§236E-16 Liability for failure to pay tax before distribution or delivery. (a) Any personal representative who distributes any property without first paying, securing another's payment of, or furnishing security for payment of the estate taxes due under this chapter shall be personally liable for the taxes due to the extent of the value of any property that may come or may have come into the possession of the personal representative. Security for payment of the estate taxes due under this chapter shall be in an amount not less than the value of all property that is or has come into the possession of the personal representative, as of the time the security is furnished.

(b) Any person who has the control, custody, or possession of any property and who delivers any of the property to the personal representative or legal representative of the decedent outside the State without first paying, securing another's payment of, or furnishing security for payment of the estate taxes due under this chapter shall be liable for the taxes to the extent of the value of the property delivered. Security for payment of the estate taxes due under this chapter shall be in an amount not less than the value of all property delivered to the personal representative or legal representative of the decedent outside the State by the person.

(c) For the purposes of this section, a person does not have control, custody, or possession of a decedent's property, if the person is not responsible for paying the tax due under this section.

For the purposes of this subsection, "person" may include but is not limited to a stockbroker or stock transfer agent, bank or other depository of checking and savings account, safe-deposit company, or life insurance company.

(d) For the purposes of this section, any person who has the control, custody, or possession of any property and who delivers any of the property to the personal representative or legal representative of the decedent may rely upon the release furnished by the department to the personal representative as evidence of compliance with the requirements of this chapter, and make any delivery and transfer as the personal representative may direct without being liable for any estate taxes due under this chapter. [L 2012, c 220, pt of §1]