Estates and trusts must compute net income like an individual, with specific deductions and a ban on the optional standard deduction.
§182. Net income of estate or trust The net income of the estate or trust shall be computed in the same manner and on the same basis as in the case of an individual except that: (1) There shall be allowed as a deduction in lieu of the deduction for charitable and other contributions authorized by R.S. 47:57, any part of the gross income, without limitation, which, pursuant to the terms of the will or deed creating the trust, is during the taxable year paid or permanently set aside for the purposes and in the manner specified in R.S. 47:57, or is to be used exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals, or for the establishment, acquisition, maintenance or operation of a public cemetery not operated for profit; (2) There shall be allowed as an additional deduction in computing the net income of the estate or trust the amount of the income of the estate or trust for its taxable year which is to be distributed currently by the fiduciary to the beneficiaries, and the amount of the income collected by a guardian of an infant which is to be held or distributed as the court may direct, but the amount so allowed as a deduction shall be included in computing the net income of the beneficiaries whether distributed to them or not. Any amount allowed as a deduction under this paragraph shall not be allowed as a deduction under paragraph (3) of this Section in the same or any succeeding taxable year; (3) In the case of income received by estates of deceased persons during the period of administration or settlement of the estate, and in the case of income which, in the discretion of the fiduciary, may be either distributed to the beneficiary or accumulated, there shall be allowed as an additional deduction in computing the net income of the estate or trust the amount of the income of the estate or trust for its taxable year, which is properly paid or credited during such year to any legatee, heir, or beneficiary, but the amount so allowed as a deduction shall be included in computing the net income of the legatee, heir or beneficiary. (4) The optional standard deduction provided in R.S. 47:68 shall not be allowed to estates or trusts. Amended by Acts 1950, No. 445, §1.