The IRS just made it cheaper to close out an estate after someone dies

The IRS has cut the fee for an estate tax closing letter. This means it will cost less money to get the official document that confirms an estate's tax obligations are settled.

When someone dies, their estate often needs to prove to banks, brokers, and other institutions that all federal estate taxes have been paid. The closing letter is that proof. Making it cheaper to get this letter removes a small administrative hurdle for families and executors trying to finalize an estate.