I received 42,000.00 in inheritance and was under the impression that I would not have to pay taxes on it.?

I have now received a letter from an accountant stating that I owe over 8 thousand in taxes. Am I liable for this amount when this should have been paid before money was disbursed and was not. The Atty and the executor apparently did not do there job correctly and pay everything they should have before it was disbursed.