Would death of prior accountant be reasonable cause for abatement of S Corporation late filing penalty?

[IRonMaN · Accepted solution]

It's worth a try, that is assuming that he died near the due date rather than 11 months ago.  But the IRS usually does allow one get out of free jail card, so if they haven't used it previously they probably can dodge the penalty.

[rbynaker]

I agree, it will probably fly.  Especially if the prior accountant failed to provide things like depreciation schedules that had to be recreated from scratch.  In the blue folder I give to the client, I like to put everything they need to go somewhere else in case I'm hit by a bus.  Or in case I go on a road trip and just never come back (wishful thinking sometimes--especially around the second week of October!)

Rick

[garman22]

hahaha, Rick! Yes, FTA (first time abatement) would work as @IRonMaN suggested if death of prior does not work.