<prompt> Human: So my father recently passed away last month. He has four children but only two young enough to receive survivor benefits they are 13,14. Me as their older sister went and applied for them, fine.. Now I know my father had a passed due tax bill for state and federal not much maybe 500 max for both from his previous tax year. My question is should I pay it? If I dont will it effect my little brothers benefits later on? I dont nessarily have a problem paying it but would obviously prefer not to if deemed not necessary. Edit: Thank you guys for your insight and help but just wanted to clarify something I know I dont HAVE to pay it what I should of asked is SHOULD I pay it so as to not affect my little brothers benefits. I rather pay it now then let it accumulate interest. Thank you again  <response>: If the estate isnt big enough to go into probate, then dont pay anything to IRS or state. States cant levy social security. If IRS happens to care enough about the 500, they will levy 15 of the SD benefits.And for all those saying that IRS has great customer service, Keith is an exception, not the rule. I make at least 7 calls to the IRS Monday through Friday and work with at least 30 Revenue Officers at a time. A majority of the agents are lazy or incompetent. Im sure if Keith were to be honest, he would admit that he is the overachiever in his office. Very few share the genuine commitment to customer service excellence as he does. Hence, the reason hes on reddit using his own time to help others. 