Trusts & Estates Tax Preparation

Trust and estate taxation occupies a specialized corner of the tax code that demands both deep technical knowledge and careful attention to the unique circumstances of each fiduciary arrangement. At Lanphier LLP, we bring that specialized expertise to every trust and estate engagement, working closely with trustees, executors, beneficiaries, and their legal counsel to ensure fiduciary returns are prepared accurately, filed on time, and optimized within the bounds of the law.

The stakes in fiduciary taxation are often high. Errors or missed elections can have cascading consequences for beneficiaries, and the complex interplay between trust income, distributable net income, and beneficiary allocations requires meticulous calculation. Our Denver-based team has extensive experience navigating these complexities, and we approach every engagement with the care and diligence these sensitive matters deserve.

Forms We Prepare

Our trusts and estates tax preparation practice covers the full range of fiduciary and related returns, including:

• Form 1041 -- U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts, including complex trusts, simple trusts, grantor trusts, and decedent's estates
• Form 706 -- United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, required for estates exceeding the applicable exclusion amount
• Form 709 -- United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, for reporting taxable gifts and split-gift elections
• Form 3520 -- Annual Return to Report Transactions with Foreign Trusts and Receipt of Certain Foreign Gifts
• Form 3520-A -- Annual Information Return of Foreign Trust with a U.S. Owner

Coordination with Estate Planning

Effective trust and estate tax preparation does not happen in isolation. We work closely with estate planning attorneys, financial advisors, and other professionals involved in the administration of trusts and estates. This collaborative approach ensures that tax decisions are made with full awareness of the broader estate plan and that the interests of all beneficiaries are properly considered.

For clients in the Denver area who are establishing new trusts or revising existing estate plans, we can provide valuable input on the tax implications of different trust structures, distribution provisions, and funding strategies. Our goal is to help you and your legal team design arrangements that accomplish your estate planning objectives while minimizing the overall tax burden on your family.

Foreign Trust Reporting

Foreign trust reporting carries some of the most severe penalties in the entire tax code, and compliance requirements are detailed and unforgiving. If you are a U.S. person with an interest in a foreign trust -- whether as a grantor, beneficiary, or transferor -- proper reporting on Forms 3520 and 3520-A is essential. Our team has extensive experience with these specialized returns and will ensure your reporting obligations are met accurately and completely.