If it appears there is no possibility that estate tax is due under the provisions of Sections 801 et seq. of Title 68, the executor or administrator of an estate or a surviving joint tenant or remainderman may request the district court to enter an order releasing estate tax liability. Such request may be included in a petition for distribution, in a petition to judicially determine the death of a joint tenant or life tenant or may be made by separate petition. Such request shall be set for hearing and notice thereof shall be given by certified mail to the Tax Commission at least thirty (30) days before the hearing. The notice shall have attached thereto a statement, verified by the requesting party, containing the description of the property claimed not to be subject to taxation, the recipient thereof, their relationship to the deceased, and an estimate of the value of the property. The Tax Commission may appear at such hearing to object to the issuance of such order, or may file a written objection with the court. If the court finds that no possibility of tax liability exists under the provisions of Sections 801 et seq. of Title 68, it shall issue an order releasing estate tax liability as to the property described in the notice. Such order shall have the same legal effect as a release or waiver from the Tax Commission, and shall be a final order on the issue of estate tax liability of such estate as to the property described in the notice and order. If the court finds there is a possibility that tax liability exists, it shall refer such matter to the Tax Commission and the determination of tax liability or absence thereof shall proceed as in other cases. For deaths occurring on or after January 1, 2010, no release of estate tax liability is necessary pursuant to Section 5 of this act.

Added by Laws 1980, c. 286, § 6, eff. Oct. 1, 1980. Amended by Laws 2010, c. 436, § 1, eff. July 1, 2010.