Form 706
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Form 706

2025
Official IRS form
Official IRS form
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IRS Form 706 is used by an executor to calculate federal estate and generation-skipping transfer (GST) taxes, and to elect portability of the deceased spousal unused exclusion (DSUE) amount to a surviving spouse.

With our fillable Form 706, you can easily input the required information, edit, and download the tax form on your device. No software installation needed.

Form 706

2025
 Form 706
Fill Form
Official IRS form
Official IRS form
Monthly top‑searched
Monthly top‑searched

IRS Form 706 is used by an executor to calculate federal estate and generation-skipping transfer (GST) taxes, and to elect portability of the deceased spousal unused exclusion (DSUE) amount to a surviving spouse.

With our fillable Form 706, you can easily input the required information, edit, and download the tax form on your device. No software installation needed.

How to Fill Out Form 706

  1. Open the editable Form 706.
  2. Enter the decedent and executor information.
  3. List assets in the gross estate.
  4. Add deductions and liabilities per Form 706 instructions.
  5. Calculate estate and GST taxes and complete portability election if needed.
  6. Sign and attach supporting documents.

What Is Form 706 Used For?

Form 706 is used for reporting federal estate tax under Chapter 11 of the Internal Revenue Code. Also, it is used to calculate generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax on direct skips and to elect portability of the deceased spousal unused exclusion (DSUE) amount.

Who Should Use a Form 706?

An executor should use a Form 706 for the estate of a deceased U.S. citizen or resident if the total gross estate, adjusted taxable gifts, and specific exemption exceed the federal exemption threshold. Also, IRS Form 706 should be used to elect portability and transfer the DSUE amount to a surviving spouse, even if the estate is below the filing threshold.

Executors of nonresident alien estates should use Form 706-NA instead, as different filing thresholds and rules apply.

When Is Form 706 Due?

Form 706 is due within 9 months after the decedent’s date of death. Executors can request an automatic 6-month extension using Form 4768. For estates not otherwise required to file, Rev. Proc. 2022-32 allows a late portability election up to five years after the decedent's date of death.

What Happens If Form 706 Is Not Submitted?

If Form 706 is not submitted on time, the estate may face penalties and interest for late filing or late payment. Missing the deadline can prevent an executor from making a timely portability election. Additionally, if no return is filed, the IRS may make its own assessment of the estate tax owed.

How and Where Do I File a Form 706?

You file Form 706 by mailing it to the IRS. Note that several states impose their own estate taxes with thresholds lower than the federal exemption. IRS Form 706 covers federal obligations only. Check your state's requirements separately.

How to Get Your Form 706

  1. Open the editable Form 706
    Open the editable Form 706
    1

    Open the editable Form 706

  2. Enter estate, executor, and asset details
    Enter estate, executor, and asset details
    2

    Enter estate, executor, and asset details

  3. Download Form 706
    Download Form 706
    3

    Download Form 706

#1. How do I get a blank Form 706?

You can get a blank Form 706 either from the IRS or from pdf.net. With our online editor, you can fill out Form 706 online by typing directly into the fields and downloading a completed form.

#2. Can I submit Form 706 electronically?

No, you cannot submit the Form 706 electronically. You need to print and mail the completed form to the IRS using the address listed in the Form 706 instructions.

#3. What if my Form 706 is missing information?

If your Form 706 is missing information, the IRS may delay processing. In this case, fill out Form 706 with box 13 ("Supplementing Form 706") checked, include a statement explaining what changed, and attach a copy of the original filed return. To complete the form properly, follow the instructions and use a Form 706 example.

#4. Can I fill out my Form 706 online?

Yes, you can fill out your Form 706 online with pdf.net. Use any browser (Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Firefox) to fill out the form online.

#5. Is this form free?

This form is free to access and edit. However, you will need an active subscription plan to download your Form 706. For more details, check out our pricing page.

#6. Can I correct mistakes on Form 706?

Yes, you can correct mistakes on Form 706. To do so, submit a supplemental Form 706 with the corrected information by checking box 13 ("Supplementing Form 706") and attaching supporting documents and an explanation of the changes made. Carefully reviewing Form 706 instructions upfront ensures you avoid errors.

#7. How long does it take to process Form 706?

How long it takes to process a Form 706 depends on the IRS’s workload and the complexity of the estate. Executors are generally advised to wait at least 9 months before requesting an Estate Tax Closing Letter.

#8. What is the difference between Form 706 and Form 709?

The difference between Form 706 and Form 709 is that the former reports estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes after a person dies, while the latter reports taxable gifts and certain generation-skipping transfers made during a person’s lifetime.

#9. What is the difference between Form 706 and Form 1041?

The difference between Form 706 and Form 1041 is that the former reports federal estate taxes on transferred assets after death, while the latter reports income earned by an estate or trust after the person’s death. Both forms can apply to the same estate, however, executors commonly file Form 706 for estate taxes and Form 1041 for ongoing estate income in the same administration.