[walnut245]

I filed my Grandmothers taxes in 2006 through her accountant. She sold some stock, and ended up owing $1100, which was paid. I have received a letter from the IRS stating they have not received her 2006 tax statement, and she has an $1100 credit which she will lose after this April. Her accountant has not returned my calls to question this. The IRS says she needs to resubmit a copy of newly signed tax return. She passed away last month, since this has already been paid, will not acting affect her estate in anyway? Can I submit a copy of her previously signed 06 taxes?

[robertva]

I'm not sure of the circumstances your describing.

This might be as much a matter of probate/estate settlement as tax issue. The executor might want to ask the city or county official that will be reviewing the estate what they would be willing to accept.

Is the "$1100 credit" the result of the IRS cashing your grandmother's payment of the "Tax Due" on her return?

Was the check for the payment cashed? Was the check submitted in the envelope with the return and/or provided to the accountant when she signed the return?

Do you have the accountant's bill or any other documentation that the accountant prepared or was paid for preparing the return?

Did the accountant file electronically (should be reflected by which forms are included in your grandmother's copy) or by mail? If by mail, did the accountant utilize certified mail or a certificate of mailing (less inexpensive than certified, as it's not tracked en-route)?

A few years ago I discovered that recipients of large mail volumes are allowed to sign return receipts at their leisure, so that service might have less value than you think.

Consider the fact that the postal service or IRS will probably lose or damage a small percentage of returns each year.

[ScottGem]

The fact that she has an $1100 credit indicates, that they received the payment, but not the return.

If you have a signed copy of the return, have the executor of her estate submit that with a copy of the death certificate and a cover letter stating that since she recently deceased, she can no longer submit a newly signed return.

Ask that a letter stating resolution of this issue be sent back.

Or, make an appoint with an IRS rep and hand them the documents mnentioned above and wait for such a letter.