If my father passed away and I closed his bank account to pay for funeral costs, can I be held liable for his unpaid property taxes?
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If my father passed away and I closed his bank account to pay for funeral costs, can I be held liable for his unpaid property taxes?
A few months later, I found out that he had a house. I ran title and discovered tax liens amounting to $500,000. The house is worth around $150,000. Neither myself nor my sister want to step up as executor. Will I be liable for his unpaid taxes because I closed his account?
Asked on August 20, 2014 under Estate Planning, California
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
I would go and speak with an attorney on a consultation basis about what your options are here. But know that funeral expenses are a priority of an estate and are to be paid first. The issue is that you withdrew the money with out proper appointment as a fiduciary and there is where the glitch may be. Good luck.
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