Form 56, Authority for non probate executor

Hello,

I filed a final tax return for my deceased mother who passed on August 2021. 

  • The estate did not go through probate as it was not required and I am named executor in her will which is valid. 
  • I used Turbotax and the return included Form 1310 (Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer).
  • The IRS sent me a letter (5071C) requiring me to verify my identity through Id.Me.  Seemed like a reasonable request so I did so.
  • Waited for the refund for 12 weeks, "wheresmyrefund.com" indicates the  return is till being processed.  So I called.  The agent told me I needed to file form 56.  How I am supposed to know this I do not know, they never contacted me requesting this form and no IRS instructions I have found to date indicate I should file form 56 with a decedents final return.

Questions:

  1. Am I required to file form 56?  The IRS seems to think so....
  2. How do I complete section A : Authority, options are:

a Court appointment of testate estate (valid will exists)

b Court appointment of intestate estate (no valid will exists)

c Court appointment as guardian or conservator

d Fiduciary of intestate estate

e Valid trust instrument and amendments

f Bankruptcy or assignment for the benefit or creditors

g Other. Describe

  • a-c does not apply as I have not been appointed by any court.
  • d does not apply as there is a valid will
  • e does not apply as there is no trust instrument
  • f does not apply as there was no bankruptcy
  • That leaves g....  is that the correct answer?
    • Description is:  Named executor in a valid will for the deceased?
    • Do I need to provide a copy of the will?

I tried calling the IRS for help with form 56 and the live person who was directing my call directed me to a recorded message that said the IRS does not answer questions on this form, use the website.....  How's that for customer service....

 

Any guidance on this would sure be appreciated....