[WSBAPT] Authority to resolve IRS tax issues without a probate?

[Eric Nelsen]

I have an estate where surviving spouse is an innocent spouse on some back tax issues that the decedent concealed during his life, some business related, some personal; not sure but it's possible the decedent might have signed an offer in compromise with IRS some years ago.

Unless these IRS issues require it, probate is likely unnecessary. But I have a CPA telling me that the IRS won't let the surviving spouse get information concerning the tax issues, or deal with them, without being appointed as PR, or just pre-accepting full liability for anything they find out. Is this true? Is there no way that a surviving spouse can deal with these issues without starting a largely useless probate, or just conceding everything to the IRS?

Sincerely,

Eric

Eric C. Nelsen
Sayre Law Offices, PLLC
1417 31st Ave South
Seattle WA 98144-3909
206-625-0092
eric at sayrelawoffices.com<mailto:eric at sayrelawoffices.com>

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