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Entering information for deceased dependents

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📊 Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Enter months in the home as 12

Use this when you need to report a dependent who was born or died during the year.

The IRS considers the dependent to have lived in the home for the full 12 months (as long as all other dependency tests are met). Enter all information as you normally would, including 12 for the number of months in home.

Step 2: If you cannot electronically file, override credits

Use this when the child was born and died during the year and you did not have the opportunity to get a Social Security Number.

If the child was born and died during the year, and the parents did not have the opportunity to get a Social Security Number for the child, you will not be able to electronically file the return.

You need to override to enter credits for the child such as the Child Tax Credit or EIC.

Step 3: Use a temporary Social Security Number to calculate credits

Use this when you need the software to calculate credits even though you do not have the child’s SSN.

One way to do this is to enter a false Social Security Number on the Main Information Sheet, so the credits will be calculated.

Step 4: Override the amounts on the relevant forms

Use this to lock in the calculated amounts.

Override the entries on Form 1040, Schedule EIC, Form 8812, and other forms to lock in the amounts.

Step 5: Remove the SSN from the Main Information Sheet

Use this after you have locked in the amounts.

Then take the SSN off of the Main Information Sheet.

Step 6: Print, attach documentation, and mail

Use this to complete the paper filing process.

Once you print the return:

• Attach a copy of the child’s birth certificate to it.
• Write DIED in the space for the Social Security Number.
• Mail the return to the IRS.

Tags: federal,form