PRODUCTIVE INTERACTIONS WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
I recently received a letter from the IRS (actually addressed to my late mother). Upon opening it, I discovered that the IRS is displeased that my mother did not file her 2008 tax return and would like to resolve this matter as quickly as possible.
My mother died in 2006.
I called the IRS, and unfortunately, my mood did not improve after being on hold for more than 20 minutes. Here is the result of my phone call:
Me: Hello, my name is [Number 8], and I received a letter about my late mother's 2008 tax return. She passed away in 2006, so I can't imagine that she needs to file a return.
IRS: I see. And has she authorized you to speak on her behalf?
Me: Again, she's deceased. So no, she hasn't given me permission to speak to you about this today.
IRS: Do you have power of attorney?
Me: No, I do not. Typically that's for living people.
IRS: Well, without her permission, I'm not sure there's much I can do to help you today.
Me: I don't mean to sound flippant, so forgive me. I'm all you're going to get as far as this matter is concerned. She's deceased. It was a surprise to all of us, my mother included. I won't be able to get permission from her for this. I'm all you're going to get.
IRS: Hmmm. Let me think. What year did she die?
Me: 2006. February of that year.
IRS: Okay. Hmmm. Let me ask you this--is there a chance she earned any money in 2008?
Me: What???
IRS: We don't have a tax return for 2008. Is there a chance she earned any money that year?
Me: I'm sorry. What????
IRS: It was just a thought.
Me: Well, thank you very much for your help. Have a nice afternoon.
IRS: You can always write us a letter and explain this situation. That might help.
