People can take specific steps to prevent long delays in receiving tax refunds for deceased loved ones. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has procedures for handling estates, but the process often involves probate court and can take months. Tax refund delays frequently occur when executors lack proper documentation or when multiple heirs dispute claims. Filing correctly requires obtaining a death certificate, securing the final tax return, and submitting Form 1310 with the estate's tax ID. These steps are crucial to avoid prolonged waits that strain families financially. The IRS estimates refunds for estates can take up to a year to process without proper filing, impacting beneficiaries who rely on these funds for living expenses.