I am my Mothers POA. She filed her one time $100.00 State return. She passed before receiving the check. Am I eligible to deposit it my account to help with her expenses? I don't want to be arrest & or fined by the government. I've tried calling IRS, can't get a response.I am my Mothers POA. She filed her one time $100.00 State return. She passed before receiving the check.
If the check is in her name, you should research the state treasury's web site and find out what forms you need to deposit it in an account for your mother.
You mention the IRS; I thought you filed a state return? Or is this a federal return? If the latter, form 1310 is required to get a refund due to a deceased person. You'll have to read it carefully to see if you need to complete an IRS POA form as well, or send other documentation. It's been years since I filed one but I do recall having to provide some documentation as to my authority to receive the refund.
I don't know why you couldn't get a response from IRS, if this is in fact a federal return and not a state return.
Did your mother have a will? If so, and if you've opened an estate account, the funds should be deposited in that, and should be paid toward her expenses.