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Estate tax - My DOR help

For help with account setup, updating information on your account, adding/editing/removing user access, sending secure messages, and making payments, refer to the other topics on the My DOR Help page.

Register

Create an estate tax account
 
  1. On dor.wa.gov click the Log in button.
  2. Enter your SAW User ID and Password, then click Log in to My DOR. If asked, complete the Multi-Factor Authentication challenge to verify your identity.
  3. On the My DOR Services page, click Get Started.
  4. Click the More Options tab. If you are on the Online Services page, and don’t see the More Options tab, continue to step 5.
  5. In the Individuals and Families panel, click Create an Estate Tax Account.
  6. On the Purpose page, review the information required to register an estate, then click Next.
  7. On the Decedent Information page, enter the Decedent information and Legal residence (domicile) at time of death information, then click Next.
  8. On the Executor page, click the Add Executor link and enter the primary executor information. You must select the Verify Address button to confirm the address. The primary executor is the main contact for the account. Be sure the addressee above is the primary executor for the estate if there are co-executors. If a refund needs to be sent to the estate, the refund will be sent in care of the primary executor addressee. All additional co-executors will receive copies of letters sent. If necessary, you can add co-executors by clicking the Add Executor link and entering their information. Click Next when you have added all executors. 
  9. On the Preparer page, if you have a preparer or you are the preparer, click the Add Preparer link and enter the preparer information. You must select the Verify Address button to confirm the address. If necessary, you can add additional preparers by clicking the Add Preparer link and entering their information. Click Next when you have added all preparers.
  10. On the Authorization page, select if you are the executor or preparer and enter your information, then click Next.
  11. On the Summary page, review the information, then click Submit.
  12. On the Confirmation page, print a copy of the confirmation by clicking Print Confirmation (This Page) and using your browser options to either print or save it as a PDF. 
  13. On the Confirmation page, click OK.
  14. Click on the Summary tab to proceed with filing an extension request, sending a payment, or filing the estate tax return. Or, if you have access to more than one account, click the All tab, then select the account. If you do not see the Summary tab or All tab, refresh your internet browser.

Address change

Update an estate tax account mailing address
 

Only an account administrator can request updates to the mailing address.

  1. On dor.wa.gov click the Log in button.
  2. Log in by entering your SAW User ID and Password, then click Log in to My DOR. If asked, complete the Multi-Factor Authentication challenge to verify your identity.
  3. On the My DOR Services page, click Get Started.
  4. On the account Summary page, click the More Options tab.
  5. Click the Send a Message link in the Your Account section.
  6. If asked, who the message concerns, select the estate tax account requiring the mailing address update.
  7. Select the estate tax account requiring the mailing address update by clicking the Estate Tax link.
  8. Select the period the message is concerning.
  9. Select the Request Address or Registration Change message type link from the list.
  10. Complete the Subject and Message fields.
  11. Click Submit.

File and amend

File an estate tax extension
 

A return filing may be extended for one six-month period. The extension request must be received on or before the timely due date. An extension request received after the timely due date will not be granted.

In limited circumstances, a second (additional) extension request may be made.

  1. On dor.wa.gov click the Log in< button.
  2. Enter your SAW User ID and Password, then click Log in to My DOR. If asked, complete the Multi-Factor Authentication challenge to verify your identity.
  3. On the My DOR Services page, click Get Started.
  4. In the Estate Tax Return panel, click the Estate Tax Extension Request link.
  5. On the Authorization page, review the information and check the box indicating you are authorized to file an extension request on behalf of the estate. If you want to include a payment, enter the amount in the Payment Amount Included field. Then, enter your information and click Next.
  6. On the Attachments (Optional) page, you can attach a copy of the federal extension received from the IRS by clicking the Add Attachment button. If you are requesting a second (additional) extension, you must provide a statement including the reason for the additional request. The statement will only show on the additional extension request and can be entered in the Statement field or added as an attachment. If applicable, attach the files, then click Next. If you are including a payment with the request continue to step 7. If you are not including a payment with the request continue to step 9.
  7. On the Select Payment Type page, select the payment type you wish to use and follow the prompts. More information on payment options.  
  8. Click the Next button.
  9. On the Summary page, review the information, then click Submit.
  10. On the Confirmation page, print a copy of the extension request by clicking Printable View and using your browser options to either print or save it as a PDF. You can also print a copy of the confirmation by clicking Print Confirmation and using your browser options to either print or save it as a PDF.
  11. On the Confirmation page, click OK.
File an estate tax return

Accessing a tax return

  1. On dor.wa.gov click the Log in button.
  2. Log in by entering your SAW User ID and Password, then click Log in to My DOR. If asked, complete the Multi-Factor Authentication challenge to verify your identity.
  3. On the My DOR Services page, click Get Started.
  4. In the Estate Tax Return panel, click the Estate Tax Return link.

Elections by the Executor

  • If the estate qualifies, the executor may make certain elections on the estate tax return.
  • Two of the elections affect how assets are valued and two elections affect how the taxes are paid.
  • To learn more about each election, click the Question Mark Icon next to each applicable question.
  1. If you want to import return data from an Excel template, select Yes, click Upload Return Template, enter in the Description of the file, click Choose File and select your file, then click OK. Learn more about the Excel template.
  2. Review and select Yes or No for each election.
  3. Click Next.

Marital status info

  1. Review and check each box that applies, be prepared to attach documents on the Required Attachments page for any checked items.
  2. Select the Marital status of the decedent at the time of death and provide all applicable information.
  3. Click Next.

Beneficiaries

  • Enter all heirs, including individuals, trusts, or other estates, who received benefits of $5,000 or more.
  • Do not include amounts bequeathed to the surviving spouse (reported on Schedule M) or charitable beneficiaries (reported on Schedule O).
  • All distributions of less than $5,000 should be added together and included in the amount for distributions to unidentified beneficiaries.
  1. Enter the Name, Identifying number (SSN/FEIN), Relationship to decedent, and Amount for each beneficiary.
  2. Click Next.

Questions

  • To learn more about certain questions, click the Question Mark Icon, or the links within each applicable question.
  1. Review and answer each question by selection Yes or No. If applicable, provide the additional information requested.
  2. Click Next.

Gross Estate - Schedules A through I
For the estate of a married decendent: 

  • All the community property and all the decedent’s separate property are reported on the estate tax return.
  • The community property assets are then reduced by 50% to reflect the decedent’s share of the property.
  • Include a line after each item reducing the asset for the surviving spouse’s one-half community property share.
  1. Check the box for each applicable schedule and provide the information for each schedule selected.
    • Learn more about completing each Schedules A through I beginning on page 10 of the Estate Tax Filing Checklist.
    • With the exception of Schedule F, you only need to complete a schedule that applies to the estate. Do not complete any fields on schedules that do not apply.
    • The three questions at the top of Schedule F must be completed even if the schedule does not apply to the estate.
  2. Click Next.

Deductions - Schedules J through O

  1. Check the box for each applicable deduction and provide the information for each deduction selected. Learn more about completing Schedules J through O beginning on page 21 of the Estate Tax Filing Checklist.
  2. Click Next.

Other - Schedules A1 and U

  1. Check the box for each applicable schedule and provide the information for each schedule selected. Most estates will not need to complete these two specialty schedules. Learn more about completing Schedules A1 and U beginning on page 29 of the Estate Tax Filing Checklist.
  2. Click Next.

Addendums 

  1. Check the box for each applicable addendum and provide the information for each addendum selected.
  2. Click Next.

Required attachments

  • For file size and type limitations, click the Question Mark Icon to learn more.
  • A death certificate must be attached to all returns filed.
  1. Attach each required attachment by clicking Add Attachment, entering in the Description of the file, clicking Choose File and selecting your file, then clicking OK.
  2. Click Next.

Suggested attachments

  1. Review the list of suggested attachments to determine if you have other items that should be included with the return.
  2. Attach each additional attachment by clicking Add Attachment, entering in the Description of the file, clicking Choose File and selecting your file, then clicking OK.
  3. Click Next.

Summary
To learn more about certain line items, click the Question Mark Icon.

  1. Review the Recapitulation and Tax Computation forms.
  2. Click Next.

Authorization

  1. Select if you are the executor or preparer and enter your information.
  2. If no amount is due, you will click Submit and continue to the Confirmation page. If an amount is due, you will click Next and continue to the Payment Selection page.

Payment selection

  1. Select the payment type you wish to use and follow the prompts. More information on payment options.
    • Bank Account (ACH Debit) will deduct the payment from the bank account you select on the next page.
    • Credit or Debit Card will charge the card you provide on the next page. A 3.25% processing fee is charged by a third party vendor for this service. Enter your email address. Click the Enter Card Information button to be redirected to a third party vendor to complete the transaction.
    • Mail a Check will allow you to submit the return and pay by check. Click the Print Voucher button on the Confirmation page, print the voucher, and mail the voucher with your check.
    • No Payment will allow you to submit the return without making a payment. Interest may apply if the payment is not received by the due date.
  2. Click Next.
  3. Click Submit.

Confirmation

  1. To print a copy of the return, click Print Submission and use your browser options to either print or save it as a PDF. You will only be able to print a copy of the return as submitted on this page. You will not be able to revisit this page once you leave it.
  2. To print the Confirmation page, click Print Confirmation and use your browser options to either print or save it as a PDF. This option is only available on this page. If you want to print or save it, print before you leave this page.
  3. If you have a credit and would like to receive the payment electronically, you can add or update an electronic refund bank account, otherwise you will receive a check.
  4. On the Confirmation page, click OK.
Upload the estate tax return tables via an Excel file
 

To upload data into My DOR, you will first need to download our template. The upload will only work with our template. Do not delete any unnecessary tabs from the spreadsheet as the upload will fail. 

File content

These tables have their own tab on the template. 

  • Beneficiaries
  • Schedule A
  • Schedule B
  • Schedule C
  • Schedule D
  • Schedule E – Part 1
  • Schedule E – Part 2a
  • Schedule E – Part 2b
  • Schedule F
  • Schedule G
  • Schedule H
  • Schedule I
  • Schedule J – Funeral
  • Schedule J – Misc
  • Schedule K1
  • Schedule K2
  • Schedule L1
  • Schedule L2
  • Schedule M – QTIP
  • Schedule M – All Other
  • Schedule O
  • A-1 Real Prop – Specially Valued
  • A-1 Real Prop – Not Specially Valued
  • A-1 Personal Property
  • A-1 Persons Holding Interests
  • Addendum#2 – Farm
  • Addendum#3 – QFOBI
  • Addendum#3 – QFOBI Heirs
  • Addendum#4 – Apportionment

The data can be manually entered or copied and pasted from other sources. Alternatively, locate the small blue arrow at the bottom right-hand corner of your table and then click and drag the arrow down for more rows. 

Leave any non-applicable schedules blank; do not delete the tab. The upload will fail if a tab is deleted. 

Note: If you add totals to the spreadsheet they will need to be deleted prior to uploading. 


Alternate Value

If you are using alternate values, make sure you answer Yes to question 1 on the Elections by the Executor page. If you accidentally choose No, then you will need to re-import the spreadsheet as the values will be erased. Note: You should remove the download before re-importation. 

Uploading

  1. Click the Estate Tax Return link in the Estate Tax Return panel.
  2. To upload, click Yes on the Elections by the Executor page of the return. When you click Yes, the Upload Return Template button will become available.
  3. Click Upload Return Template to upload your file. Enter a Description and then click Choose File. Navigate to your file, click Open, and then click OK. Once the file has been uploaded, you should be able to see it under the Attachments. 

Only the information for the tables will be imported. Any other applicable information such as yes/no questions will need to be completed before you can complete the return. 


Receiving errors

If you encounter an error with the upload, a pop-up will display stating Unable to load file worksheets, please try again. This should only open if a tab has been deleted. If you accidentally delete a tab, go back and re-download the template and copy the data into the new file.
 
If you are using a cloud-based system, such as Microsoft 365, you will need to close your Excel upload spreadsheet prior to your upload into My DOR.
 

Amend an estate tax return
 
  1. On dor.wa.gov click the Log in button.
  2. Log in by entering your SAW User ID and Password, then click Log in to My DOR. If asked, complete the Multi-Factor Authentication challenge to verify your identity.
  3. On the My DOR Services page, click Get Started.
  4. In the Estate Tax Account panel, click the View or Amend Return link.
  5. Click the Amend link.
  6. The return is now available for you to walk through and make changes.
  7. On the Authorization page, select if you are the executor or preparer, then enter your information and a brief explanation of the reason for the amendment.
    • If no amount is due, or there is a credit, you will click Submit and continue to step 11.
    • If an amount is due, you will click Next and continue to step 8.
  8. On the Payment Selection page, select the payment type you wish to use and follow the prompts. More information on payment options.
    • Bank Account (ACH Debit) will deduct the payment from the bank account you select on the next page.
    • Credit or Debit Card will charge the card you provide on the next page. A 3.25% processing fee is charged by a third party vendor for this service. Enter your email address. Click the Enter Card Information button to be redirected to a third party vendor to complete the transaction.
    • Mail a Check will allow you to submit the return and pay by check. Click the Print Voucher button on the Confirmation page, print the voucher, and mail the voucher with your check.
    • No Payment will allow you to submit the return without making a payment. Interest may apply if the payment is not received by the due date.
  9. Click Next.
  10. Click Submit.
  11. On the Confirmation page:
    • To print a copy of the return, click Print Submission and use your browser options to either print or save it as a PDF. You will only be able to print a copy of the return as submitted on this page. You will not be able to revisit this page once you leave it.
    • To print the Confirmation page, click Print Confirmation and use your browser options to either print or save it as a PDF. This option is only available on this page. If you want to print or save it, print before you leave this page.
    • If you have a credit and would like to receive the payment electronically, you can add or update an electronic refund bank account, otherwise you will receive a check.
  12. On the Confirmation page, click OK.
Add additional attachments for an estate tax return
 

Attachments may be added to an Estate Tax return after it has been submitted and processed.

  1. On dor.wa.gov click the Log in button.
  2. Enter your SAW User ID and Password, then click Log in to My DOR. If asked, complete the Multi-Factor Authentication challenge to verify your identity.
  3. On the My DOR Services page, click Get Started.
  4. In the Estate Tax Return panel, click the Estate Tax Additional Attachments link.
  5. On the Estate Tax Attachments page, add additional attachments by clicking Add Attachment, clicking Choose File and selecting the file, then clicking OK.
  6. Click Submit when you have finished adding attachments.
  7. On the Confirmation page, print a copy of the confirmation by clicking Print Confirmation and using your browser options to either print or save it as a PDF.
  8. On the Confirmation page, click OK.

 

Saved draft – draft expiration schedule
 

When you look at your Action Items on an estate account, when you have a saved draft, you will see a “This request may expire within 30 days if it is not submitted.” statement on your return tile. Please be aware that the 30-day window only applies to excise business tax returns. That is the reason for the “may” part of the sentence. The expiration schedule for an estate tax return is different.  

The saved draft of an estate tax return will stay on My DOR for 120 days. A secure email is sent to the person who created the draft after 110 days to remind them they will lose their draft shortly.

If you need more than 120 days, on the Action Items page, click View Draft, click Continue Editing, and then click Save Draft. If you are on the Summary page, click Edit Return and then click Save Draft. Every time you “Save Draft”, you will reset the 120-day clock.

Submit a previously saved draft of an estate tax return
 

If you saved a draft of a return, you can come back and file it at a later time.

  1. On dor.wa.gov click the Log in button.
  2. Log in by entering your SAW User ID and Password, then click Log in to My DOR. If asked, complete the Multi-Factor Authentication challenge to verify your identity.
  3. On the My DOR Services page, click Get Started.
  4. In the Estate Tax Return panel, click the Edit Return link.
    • If you do not see your draft, click the More Options tab. In the Payments, Returns and Submissions section click View, Edit, or Print Drafts or Submissions. In the Draft tab, click the Title link for the draft submission. Click Continue Editing.
  5. The return is now available for you to walk through and make changes. Follow the steps in the File an Estate Tax Return section for help completing the return.