as the collection of assets and the payment of debts, taxes, legacies and bequests, whether the period required is longer or shorter than the period specified under the probate code. See federal regulations 1.641(b)-3(a). An estate will be considered terminated for income tax purposes when all of the assets have been distributed, except for a reasonable amount set aside in good faith for the payment of unascertained or contingent liabilities and expenses. The delay in closing the estate cannot be capricious. Frederich v.Commissioner, 147 F.2d 796 (5th CA 1944). If the period of administration is terminated for income tax purposes, the heir or beneficiary is charged with the income. c. The estate’s first return—special considerations. Death terminates the decedent’s taxable year. Income received the day of the decedent’s death is to be reported on the decedent’s final individual return. See 26 U.S.C. 443(a)(2); federal regulation Section 1.443-1(a)(1).The taxable year of a decedent’s estate begins the day after the decedent’s death. Income received after the decedent’s death is either chargeable to the decedent’s estate or to the person succeeding to the property producing the income. See 89.8(5)“a” and 89.8(5)“b.” Income the decedent had a right to receive prior to death, but did not receive before death, is not the decedent’s income, but is income in respect of a decedent and is chargeable either to the decedent’s estate when received or to the person succeeding to the right to income. See 26 U.S.C. Section 691(a) and applicable federal regulations on what constitutes income in respect of a decedent. Trade or business expenses, interest, taxes and expenses for the production of income owing by the decedent at death, but unpaid, and the allowance for depletion on income not received at death, are not deductible on the decedent’s final return. These are deductible by the estate or the person succeeding to the property when paid. Medical expenses incurred by the decedent, but unpaid at death, are not deductible by the estate. These are deductible on the decedent’s individual return for the year the expenses were incurred, if paid within one year after the decedent’s death and if the medical expense is not claimed as a deduction for federal estate tax purposes under 26 U.S.C. Section 2053. See 26 U.S.C. Section 213(d) and federal regulations thereunder relating to deductible medical expense of a decedent. Funeral expense is not a deductible item for income tax purposes, although it is a deductible expense for federal estate tax and Iowa inheritance tax purposes. See 701—paragraphs 86.6(1)“g” and 86.6(3)“b.” Unused ordinary and capital losses remaining after the decedent’s income tax liability for the year of death has been determined are not carried forward to the decedent’s estate. The unused losses terminate with death, except to the extent they may be used by the decedent’s surviving spouse. See Rev.Ruling 74-175, 1 CB 52 (1974). The estate of a decedent is a different taxpayer than the decedent. d. Dividends. All income classified as dividends under 26 U.S.C. Section 61 and federal regulation section 1.61-9, received or constructually received, during the taxable year constitutes gross income to the estate or trust. However, some income labeled as dividends is for tax purposes classified as interest. For example, income from cooperative banks, credit unions, domestic building and loan associations, domestic savings and loan associations, federal savings and loan associations and mutual savings banks are considered interest and not dividends. e. Interest. All interest received or constructually received during the taxable year, with the exception of interest, but not capital gain, from federal securities and from certain bonds issued by the state of Iowa and its political subdivisions listed in rule 701—40.3(422) is income to the estate or trust. Interest from securities issued by a state and its political subdivisions or from foreign securities is included in gross income for Iowa tax purposes, even though the interest may be exempt from federal income tax, except for those bonds listed in rule 701—40.3(422). f. Partnerships and other estates and trusts. If a partnership in which the decedent had an interest is not terminated at death, the deceased partner’s share of the partnership income is considered to be all received at the end of the partnership taxable year. As a result, none of the partnership income is chargeable to the deceased partner, unless the day of the partner’s death coincides with the day the partnership year ends. It is chargeable to the deceased partner’s estate or the person succeeding to the partner’s interest, notwithstanding the fact the deceased partner may have withdrawn most or all of the deceased partner’s share of the partnership income prior to death. Federal regulation section 1.706-1(C)(3)(ii); Rev.Ruling 68-215, 18 I.R.B. 14 (1968).In general, if an estate or trust and its beneficiaries have different taxable years, the beneficiary is required to report the income from the estate or trust as if it were all paid on the last day of the taxable year of the estate or trust. Federal regulation section 1.662(C)-1. Hay v.U.S., 263 F. Supp. 813 (D.C. Tex.1967). However, if the beneficiary dies during the taxable year of an estate or trust, the taxable income of the beneficiary’s estate includes only the portion of the income of the other estate or trust which was required to be distributed to the beneficiary, but was not in fact distributed to the beneficiary before death. The income that was in fact distributed by the other estate or trust prior to the beneficiary’s death is properly included in the beneficiary’s final income tax return. See federal regulation 1.662(C)-2. g. Rents and royalties. Income received after death for the use or occupancy of the decedent’s real and personal property is the income of the decedent’s estate or the income of the person succeeding to the property. See 89.8(5)“a” and 89.8(5)“b.” If the rental income was accrued, but unpaid at death, the accrued rent is income in respect of a decedent and is to be included as income, either by the estate or the person succeeding to the right to the income, in the taxable year when payment is received. Rent is not limited to payments in cash. It includes, but is not limited to, crop share rental payments when the decedent was a nonparticipating landlord. Alvin R. Huldeen Estate v.Department of Revenue, Sac County District Court, Probate No.14,661 (1975). Income from the sale of grain and livestock in the estate of a participating landlord which was on hand at death is classified as income from a farm or business and not rental income.Income from royalties would include, but is not limited to, payment for rights in books, plays, copyrights, trademarks, formulas, patents and from the exploitation of natural resources. h. Farm and business income—in general. The death of the decedent does not alter the rules under which business and farm income is computed for income tax purposes. However, the decedent’s estate as a new taxpayer may adopt a taxable year which is different from the decedent’s taxable year. Also, the decedent’s estate may adopt a different accounting method. The rules for determining a gain or loss from the sale or exchange of assets in the decedent’s estate are the same as those for an individual. However, see 89.8(7)“i” and 89.8(7)“j” for the basis for gain or loss from the sale or exchange of property acquired from a decedent and 89.8(7)“l” for depreciation rules for property acquired from a decedent. i. Basis for gain or loss—the stepped-up basis. Property acquired from a decedent receives a new basis for determining gain or loss when the property is sold or exchanged. This rule does not apply to property which is classified as income in respect of a decedent and certain other property designated in 26 U.S.C. Section 1014(b) and (c) and the federal regulations thereunder. The basis of property acquired from a decedent is either: (1) its fair market value at the time of death or the alternative value when it has been elected for federal estate tax purposes under 26 U.S.C. Section 2032, or (2) its special use value when the property has been valued for federal estate tax purposes under 26 U.S.C. Section 2032A. The decedent’s basis in the property is not relevant.If an estate files a federal estate tax return, then the basis is governed by the federal estate tax value determination. However, if an estate does not file a federal estate tax return, then Iowa inheritance tax valuation governs the basis for the property that is acquired.Example 1. Decedent A died July 1, 1995, owning a 160-acre Iowa farm which the decedent purchased in 1955 for $200 per acre, or $32,000. At the time of A’s death, the farm had a fair market value of $2,000 per acre, or $320,000. In 1965, A and surviving spouse B purchased a residence for $35,000 in joint tenancy. Surviving spouse B, a school teacher, contributed one half of the purchase price of the residence; therefore, one-half of the residence is excluded from A’s gross estate. At the time of A’s death, the residence had a fair market value of $100,000. Surviving spouse B received the entire estate and did not elect the alternative or special use valuation.B’s basis for gain or loss in the farm and residence is computed as follows:AssetFair MarketValue at DeathNew Basis for Gain or Loss160-acre farm$320,000$320,000Residence 100,000½ new basis50,000½ old basis 17,500$ 67,500Since the entire farm was acquired from A, its basis is 100 percent of the fair market value at death. Only one-half of the residence was acquired from A; therefore, only one half of the residence receives a new basis on A’s death. j. No new basis—income in respect of a decedent. Property or rights to income, classified as income in respect of a decedent under 26 U.S.C. Section 691, do not receive a new basis upon the decedent’s death. It is a special exception to the stepped-up basis rule. See 26 U.S.C. Section 1014(c) and federal regulation section 1.1014-1(c).Examples of income in respect of a decedent include, but are not limited to, the following:- Wages, salary or other compensation for personal services earned which are unpaid at death.
- Interest accrued on obligations, such as bank accounts, certificates of deposit, bonds and promissory notes.
- Accrued interest and unpaid capital gain on real and personal property installment contracts.
- Federal income tax refunds, if claimed as a deduction on an Iowa income tax return.
- Accounts receivable, if the decedent was on a cash accounting basis.
- Crop share rent if the decedent was a nonparticipating landlord on a cash basis. This also includes growing crops, which are to be valued at the time of the decedent’s death or alternate valuation date.
- Estates and trusts not required to file a federal estate tax return can claim the item as a deduction on both the Iowa inheritance tax return and the Iowa fiduciary income tax return.
- Estates and trusts required to file a federal estate tax return can claim the item as a deduction on the Iowa inheritance tax return. In addition, the same item or portion of the item is a deduction on the Iowa fiduciary income tax return if the item or portion of the item is not claimed as a deduction on the federal estate tax return. If it is claimed as a deduction on the federal estate tax return, it is not deductible on the Iowa fiduciary income tax return.
- For tax years ending on or after July 1, 2015, estates or trusts required to file a federal estate tax return can claim administrative expenses as a deduction on the Iowa fiduciary income tax return, regardless of whether the item or a portion of the item was claimed on the federal estate tax return.