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JOHNNYCPA
Level 5
Nov 3, 2026 3:18 PM UTC
Question

error code 941- can I avoid paper return mailed to IRS?

efile code 941 -I have a joint return- both spouse are deceased…

 

Is  there anything Social Security Admin can do to unlock the SSN for spouse.  I like to filing electronically for the estate versus paper return.  The IRS is slow processing paper returns,

 

The Spouse SSN in the Return Header has been locked because Social Security Administration records indicate the number belongs to a deceased individual.

 

thanks, john

3 replies

JOHNNYCPA
JOHNNYCPAAuthor
Level 5
Nov 3, 2026 3:19 PM UTC

thank you

 

IRonMaN
Level 15
Nov 3, 2026 3:27 PM UTC

“The IRS is slow processing paper returns” and I think getting the government to unlock that SSN is going to be an even slower process.  Just paper file the return.

Slava Ukraini!
qbteachmt
Level 15
Nov 3, 2026 6:03 PM UTC

Even if you validate the ID and have SSA unlock the account (which won’t happen for a dead person), and validate it for the IRS (the SSA updates push to the IRS overnight), you’d still need to file by paper. Might as well just do it now.

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