What kind of return to file for a deceased taxpayer who died in 2017? 1040 or an estate return and why?

[cjohnson]

Taypayer died in 2017, his estate has not been finalized.  What type of return do I file for him?

[sjrcpa · Accepted solution]

1040 for the income earned while alive. 1041 for income earned after death, The estate 1041 can be a fiscal year,