Taxes don't end with a final return—handling them after a loved one passes can involve notifying the IRS, filing estate taxes, claiming refunds, or resolving old issues, often requiring a deep dive into records. This can turn into a maze of paperwork and deadlines for grieving families. The Taxes section in WhatNow provides a secure, organized hub to document everything, covering not just your current tax situation but past taxes as well, which are crucial for a host of obvious and not-so-obvious reasons.

Current taxes might include your latest filings, estimated payments, or ongoing obligations, but past returns—going back several years—are equally vital. Obvious reasons include potential audits, unclaimed refunds, or carryover deductions that could affect estate settlements. Less obvious ones? Things like proving income history for survivor benefits, resolving identity theft claims, supporting charitable donation verifications, or even clarifying capital gains on inherited assets. Without clear records, loved ones might face penalties, missed credits, or endless back-and-forth with tax authorities.

In WhatNow's Taxes section, you can capture complete details for each year or filing:

- Tax year, filing status (single, joint, etc.), and jurisdiction (federal, state, local)  

- Accountant or preparer contact info, software used, or self-filing notes  

- Key figures: adjusted gross income range, refund or amount owed, major deductions or credits  

- Locations of physical or digital records (e.g., 'in home safe' or 'cloud folder link')  

- Any ongoing issues: audits, extensions, amendments, or installment agreements  

- Attachments: summaries of returns, W-2s/1099s, or correspondence for proof  

- Special instructions, like 'contact accountant for estate tax guidance'  

- And, if you choose, sensitive identifiers like EIN or last four of SSN  

Like our other financial modules, this section features an extra layer of security: sensitive details are encrypted and protected behind an additional password prompt, accessible only to those you designate.

Entering full details is at your discretion—the aim is to ease the burden by giving your loved ones a clear roadmap to identify filings, gather documents, and address any tax matters swiftly. If basic info like years, preparers, and locations suffice for starting the process, leave sensitive fields blank; otherwise, add them securely for ultimate clarity.

Add entries for as many years as relevant, update anytime, and build a comprehensive tax history.

With WhatNow's Taxes section, you're not just noting numbers—you're equipping your family with the knowledge to navigate one of the most intricate parts of an estate, avoiding surprises and ensuring compliance with confidence.

Open the Taxes section in WhatNow today. Document your tax story now, and lift that weight off their shoulders."

"From current filings to past proofs—organize it all in WhatNow now.")