Trusted Guidance for Estates, Trusts & Fiduciaries

Serving as an executor, trustee, administrator, or court-appointed conservator is a significant responsibility. Along with managing assets and fulfilling fiduciary duties comes the obligation to comply with complex federal and state tax laws.

At Lighthouse Tax Solutions, we provide knowledgeable, compassionate guidance and specialized fiduciary tax services to help you navigate these responsibilities with confidence. Our goal is to ensure accurate reporting, maintain full tax compliance, and protect both fiduciaries and beneficiaries throughout the administration process.

We believe in fair, transparent pricing. The prices listed on our website are general guidelines and may be adjusted after we review your fiduciary documents and reporting requirements. Depending on the complexity—or simplicity—of the estate or trust administration, your final preparation fee may be lower or higher than the posted price. We'll always discuss your fee with you before beginning any work, so you'll know exactly what to expect.

Fiduciary Tax Services We Provide

Estate Income Tax Returns (Form 1041)

Preparation of federal and applicable state fiduciary income tax returns for estates during the administration process, including reporting income earned after the date of death.

Trust Income Tax Returns (Form 1041)

Preparation of income tax returns for:

• Revocable trusts

• Irrevocable trusts

• Grantor trusts

• Non-grantor trusts

• Simple trusts

• Complex trusts

We ensure proper reporting of fiduciary accounting income, taxable income, deductions, and beneficiary distributions.

Beneficiary Schedule K-1 Preparation

Accurate preparation and issuance of Schedule K-1s, properly allocating:

• Interest income

• Dividend income

• Capital gains

• Tax deductions

• Tax credits

• Other distributable items

Final Individual Income Tax Returns

Preparation of the decedent's final Form 1040 along with coordination of all required filings, including IRS Form 56 (Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship), when applicable.

Fiduciary Accounting & Distribution Support

We assist with maintaining accurate records of:

• Principal and income allocations

• Fiduciary accounting schedules

• Beneficiary distributions

• Estate and trust expenses

• Required supporting documentation

Estate & Gift Tax Services

When required, we provide preparation and guidance for:

• Federal Estate Tax Return (Form 706)

• Federal Gift Tax Return (Form 709)

We also assist with portability elections and other estate tax planning opportunities when appropriate.

Our Fiduciary Tax Services Include

Protecting Fiduciaries from Personal Liability

Executors, trustees, and administrators may be held personally responsible for unpaid tax obligations if assets are distributed before taxes are properly satisfied.

We help ensure all filing requirements are completed accurately and on time to reduce unnecessary risk.

Strategic Distribution Planning

The timing of trust and estate distributions can significantly impact the tax liability of both the fiduciary entity and its beneficiaries.

We provide thoughtful planning designed to help minimize the overall tax burden while complying with fiduciary responsibilities.

Income vs. Principal Allocation

Proper classification of income and principal is essential for accurate fiduciary reporting.

We carefully apply the governing trust documents, applicable state fiduciary accounting laws, and IRS regulations to correctly classify:

• Interest

• Dividends

• Capital gains

• Administrative expenses

• Distribution deductions

Our Process

1. Fiduciary Document Review

We begin by reviewing the governing documents and relevant records, including:

• Trust agreements

• Wills

• Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration

• Court appointment documents

• Date-of-death asset information

• Prior fiduciary tax returns

2. Income & Distribution Analysis

We reconcile all financial activity, including:

• Forms 1099

• Brokerage statements

• Rental income

• Real estate transactions

• Administrative expenses

• Beneficiary distributions

We then calculate Distributable Net Income (DNI) and determine the appropriate tax treatment.

3. Return Review & Consultation

Before filing, we'll review the completed fiduciary return with you, explain beneficiary allocations, discuss tax implications, and answer any questions.

4. Secure Electronic Filing

Once approved, returns are securely e-filed whenever permitted, and you'll receive organized digital copies of all returns, Schedule K-1s, and supporting documentation for your permanent records.

Fair & Transparent Pricing

Every estate and trust is unique.

The prices listed on our website serve as general guidelines for our fiduciary tax preparation services. After reviewing your fiduciary documents and reporting requirements, we will determine a fair preparation fee based on the complexity of the engagement, the tax forms required, and the time involved in preparing accurate fiduciary returns.

Depending on your estate's or trust's specific circumstances, your final fee may be lower or higher than the posted price. Any fee adjustment will always be discussed with you before work begins, ensuring complete transparency with no hidden fees or surprises.

Factors that may affect your preparation fee include:

• Type of fiduciary entity

• Number of beneficiaries

• Investment activity

• Rental properties

• Business ownership interests

• Capital gains reporting

• Estate administration requirements

• Number of state filings

• Fiduciary accounting complexity

Why Choose Lighthouse Tax Solutions?

✔ Specialized expertise in estate and trust taxation

✔ Accurate fiduciary reporting and tax compliance

✔ Fair, transparent pricing with upfront estimates and no hidden fees

✔ Secure electronic filing and confidential document handling

✔ Guidance for executors, trustees, administrators, and conservators

✔ Year-round support for fiduciaries and beneficiaries

✔ Prepared by an IRS Enrolled Agent

As an IRS Enrolled Agent, I am federally licensed to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. This credential reflects advanced tax expertise, rigorous continuing education, and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. Fiduciary taxation involves specialized rules that differ significantly from individual and business tax law, and you can rely on experienced guidance to help fulfill your responsibilities with confidence while protecting the interests of both the fiduciary and the beneficiaries.

Compassionate Guidance During a Difficult Time

Administering an estate or trust can be both emotionally and financially challenging. You don't have to navigate the tax responsibilities alone.

Lighthouse Tax Solutions provides experienced, professional fiduciary tax services with the care, accuracy, and attention to detail you deserve.

Schedule a confidential consultation today to discuss your estate or trust tax needs.

"Your beacon for stress-free tax and accounting."