Ask the taxgirl: Deceased Child

Taxpayer asks:

This last year I had a son born who only survived 1 day. Do I need to get a Social Security number for him? Do I claim him as a dependant?

Taxgirl says:

Gosh, I honest can’t imagine how difficult this is for you and your family. My sympathies and thoughts are with you and your family.

I do have a bit of good news for you. You can claim your son on your tax return and you do not have to get a Social Security number for him. You just need to attach a copy of his birth certificate, death certificate, or hospital records to your tax return. Then, write “DIED” in column (2) of line 6c of your Form 1040.

Again, my sympathies. I sincerely wish you some joy in 2010.

Like any good lawyer, I need to add a disclaimer: Unfortunately, it is impossible to give comprehensive tax advice over the internet, no matter how well researched or written. Before relying on any information given on this site, contact a tax professional to discuss your particular situation.

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Tagged as: ask the taxgirl, dead child, deceased children, dependents, Social-Security