What happens to back taxes when a spouse dies? Responsible for estranged husband's unpaid taxes if we never filed jointly?

The good news is that based on what you've described, you should have minimal liability for your late husband's tax debts. Since you always filed as "married filing separately" and kept your finances largely separate, you generally wouldn't be responsible for his tax obligations. The IRS garnishment of your joint account happened because any joint account is fair game for either person's tax debts. That's why keeping separate finances after that point was a smart move. Since you didn't own property together and maintained separate financial lives, there shouldn't be much the IRS can attach. However, there are a few things you should do to protect yourself. First, if you haven't already, you should file any unfiled tax returns from years you had income. Second, you might want to contact the IRS to explain your situation and ask for guidance - they have taxpayer advocates who can help. Finally, you may want to consult with a tax attorney who specializes in these situations, even if just for a one-time consultation. The estate of your late husband would typically be responsible for his tax debts, not you personally. If the estate has no assets, the tax debt generally dies with him. That said, tax laws can be complex and vary by state, so professional advice is worth seeking.

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Make sure you get a copy of the death certificate ASAP! My sister went through something similar, and having multiple official copies of the death certificate was crucial for dealing with all the financial loose ends. The IRS and state tax authorities will need this documentation. Also, even though you didn't file jointly, you might want to contact his employer(s) to get copies of his 1099s or whatever tax docs they might have. Having this information could help you if questions come up about his income during your marriage.

Has anyone dealt with state taxes in this situation? I've heard some states have different rules than the IRS about spousal liability, even when filing separately.

I'm so sorry for your loss and the stress you're dealing with during this difficult time. Based on your situation, you should have very limited liability for your husband's tax debts since you consistently filed separately and maintained separate finances throughout your marriage. The key protections working in your favor are: 1) You always filed "married filing separately" which generally protects you from the other spouse's tax obligations, 2) You kept separate finances after that joint account incident, 3) You owned no joint property or assets, and 4) You were estranged and living in different states. Since your husband passed away, his estate would be responsible for any tax debts, not you personally. If the estate has no assets to pay the debts, they typically can't be collected. However, I'd strongly recommend getting a consultation with a tax attorney who specializes in these situations - many offer free initial consultations for situations like yours. Also consider contacting the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service (it's free) to explain your situation proactively. They can help ensure your records clearly show your separate filing status and financial separation. Having documentation ready (your separate tax returns, bank statements showing separate accounts, rental agreements in your name only) will be helpful if any questions arise. You've been through enough - don't let fear of his tax problems add to your burden when you're likely protected.