Need help with Form 1310 for deceased family member - IRS asking for it again

This happens more often than you'd think with Form 1310 submissions. The IRS systems sometimes don't properly register the attachments from e-filed returns, especially certified documents like court certificates. The safest approach is to respond exactly as the letter instructs. If they're asking you to fax the documents, do that, but also consider sending a copy via certified mail so you have tracking and proof of delivery. Make sure to include a copy of the letter they sent you with your response and write the taxpayer's SSN on each page you send. When you fax, keep the confirmation page showing successful transmission. For mail, use USPS certified mail with return receipt. Either way, give them about 30 days to process after you send the documents before following up.

I had a similar issue last year with my grandmother's final tax return. The e-file system didn't properly attach my Form 1310 and death certificate. After weeks of frustration and calling the IRS with no luck, I found this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that helped me organize and validate all my documents before resubmitting. They have this document review feature that specifically checks for issues with Form 1310 submissions and explains exactly what the IRS is looking for in your specific situation. Saved me a ton of time because they flagged that my court certificate wasn't properly certified in the way the IRS required, which is probably what happened with yours too.

Just wanted to update that I ended up trying taxr.ai for my mom's estate tax issue. I was skeptical at first, but it actually identified the problem right away - turns out the Form 1310 I submitted didn't have the correct executor designation checked, and my supporting documentation wasn't properly certified as the IRS requires. The system walked me through exactly what wording needed to be on the court certificate and how to properly complete Form 1310 section 2. I resubmitted everything following their recommendations and just got confirmation that the IRS has processed the refund. Definitely worth it for anyone dealing with deceased taxpayer forms!

When I had to deal with my brother's final tax return last year, I kept getting letters from the IRS despite sending Form 1310 multiple times. After three months of frustration, I couldn't get through to anyone at the IRS to explain what was wrong. I finally found this service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c - basically they hold your place in line and call you when an agent is available. The IRS agent I spoke with explained exactly what was wrong with my Form 1310 submission (turned out I needed additional documentation because I was a non-spouse family member) and helped me understand exactly what to send and where.

I need to apologize for my skepticism about Claimyr. After continuing to get nowhere with the IRS regarding my father's estate tax return, I was desperate enough to try it. To my genuine surprise, I was connected to an IRS representative in about 35 minutes instead of the 3+ hours I'd been waiting on previous attempts. The agent explained that my Form 1310 was actually received, but they needed additional documentation showing the court certificate was certified within the last 24 months. This wasn't stated anywhere in their letter to me. I've now submitted the correct documentation and they're processing the refund. I'm still shocked at how much time this saved me.

One thing nobody mentioned - make sure the Form 1310 you're submitting is the current version. The IRS updated it recently and sometimes they reject the old forms. Also check if you marked the right box in Section A that specifies your relationship to the deceased. I messed that up the first time and got a similar letter.

Anyone else find it weird that even though we attach these documents electronically, the IRS still asks for faxes or mail? It's like their systems don't talk to each other at all! I ended up having to fax AND mail my sister's Form 1310 stuff last year. Such a headache.

I went through this exact same situation with my father's estate return two years ago. The IRS kept requesting Form 1310 even though I had already submitted it electronically. After three rounds of back-and-forth, I learned that the issue was actually with how the electronic filing system handles certified documents. Here's what worked for me: I called the IRS number on the letter and asked them to specify exactly what format they needed the court certificate in. Turns out they needed the actual raised seal to be visible, which obviously doesn't transmit well electronically. I ended up having to get a new certified copy from the probate court with clearer certification language and sent it via certified mail with a cover letter referencing the notice number. The whole process took about 10 weeks from start to finish, but once I sent the properly certified documents, they processed the refund without any further issues. Don't give up - it's just a matter of getting them the documentation in the exact format their system requires.