Federal Estate Taxes

The federal estate tax is a tax on the right to transfer property at one's death. The estate tax return (Form 706) along with the total amount of tax is due nine months after the decedent's death and is payable in cash. The IRS may grant extensions in cases of severe hardship. This is up to their discretion. There are several ways to reduce the amount of federal estate tax charged to an estate. See Reducing Federal Estate Tax for details.