When my mother died in 2005, I took over her checking account, which she had in both of our names to avoid probate issues. I kept a small balance just to keep it active, although I didn’t use it, since I use a different bank. I never bothered to switch it to my name only.
I never really thought about it until a few days ago when the statement showed that the entire balance (which was less than $100) was taken as a tax levy.
It turns out she had some taxable income in 2003 & 2004 from an annuity, although she didn’t file taxes for the last few years and her primary income was social security. When I got it closed out, it turns out she (which means me) also has to file taxes for 2005 and it has to be done within 30 days. This is going to be loads of fun – NOT.