USA filing for deceased taxpayer and estate settlement

[gaaah]

Hello, I'm the executor of a fairly simple estate that will go thru probate. I would like to file a individual income tax return (1040) for someone who died early June of this year. I am looking to settle the estate quickly. How am I supposed to do so if the 2014 form 1040 is not available until God knows when? Can't I file early? Does the estate have to wait until after April 15, 2015 to be closed?