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Return rejected due to dependent being deceased.

essorley
Level 1

I have a client that has claimed her mother as a dependent for several years.  The mother lived with the client and the client was sole caregiver.  The mother passed away in May 2017.  I just completed the clients 2017 return and it is being rejected because the mother's SS# is showing that she is deceased.  Am I wrong in thinking that the client can still claim HH for 2017 claiming the mother?

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Accepted Solutions
abctax55
Level 15

Yep...you're wrong 🙂   The death itself wouldn't preclude claiming the exemption.

The issue is that the death (& her SSN) has been reported to SSA & IRS.  Dead folks SSN's are often snagged for identity theft/fraud - you'll need to paper file the return.   

Don't forget Form ???? explaining why you can't efile (Lacerte give a nice diagnostic to remind me of that)

HumanKind... Be Both

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8 Comments 8
abctax55
Level 15

Yep...you're wrong 🙂   The death itself wouldn't preclude claiming the exemption.

The issue is that the death (& her SSN) has been reported to SSA & IRS.  Dead folks SSN's are often snagged for identity theft/fraud - you'll need to paper file the return.   

Don't forget Form ???? explaining why you can't efile (Lacerte give a nice diagnostic to remind me of that)

HumanKind... Be Both
essorley
Level 1
So I can paper file as head of household?
abctax55
Level 15
Depends on all the facts...all I am saying is that the SSN has been "tagged" due to death & Efiling is not an option.
HumanKind... Be Both
TaxGuyBill
Level 15
Nothing in your post indicates Head of Household would be disqualified, so if the client meets the requirements, Head of Household is acceptable.
Marc-TaxMan
Level 8
I just efiled 1040 for a decedent without hiccup.
abctax55
Level 15
I've had some go thru, and others rejected.   Maybe has something to do with the time line between DOD & filing?
HumanKind... Be Both
Marc-TaxMan
Level 8
The 2017 1040 I efiled 2 days ago died 4/2017, on 2016 extension.  efiled 2016 as deceased
sjrcpa
Level 15
MFJ? I have a single person who died 4/2017, on 2016 extension and I could not get the 1040 to efile. The MD return would. Deceased taxpayer returns seem to be hit or miss for efiling for me. I can't recall the last time I had one with a deceased dependent.
The more I know, the more I don't know.