What responsibilities does an Executor have?

In addition to collecting assets and paying debts of the decedent, an Executor may need to file an estate tax return for the estate, file a final personal income tax return for the decedent and a fiduciary income tax return for income received by the estate. Prior to closing the estate and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries, an Executor may need to prepare an accounting detailing the assets collected, expenses paid and proposed distribution to each beneficiary.