I've never had anyone ask me in the 20 years I have been preparing taxes, so figured I would ask here

My mother passed away on August 6 last year.  Her tax return still hasn't been processed.  I filed it a week before she passed.  My father passed 10 years ago, so it was a single filer.

I don't have an IRS POA for her.  I do have a general POA and a medical one, but I don't think the general POA covers it.  

I know returns were taking much longer to process last year.  But hers was a fairly simple one. So unless it is taking longer because she passed less than a week after I filed, I don't know what the hold up is.

Is this something where if I call they will just help me.  Or do i file a POA, sign for her as her POA and include a death certificate.   or should I just call, explain the situation and see what they ask for.

I would probably wait until 6 months from the file date (so another 4 weeks) before I do anything.  But, figured I would ask now 

Thanks for any help