Legal Question in Tax Law in California

Liability for deceased person's debts

My wife's mother passed away last week at age 84. We've learned she had been paying regular payments to the IRS for years toward a large debt built up over the years from a tax underpayment 13 years ago.

She left no estate other than some old furniture and a few dollars which we put toward her funeral.

Please tell me my wife and I have no liability as regards this debt.

Thanks


Asked on 6/14/06, 3:32 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Donald Field Donald L. Field, Jr., Attorney at Law

Re: Liability for deceased person's debts

your mother's estate is liable for her debt to the irs. if no probate is opened you could be liable to any of her creditors for the value of any distribution from her estate to you . although it seems unlikely that the irs would pursue the value of the furniture, if this is of concern to you consult a qualified tax attorney.

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Answered on 6/15/06, 5:07 pm
Joel Selik www.SelikLaw.com

Re: Liability for deceased person's debts

none

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Answered on 6/14/06, 7:13 pm


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