IRS Requesting Death Certificate - No Response After 6 Weeks

I had exactly the same situation last year. The IRS took precisely 8 weeks and 3 days to process my deceased parent's documentation. Their internal workflow for processing death certificates typically takes 45-60 days during normal periods, but can stretch to 75 days during busy seasons. The fact that you sent it via registered mail and have confirmation is excellent - that's exactly what they recommend. I'd suggest waiting until the full 8-week mark before taking further action. I appreciate how methodical you've been with documentation.

Oh my goodness, I feel your pain SO MUCH! 😫 I went through this EXACT situation last year after my mom passed. Six weeks of silence drove me CRAZY! I finally broke down and used Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) because I was about to lose my mind waiting. They got me connected to an actual IRS agent in 20 minutes when I had been trying for DAYS on my own! The agent confirmed they had my documents but explained they were backlogged. At least knowing where things stood helped my anxiety. Worth every penny when you're dealing with something this technical and emotionally draining.

Think of the IRS like a massive cargo ship - it takes time to change direction. When you send additional documentation, it's like a small tugboat pushing against that ship. It works, but slowly. The death certificate processing is like entering a special harbor with extra security checks. Your registered mail receipt is your lighthouse - proof your documents arrived safely. The typical navigation time for death certificates is 8-10 weeks in most cases. Keep that receipt safe - it's your anchor if you need to escalate later. Stay calm, you're on the right course.

You need to take immediate action before this drags on even longer. Here's what to do: 1. First, pull your IRS account transcript immediately. This will show if they've actually processed the death certificate. 2. Next, check for any codes or notices that might explain the delay. 3. Then, look for indicators of additional verification steps being required. 4. Finally, determine if your case has been assigned to a specific department. I recommend using taxr.ai to analyze your transcript - it can identify exactly what's happening with your case. The tool will tell you precisely which codes indicate they've received your documentation and what stage of processing you're in. Time is critical here, especially with year-end approaching!

I dealt with this on January 17, 2023, when my mother passed. Sent her death certificate on February 3, 2023. Received confirmation on February 7, 2023. Heard nothing until April 12, 2023 - exactly 9 weeks later. Called on March 28, 2023 (7 weeks after) and was told it was "in processing." The IRS has a specific department that handles deceased taxpayer documentation, and they're chronically understaffed. Your timeline is actually normal. They received your document on September 28, 2024, so expect a response around November 30, 2024, based on current processing times.

I've been through this rodeo before, and waiting quietly can sometimes push your case to the back of the pile. Last year, I waited 12 weeks after sending my father's death certificate, and nothing happened. When I finally got through to someone, they claimed they never received it - despite my delivery confirmation. I had to send everything again and restart the clock. I'd suggest calling now rather than later. In my experience with the IRS, the squeaky wheel definitely gets the grease. I'm a bit worried you might end up in the same situation I did.

I'm... wondering if maybe there's something specific we should look for on the letter they sent? Did it have a particular notice number or deadline? I've heard some IRS letters have time-sensitive requirements, and others don't. Maybe that would tell us how urgent this really is? Just asking because I'm not sure if all death certificate requests are treated the same way...

Pro tip: check your IRS online account if you haven't already. Sometimes they update information there before sending formal communication. It's like having X-ray vision into their system! 😎 Also, the fact that you sent it certified mail is HUGE - that's your golden ticket if they claim they never received it. One more thing to try: call early in the morning (like 7:01am when they open) on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Mondays and Fridays are call center hell, but mid-week mornings can sometimes get you through in under an hour.

Just to make sure I understand your timeline correctly: • You filed taxes: April 3, 2024 • They sent letter requesting death certificate: September 23, 2024 • You sent certificate via registered mail: Around September 25, 2024 • They received it: September 28, 2024 • Current status: No response after 6 weeks Is that right? Just want to confirm I'm understanding the situation correctly before offering more specific advice.