Amended Return Filed For Deceased Person Gets Rejected Because She's ... Well ... Deceased ?!

[FederalInquirer]

Hi,

When I filed my deceased mother's return 2 weeks ago, I forgot to check the box "can be claimed as dependent by someone else" so today I amended it, by fixing only that, and using TurboTax interview. The original return and the amended one has $0 tax balance, no due and no refund. TurboTax e-filed it, but it came back with an email that says:

"IND-901 - The Primary SSN in the Return Header has been locked because Social Security Administration records indicate the number belongs to a deceased individual"

I reported her death to the SSA in person June last year, so when I e-filed the first time 2 weeks ago, the IRS already knew she was deceased but that time they accepted the return, so I don't see why they reject the amended one now

The 1040-X shows "Deceased", her name, and the date she passed away on the top-center of the page, just like the original 1040-SR has it

When I go to TurboTax (desktop/CD) it shows it's rejected, and says it's going to review and help me fix it, but it doesn't really do anything. I think it is b/c it doesn't find any errors in the return

Any help, pointers or suggestions will be greatly appreciated

Sincerely,

Nick

[CatinaT1]

It can take quite some time for a ssn to get locked by the IRS. I am guessing it was just coincidence that you were able to e-file originally. You will need to paper file the amendment.

[FederalInquirer]

Thanks for the help, @CatinaT1 

I will file her amended taxes by mail , although that rises 3 questions:

1) If the IRS is trying to prevent fraud by blocking e-filing for a deceased person's SSN, how is a paper filing better than the e-filing for them?

2) When I paper-file her return, do I have to include her will (it says I'm executor of her will) or some other document?

3) I'm claiming her as a beneficiary in my tax return, and mine is ready to e-File. The only change to her amended return is that it states that someone can claim her as a dependent. Can I e-file mine without waiting until I file her amended return by mail?

Thanks in advance,

Nick

[CatinaT1]

1- It will be viewed by an actual person, rather than automatically processed. If it is automatically processed a refund could be sent before it is detected as fraud.

2 - No, everything should already be included with the file.

3 - There will be no way for your to efile with her listed as a dependent on your return. It will reject saying a return has already been filing with that ssn as a primary tax payer.

[FederalInquirer]

Thank you @CatinaT1 for guiding me thru this one-in-a-lifetime tax situation

As I was reviewing the pdf to print and mail, i noticed the "Paid preparer signature" says "Self-prepared"...

For a deceased person, is it ok to leave it like that?

Also the "Your Signature" box is empty. It has a "Under penalties of perjury" warning... Should I sign it or leave it blank?

Finally, do I have to sign anywhere?

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Nick