So the Income taxes and the Estate hadn't been filed for deceased parents, and the executor died. Need recommendations of who to use to clear up this mess. Dupage County, Illinois
I suggest you do as much as you can before you go to a lawyer. There is certain paperwork that needs to be done with Probate. I had all that done and knew what Mom had financial wise, which was not much. She did have money from her PNA with the home and what was left in her spend down. Odds and ends coming in after her death like tax rebates. I had some out of pocket. There was little paperwork wise the lawyer had to do. He was great doing the closing of the house and doing the end of probate. It was worth his fee which came out of the sale of the house.
JoAnn raises a good point about completing the estate process. I was thinking entirely of the financial aspect, but there may still be outstanding probate matters to address.
I was on the way out the door when I posted before.
For you to be able to talk to anyone you need to go to the Probate office. You can become the Administrator. You will be given a short certificate that will allow you to handle the estate. This way you can go to the bank and find out how they stand financially. Call creditors, file paperwork and check tax liability.
But in the long run, I would get a lawyer. I had one for the final selling of Moms house and he finished Probate doing the audit.
Hollerg, definitely get help. You're on the right track. Do you know if there were any federal taxes due? If so, I would research online and find an "enrolled agent" in your area, if possible. It's my understanding they're trained to work with the IRS and are quite knowledgeable.
As to local taxes, I might even call the State's Revenue Dept. and inquire as to the best way to address the issue. You can block your phone number before calling if you don't want to be identified, but I think the fact that you've discovered this omission is in your favor. And apparently you had no obligation for estate matters, so the fault isn't yours.
VegasLady, one of the posters here, apparently worked for the IRS and could probably offer good advice if she sees this thread. I've just messaged her.
I would get a lawyer. His fee can be deducted from the Estate. This is too much for u to do on your own. Things have to be filed with the state. Probate fees, ect.
I suggest you do as much as you can before you go to a lawyer. There is certain paperwork that needs to be done with Probate. I had all that done and knew what Mom had financial wise, which was not much. She did have money from her PNA with the home and what was left in her spend down. Odds and ends coming in after her death like tax rebates. I had some out of pocket. There was little paperwork wise the lawyer had to do. He was great doing the closing of the house and doing the end of probate. It was worth his fee which came out of the sale of the house.
For you to be able to talk to anyone you need to go to the Probate office. You can become the Administrator. You will be given a short certificate that will allow you to handle the estate. This way you can go to the bank and find out how they stand financially. Call creditors, file paperwork and check tax liability.
But in the long run, I would get a lawyer. I had one for the final selling of Moms house and he finished Probate doing the audit.
As to local taxes, I might even call the State's Revenue Dept. and inquire as to the best way to address the issue. You can block your phone number before calling if you don't want to be identified, but I think the fact that you've discovered this omission is in your favor. And apparently you had no obligation for estate matters, so the fault isn't yours.
Some of these hits might offer insight:
https://www.google.com/search?q=Illinois%2C+unpaid+state+taxes&source=hp&ei=KqjxYNufJ4Ps9AOy1JeAAQ&iflsig=AINFCbYAAAAAYPG2OjLPXe6P-aAbbSQDz9pnj47x4MvQ&oq=Illinois%2C+unpaid+state+taxes&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAMyBggAEBYQHjIGCAAQFhAeMgUIABCGAzoFCAAQkQI6DgguELEDEIMBEMcBEKMCOggIABCxAxCDAToCCAA6BQgAELEDOgYILhAKEEM6BQguELEDOgQILhBDOgcIABCxAxBDOgQIABBDOg4ILhCxAxCDARDHARCvAToICC4QsQMQgwE6BwguELEDEEM6CgguELEDEIMBEEM6BQgAEMkDOgsIABCxAxCDARCRAjoICAAQsQMQkQI6CAgAELEDEMkDOgQIABAKOgkIABDJAxAWEB46CAghEBYQHRAeUOIQWNlYYPRaaABwAHgAgAGEAYgB9xOSAQQyMS43mAEAoAEBqgEHZ3dzLXdpeg&sclient=gws-wiz&ved=0ahUKEwjb3JKi9ufxAhUDNn0KHTLqBRAQ4dUDCAw&uact=5#spf=1626450002368
Or just search on "Illinois, unpaid state taxes".
How long ago did your parents die?
VegasLady, one of the posters here, apparently worked for the IRS and could probably offer good advice if she sees this thread. I've just messaged her.
Good luck, and I hope you find someone to help.