[EstateQuestions]

My mother passed away in July 2012, after her death I learned from other family members that she did not pay her taxes in 2010 or 2011. It appears she also did not take the required distributions on her IRA's since she was well over 70 1/2. Now I hear the IRS has sent notice. I find out I am personal rep/trustee of her estate, and now responsible for ensuring these are done. I have a tax professional, but not sure where to turn and what to get. I have copies of 1099's from IRS for years in question... but investment account information from financial companies, interest income from banking institutions... where do I turn, or can my tax guy get this? One other strange thing... she was on the deed of a home in Maryland with two others, but only one of the others is listed as owner on the mortgage. Will this come into play at all? Value of the home is less than the mortgage. She paid the monthly bills for all living in the home as well as the annual property taxes. In exchange, they cared for her till her death. Where should I turn for the most information available? I do not live in Maryland, I live in Maine.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

The easiest way to handle this is to hire an estate attorney in Maryland to manage the estate and to deal with these issues.

While the attorney will NOT be cheap, it beats the constant travel between Maine and Maryland.

[EstateQuestions]

Thank you for your prompness... Have done so for the estate side... but when attempting to compile past documents for the tax reporting that our CPA will need do you have any thoughts? We fully understand and have a CPA in Maryland to file the estate tax required for the over 1 million estate gross... our concern is the state and federal taxes she owed. Would much rather work with someone known and trusted that does our current tax docs. Didn't know if anyone could point me in a direction of how to gather documentation. IRS was easy... Fidelity, T-Rowe, Vanguard etc.. might be more difficult. I didn't know if they all report info to IRS and if I can receive everything from them... Thanks again Atlanta Tax Expert for any help:)

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Recommend you let the CPA who is handling the estate return prepare her 2010 & 2011 returns as well, because as an agent of the estate, he can solicit the required tax documents.

[EstateQuestions]

But can the CPA in Maine solicit the required tax documents too?

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Yes, if you are the executor.

[EstateQuestions]

I am indeed... one last question just in case you might know. Will any documents from the Maine courts be required? Everything I have showing executor/trustee/personal rep for her estate are from Maryland. The lawyer we have taking care of the estate is in Maryland since I am from out of state. Just want to make sure my T's are crossed and my I's are dotted. My tax guy says he is all set, but I want to make sure I do not need to go to any court proceedings in Maine. Thank you once again, you have been very helpful.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

I am NOT an attorney, but I do not believe there is any reason to get the Maine courts involved.

[EstateQuestions]

Can not thank you enough AtlantaTaxExpert for your time today. I understand that your position is not as an attorney, but your input has been greatly appreciated. Thank you once agan, you have helped shed a great deal of light on what is a confusing and dark time!

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Glad to help!