Start With Calm, Clarity, and a Plan

Losing a loved one is hard. The financial and tax work that follows can feel overwhelming, especially when you are also settling the estate and caring for family. If you are looking for estate tax preparation Mequon guidance that is practical and local, this step-by-step 90-day plan will help you move forward with confidence. It explains what to do first, what deadlines matter, and how Curler Accounting makes the process easier and more organized from day one.

At Curler Accounting & Tax Services, LLC, we help families in Mequon, Washington County, and communities north of Milwaukee get through the first weeks and months after a death with less stress. We focus on clear communication, complete documentation, and steady progress so that every decision is informed and every filing is on time.

Your First 90 Days: A Simple Timeline

Days 1 to 10: Stabilize and Gather Essentials

Your first priority is to protect assets, collect key papers, and understand the estate structure. You do not need to solve everything right away. Focus on getting the basics in order.

• Collect certified copies of the death certificate. Order more than you think you need.
• Locate the will, trust documents, and any letters of instruction.
• Secure the home, vehicles, safe deposit box, and valuables. Change locks if needed.
• Pause automatic transfers that could overdraft accounts. Keep utilities active to protect property.
• Set up USPS mail forwarding to the personal representative or trustee.
• Make an initial asset list. Include bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement plans, real estate, business interests, insurance policies, and personal property of value.
• Note all debts and recurring bills, such as mortgages, credit cards, and medical bills.
• Schedule a consultation with Curler Accounting to map out the tax steps and deadlines for the estate or trust.

Days 11 to 30: Build the Estate Framework

This phase is about creating the legal and financial structure that allows you to act on behalf of the estate or trust. It also sets up the records you will need for estate tax preparation Mequon families often find the most time consuming part of administration.

• Confirm the appointment of the personal representative or trustee. Work with an attorney if probate is required.
• Apply for an Employer Identification Number for the estate or trust using Form SS-4.
• Open a dedicated estate or trust bank account. Do not mingle funds with personal accounts.
• File IRS Form 56 to notify the IRS of the fiduciary relationship.
• Start a master inventory with date of death values. Keep copies of statements that include the date of death.
• Identify which assets transfer outside of probate, such as accounts with beneficiaries, pay on death accounts, transfer on death deeds, and life insurance.
• Request date of death valuations from banks and brokerages. Ask for cost basis details.
• Notify employers, pension plans, and Social Security as needed. Address final pay and benefits.
• Review digital accounts, automatic payments, and online subscriptions. Keep an activity log of each change.

Days 31 to 60: Valuations, Cash Flow, and Records

With the bank account and EIN in place, cash flow and documentation become your focus. These weeks set the foundation for accurate fiduciary tax returns later.

• Order appraisals for real estate, unique collectibles, vehicles, and jewelry. The date of death value matters for taxes and for fair distribution.
• Organize statements for investment accounts. Separate interest and dividends earned before death from amounts earned after death.
• Understand the step up in basis. Most assets receive a new tax basis at the date of death, which may reduce future capital gains when assets are sold. Keep all valuation proof.
• Review insurance proceeds and beneficiary payouts. Note whether proceeds are taxable or pass outside the estate.
• Assess the need for interim distributions to beneficiaries. Do not distribute more than the estate can support before debts and taxes are paid.
• Start a ledger for every estate or trust transaction. Track deposits, expenses, and reimbursements with receipts.
• Begin discussion with Curler Accounting about fiscal year choices for the estate and how that affects the timing of the IRS Form 1041 fiduciary income tax return.

Days 61 to 90: Tax Planning and First Filings

By the third month, your focus shifts to tax planning, estimated payments, and aligning the estate timeline with required returns and notices. This is where professional support saves time and reduces risk.

• Prepare the decedent’s final personal income tax return, Form 1040, for the year of death. Gather W-2s, 1099s, and deduction records.
• Determine when the estate or trust must file Form 1041. The due date is based on the chosen tax year. Prepare to issue Schedule K-1s to beneficiaries if there is distributable net income.
• Review Wisconsin filing needs. Many estates and trusts must file the Wisconsin Fiduciary Income Tax Return, Form 2.
• Plan for estimated tax payments to avoid penalties for the estate or trust.
• Consider the federal estate tax return, Form 706, if required based on the estate size. Even if no estate tax is due, a return may be filed to elect portability for a surviving spouse. Deadlines apply.
• Document creditor claims and publish required notices if probate rules call for them. Track response dates.
• Prepare an interim accounting for beneficiaries. Clear communication reduces disputes and delays.

Estate Tax Preparation Mequon: What Makes Wisconsin Unique

Wisconsin does not have a separate estate or inheritance tax. Most families in Mequon only deal with federal estate tax rules when the estate is above the federal exemption. The federal exemption is high and changes over time, so it is wise to review current limits with a professional. Curler Accounting tracks these changes and helps families decide if a federal estate tax return or portability election makes sense.

Probate rules come from state law, and Wisconsin offers several paths depending on the size and complexity of the estate. Some estates qualify for a simplified process, while others require formal probate. Trusts often avoid probate for assets titled in the trust, yet they still may have tax and reporting duties. Whether you are a personal representative or a trustee, the tax principles for income received after death are similar, and the recordkeeping expectations are the same.

Key Tax Forms and Deadlines You Should Know

Every estate or trust is different, but these forms and timelines are common. Curler Accounting keeps you on schedule and coordinates with your attorney to ensure filings align with the legal process.

• Form SS-4: Apply for an EIN for the estate or trust.
• Form 56: Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship, filed with the IRS.
• Form 1040: Final personal income tax return for the decedent.
• Form 1041: U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts. This return reports income earned after death by the estate or trust.
• Wisconsin Form 2: Fiduciary income tax return for estates and trusts.
• Form 706: United States Estate Tax Return, due within nine months of death if filing is required, with a possible extension. Also used to elect portability for a surviving spouse.
• Form 1310: For refund claims on the final 1040 when required.
• Schedule K-1: Issued to beneficiaries to report their share of estate or trust income.
• 1099 Series: Required if the estate or trust pays certain nonemployee compensation, interest, or other reportable amounts.
• Form 2848: Power of Attorney, used if Curler Accounting represents you before the IRS.

Common Mistakes That Cause Delays and Penalties

Estate tax preparation Mequon families handle for the first time often runs into the same traps. Knowing them helps you avoid costly errors.

• Mixing funds. Always keep estate or trust money in a separate account with its own EIN.
• Skipping valuations. Without date of death values and appraisals, you risk wrong basis and wrong tax.
• Paying beneficiaries too early. Creditors and taxes come first. Overdistribution can trigger conflicts or personal liability.
• Missing the 1041 or state fiduciary return. Even small amounts of post-death income can trigger a filing.
• Overlooking portability. A surviving spouse may benefit from a portability election, even if no estate tax is due now.
• Not tracking receipts and mileage. Proper documentation matters for deductions and for your final accounting.
• Assuming everything is taxable. Some payouts are nontaxable, while others require careful reporting. Ask before you act.

How Curler Accounting Supports Your Family

Curler Accounting & Tax Services, LLC provides a steady hand during an emotional time. Matt Curler, CPA, leads with discipline, integrity, and accuracy built over more than 20 years in tax, finance, and treasury work. His background at KPMG and Harley-Davidson shaped a practical approach to compliance and planning. His service with the Wisconsin Army National Guard and the Milwaukee Police Department cemented his attention to detail and commitment to doing the right thing. That combination is why families choose Curler Accounting when they need estate tax preparation Mequon expertise they can trust.

We meet you where you are, whether you need a quick checklist or full administration support. We handle the tax work while you focus on family and decisions only you can make.

Services Curler Accounting Offers

• Tax Preparation and Planning to minimize liabilities and avoid penalties.
• Bookkeeping for estates and trusts for clean, audit-ready records.
• Payroll solutions for small businesses owned by the estate if operations continue.
• Cash flow planning to time distributions and estimated taxes.
• Business tax and compliance for LLCs, S Corporations, and other entities inside the estate.
• IRS representation if notices, audits, or disputes arise.
• Entity formation and guidance on choosing the right tax structure for inherited businesses.

Curler Accounting is local and virtual. We serve Mequon families in person and help clients statewide online. We are active in the community through the Rotary Club and the VA Hospital, and we bring that same care to our client relationships.

What to Bring to Your First Meeting

Come prepared, and we will give you a clear plan during our first session. If you do not have everything, bring what you can. We will help you fill the gaps.

• Death certificate copies, the will, and any trust documents.
• Recent bank, brokerage, and retirement account statements that include the date of death.
• Life insurance, annuity, and pension statements and beneficiary letters.
• Property tax bills, deeds, titles, and insurance policies for real estate and vehicles.
• List of debts, recurring bills, and outstanding medical expenses.
• Prior year tax returns for the decedent and any trust that already existed.
• Contact list for the attorney, financial advisor, and beneficiaries.
• Any notices from the IRS or the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

Our Process: From First Call to Final Accounting

We keep our estate tax preparation Mequon process simple and transparent. You will always know what comes next.

1. Discovery call. We learn about the estate and your timeline.
2. Document review. We identify missing items and urgent tasks.
3. Plan and calendar. We set key dates for valuations, returns, and distributions.
4. Set up accounts. EIN, bank account, and recordkeeping system.
5. Ongoing support. Monthly check-ins and status updates.
6. Tax filings. 1040, 1041, Wisconsin Form 2, and other required forms.
7. Final accounting. We prepare the report you need for beneficiaries and the court if required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to file a federal estate tax return?

Only larger estates must file Form 706, based on the federal exemption in effect for the year of death. Many families do not owe federal estate tax, but some still choose to file to elect portability for a surviving spouse. Curler Accounting will help you decide.

What is the difference between the final 1040 and Form 1041?

The final 1040 reports the decedent’s income from January 1 through the date of death. Form 1041 reports income received by the estate or trust after death. Each return has different rules for deductions, timing, and distribution of income.

When are the tax returns due?

The final 1040 generally follows the normal individual filing season. The 1041 due date depends on the fiscal year you choose for the estate. Wisconsin Form 2 follows similar timing. Extensions are available, but they extend time to file, not time to pay.

Does Wisconsin have an estate or inheritance tax?

Wisconsin does not have its own estate or inheritance tax. You still may have to file federal forms, and you likely have to file fiduciary income tax returns if the estate or trust has income after death.

Can I make distributions before filing returns?

It depends. You can sometimes make partial distributions once you have clear reserves for taxes, debts, and expenses. Document every step and keep a cushion for unexpected costs. Curler Accounting will help you structure distributions and plan estimated taxes.

How long does estate administration take?

Simple estates can wrap up in several months. Estates with real estate sales, business interests, or many beneficiaries often take longer. Clear records, timely filings, and steady communication shorten the timeline.

Why Families Choose Curler Accounting

Estate tax preparation Mequon families trust comes down to people and process. Matt Curler, CPA, brings more than two decades of tax and finance experience to each case. He pairs that with a military and law enforcement background that values accuracy, transparency, and follow through. Clients appreciate the hands-on approach, the plain language updates, and the focus on practical results.

Curler Accounting aligns tax strategy with legal steps, so nothing falls through the cracks. We coordinate with your attorney and financial advisor, keep your calendar current, and provide a single point of contact for questions as they arise.

Take the Next Step

If you are in the first weeks after a loss, you do not have to do this alone. Schedule a consultation with Curler Accounting and get a clear 90-day plan, a checklist tailored to your situation, and ongoing support until the final accounting is done. Estate tax preparation Mequon families can count on starts with one calm conversation. We are here to listen, guide, and handle the details so you can focus on what matters most.