2025 1041 estimates received years after estate closed

[PATAX]

Good client and friend died many years ago. The attorney prepared all relevant federal and state estate/inheritance returns and properly closed the estate years ago. The attorney did a great job. Now years later the executor (also client and friend) unexpectedly received four 2025 1041 estimated tax payment forms. Anyone have similar experience? Any possible reason for it? Thank you very much.

[sjrcpa]

Don't know but does it matter?  Shred them and ignore.

I think I've seen 1040-ES vouchers sent to dead people before.

[PATAX]

Thanks Sue.

[IRonMaN]

Yeah, I’ve seen those things pop up in the mail for no real reason.

[BobKamman]

Someone got the name and EIN and filed a 1041 last year claiming a $5,000 refund from withholding.  Or maybe made up some numbers that showed a loss on a K-1 that was then filed by an identity thief.  

Was the last 1041 filed marked "Final"?  Would that have made a difference?  

[PATAX]

Thanks Ironman.

[PATAX]

Thanks Bob. The attorney is very thorough, so I am sure it was marked "Final".

[BobKamman]

You didn't prepare the 1041s?  In any case, my bet is that a 2024 return was filed.  In normal times, IRS would be able to tell you if that happened.  

[PATAX]

The attorney prepared the 1041, which is the norm here.

[PATAX]

Client called attorney. A few clients of attorney also unexpectedly received 1041 estimates. Could be just a minor mailing issue like Sue and Ironman said. Thank you to all for responding. 

[BobKamman]

Or, it could be the attorney's files were the only ones hacked.  I do a lot of balance-due 1041 returns, and my clients haven't received any unexpected forms.  

[PATAX]

Could be regional issue.

[Anonymous]

I just received a 1041-ES by mail with estimated payment envelopes. My father's estate was properly closed over 20 years ago by his lawyer. I called IRS, waited 30 minutes to speak with a representative who informed me that many people have called about receiving this form in error. She gave me the updated number to call as 1041 are now being processed by  the IRS' business sector. When I called that number and made the selection for this form, the recorded message said there is no longer a representative to answer any questions and that I should refer to the IRS website FAQ for more information. So, I will refer this to my accountant. Thank you for posting. I nearly had a heart attack when I opened my mail.

[PATAX]

@Anonymous Thank you very much for sharing that information with us. We appreciate it.

[KELLEYG23]

Yes same for my client.   Return filed in 2018, did not mark final as cash distributions not completed until 2019 due to court case with beneficiaries.   Did not file 2019 final return as no income, no requirement to file.   Wonder if something in IRS system?   May have client contact IRS to confirm.   Especially since   the LA County made her pay thousands in back property taxes as she was listed as the Trustee.

[scannerg]

Similar thing just happened to me, for my Mom's estate, which was closed 5 years ago. No cover letter or explanation from the IRS. Just received the packet Mar. 1, 2025.

[EAdminMP]

I just received the same forms. No letter, just the submission slips. Estate has been closed for over six years. No final tax was ever filed because the estate didn't make any money that year after all the beneficiaries got their funds. CPA said that no tax form needed to be filed due to no income and nothing taxable. Reached out to the CPA that did the taxes for the estate and will also be talking to our tax person.

[EAdminMP]

No text

[EAdminMP]

No text

[tj12]

We did file her final taxes in 2019 for 2018. I did check the tax form, and it was not marked final. We got 4 coupons with no $ amount attached. It happened end of February. We never received anything like this before. I bet there is a glitch in the system, if the return was not marked final. Any suggestions on what others with this issue are going to do? Appreciate your thoughtful comments.

[BobKamman]

Obviously there is a glitch in the system.  It costs IRS postage but it shouldn't cost you time, now that we know it's happening all over the place.  Shred and move on. 

(Speaking of IRS postage, I received a letter from someone with Taxpayer Advocate Service who is obviously working from home, because it had a "Forever Stamp" on it.  IRS doesn't issue postage stamps to employees, as far as I know.  But then, I'm not sure if this wasn't a Chinese counterfeit.)  

[EAdminMP]

I know the CPA filed the taxes for that last year, but he didn't mark them final. I tried reaching out to that CPA but never heard back. He might not even be working anymore. It was several years ago, so he might have retired by now. It seems this paperwork got sent to lots of people. I spoke to a former IRS agent, and a good friend, and they said it sounds like a glitch. They said to hang on to the forms, and that we could ask our tax person, but chances are it's a nothing matter. 

[EAdminMP]

Thank you.