topic Should I claim a child that died the same year they were born? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Should I claim a child that died the same year they were born?

slyzod — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:23:13 GMT

Our son was born live but died five days later, what is the proper way to handle this on our taxes?

Re: Should I claim a child that died the same year they were born?

Critter-3 — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 20:34:46 GMT

Sorry for your loss but YES you should claim the child ... they are worth up to $2000 for the child tax credit and possibly other credits as well. Note you must have a SS# for the child and indicte that they lived with you ALL YEAR when asked so you get the credits.

Re: Should I claim a child that died the same year they were born?

Opus 17 — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 21:01:56 GMT

If you didn't apply for a social security number, you can still claim the child as a dependent. You can't e-file in this situation. You must print your return and file by mail. You may need to use a fake SSN to get through the interview in Turbotax (I don't know if the program allows for a deceased dependent with no SSN). Print the return, write "Died" in the place for their SSN on the printed tax return, and attach a copy of the birth certificate, death certificate, or medical records showing the child was born alive. Sign your return and mail it to the IRS.

https://www.irs.gov/publications/p501#en_US_2022_publink1000236375