What is the ET-101 form in South Carolina?
The ET-101 form, also known as the Non-Resident South Carolina Preliminary Estate Tax Notice to Probate Judge, is a document that must be filed by the personal representative or a person in possession of property belonging to a non-resident decedent's estate. This form is necessary for the South Carolina Department of Revenue to assess the need for estate tax filing and determines the estate's liability for taxes within the state.
Who is required to file the ET-101 form?
The ET-101 form must be filed by the personal representative appointed by the court or any person who is in actual or constructive possession of any real and/or tangible personal property located in South Carolina and owned by a non-resident decedent at the time of death. This includes custodians, fiduciaries, transferees, joint owners, partners, distributees, debtors, agents, and similar roles.
When should the ET-101 form be submitted?
The submission timeline for the ET-101 form depends on whether there is an ancillary administration in South Carolina. If there is no ancillary administration, it should be filed with the Probate Judge within 90 days from the date of death. Should there be an ancillary administration, it must accompany the Petition for Letters of Ancillary Administration.
Is there a penalty for not filing the ET-101 form on time?
Yes, the State of South Carolina may impose penalties for failure to file the ET-101 form within the designated timeframe. These penalties are outlined under Chapter 54 of Title 12 of the South Carolina Code of Laws and can include fines or other legal consequences.
What information is needed to complete the ET-101 form?
To complete the ET-101 form, one needs to provide detailed information about the decedent, including their full name, Social Security Number, date of death, citizenship, and place of death. Additionally, information about the personal representative or person in possession of the decedent's property, attorney for the estate if applicable, and an approximate value of the decedent's gross estate must be included.
How is the "gross estate" defined for the purposes of the ET-101 form?
The gross estate of a decedent encompasses all property owned at the time of death, including real estate and tangible personal property located in South Carolina, and is defined in alignment with Section 2031(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. It considers property the decedent had a beneficial interest in, jointly owned property, and property transferred by the decedent before death but with retained interest or control, among others.
What happens if the decedent's estate does not exceed the applicable specific exemption?
If the non-resident decedent's gross estate, including all property regardless of its location, does not exceed the specific exemption amounts relevant to the date of death, then the estate may not be liable for estate taxes in South Carolina. In this case, a non-taxable affidavit must be executed and filed for the issuance of a non-taxable clearance by the South Carolina Department of Revenue.
Are copies of the ET-101 form required to be sent elsewhere?
Yes, a copy of the ET-101 form must be filed with the South Carolina Department of Revenue by the Probate Judge within 30 days after they receive it from the personal representative or other individual filing the notice.
Where can I find the applicable specific exemption amounts for different dates of death?
The applicable specific exemption amounts vary depending on the date of death of the decedent and are listed on the reverse side of the ET-101 form. These amounts have historically ranged from $60,000 for deaths occurring before December 31, 1978, to amounts equivalent to the federal exemptions for deaths after July 1, 1991.