My father passed away in 1970 and his estate was settled and closed in a year. All inheritance and estate taxes were paid and accepted. His mother, my grandmother, died in 1990 and had 9 heirs. Unfortunately, it has taken until now to settle this estate. All the taxes have been paid and accepted and it is ready for dispersion. We have heard conflicting stories. The attorney for my grandmother's estate said my father's estate has to be reopened and inheritance tax must be paid again. My mother's attorney said that since this a linear inheritance (mother to son to grandchildren) the estate does not have to be reopened and it is not necessary to tax it twice. Who is right? This is in PA and our share of the 444,400.00 (down from 1,000,000.00) and my siblings will receive 44,400 to split 6 ways. Our father's estate was valued at 175,000.00. Any help is greatly appreciated

If your father's estate was legally closed I see absolutely no reason or circumstanc why it would be reopened at this time - none at all.

The estate Attorney for the person who died last would decide how to proceed - and that appears to be the Attorney for your Grandmother's estate. Ask him/her why he/she feels that your father's estate would have to be reopened.