Ian Bryzek, CPA
Distribution issued before death, received after
A check dated before death that clears after death needs careful dating in the income log.
Bank deposit dates and distribution issue dates can fall on different sides of the date of death. Record both.
Misdating these items confuses year-of-death income analysis.
What to keep with the file
Misdating these items confuses year-of-death income analysis.
What to do next
Log both the issue date and the deposit date for any straddling distribution.
What to gather
- Distribution letter or check image with issue date
- Deposit date and account
- Account statements showing the distribution
- Tax form when issued
- Note comparing issue date to date of death
Who usually handles what
- Ian can organize the tax reporting question and the supporting records.
- The executor, trustee, or account custodian supplies records and confirms who has authority to act.
A practical next step
Log both the issue date and the deposit date for any straddling distribution.
Related guides
This is general tax information, not tax or legal advice. Outcomes depend on the documents, ownership, timing, and law that apply to the particular facts.