So very sorry for your loss. In order to answer you, we need more information. You say your child passed away. When did that happen? If your dependent child was still living in 2021 the dependent can still be claimed on your 2021 tax return--as long as the child otherwise met the criteria to be claimed as a qualifying child or qualifying relative. So---are you asking if you can claim the child on your 2021 return? Or are you asking about the 2022 return you will prepare and file next year in 2023?
Or are you asking if a final tax return needs to be filed in the child's name? Did your child have taxable income in 2021? Or in 2022?
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
