Instructions for Form 706›(Rev. July 2026)›General Instructions
When To File
Instruction 706 — Instructions for Form 706, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return · 2026-10-03 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · United States
You must file Form 706 to report estate and/or GST tax within 9 months after the date of the decedent’s death. If you are unable to file Form 706 by the due date, you may receive an extension of time to file. Use Form 4768, Application for Extension of Time To File a Return and/or Pay U.S. Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Taxes, to apply for an automatic 6-month extension of time to file.
Portability election. An executor can only elect to transfer the DSUE amount to the surviving spouse if the Form 706 is filed timely, that is, within 9 months of the decedent’s date of death or, if you have received an extension of time to file, before the 6-month extension period ends.
Extension to elect portability. Executors who did not have a filing requirement under section 6018(a) but failed to timely file Form 706 to make the portability election may be eligible for an extension under Rev. Proc. 2022-32, 2022-30 I.R.B. 101 (superseding Rev. Proc. 2017-34, 2017-26 I.R.B. 1282). Executors filing to elect portability may now file Form 706 on or before the fifth anniversary of the decedent’s death.
Internal Revenue Service Center Attn: E&G, Stop 824G 7940 Kentucky Drive Florence, KY 41042-2915
If you’re using a PDS for your supplemental Form 706, use this address.
Internal Revenue Service Center Attn: E&G, Stop 824G 7940 Kentucky Drive Florence, KY 41042-2915
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