Q: I am selling my house and have not filed taxes in a couple of years. Will that delay the sale?
My lawyer just mentioned that he will ensure we don’t owe any back taxes. My husband passed away 6 months ago.
A:
Selling your house without having filed taxes for a couple of years can potentially delay the sale, especially if there are outstanding tax liabilities. Your lawyer's concern about ensuring no back taxes are owed is crucial because any unpaid taxes can result in a lien on your property. This lien would need to be cleared before the sale can proceed smoothly.
It's important to address any tax issues as soon as possible. You should work with your lawyer to review your tax filings and ensure that any outstanding returns are filed and any back taxes are paid. This will help prevent any surprises that could complicate or delay the sale of your house.
Additionally, since your husband passed away recently, there might be specific considerations regarding his tax filings and liabilities. Your lawyer can guide you through this process and help you address any joint tax responsibilities to ensure everything is in order for the sale. Taking these steps will help ensure a smoother transaction when selling your home.
Terrence H Thorgaard agrees with this answer
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