Opinion
13127-22S
02-09-2023
LEVANUS FELIX SAWYER, DECEASED, Petitioner v. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Respondent
ORDER
Kathleen Kerrigan Chief Judge.
The petition states that petitioner died prior to the filing of the petition and appears to have been filed by Shamari Sawyer. However, she failed to attach to the petition letters testamentary or letters of administration. On November 10, 2022, respondent filed a status report.
It is well settled that unless the petition is filed by the taxpayer, or by someone lawfully authorized to act on his behalf, we are without jurisdiction. See Fehrs v. Commissioner, 65 T.C. 346, 348-349 (1975); Rule 60(a), Tax Court Rules of Practice and Procedure. In pertinent part, Rule 60(c) provides that "The capacity of a fiduciary or other representative to litigate in the Court shall be determined in accordance with the law of the jurisdiction from which such person's authority is derived."
Upon due consideration, it is
ORDERED that, on or before March 6, 2023, the parties shall file a status report, preferably a joint status report, concerning the present status of this case, including whether Shamari Sawyer or any other party has been issued letters testamentary or letters of administration.