1099-C received for 2024 for deceased husband 2023 with no estate

[DeafSheltieMom]

My husband passed away in 2023.  His credit card debts were discharged.  I received in 2025 a 1099-C for his debt discharged.  I filed jointly in 2024 (for 2023), but will be filing single in 2025 (for 2024).  The 1099-C is entirely in his name, not mine.  The date of identifiable event was March 2024.  How do I deal with this debt discharge?  My husband had no estate, I was his "estate" manager.  I live in California, a community property state.  So I assume I still need to file this as income?  How is this done?  Do I even have to do this?  The debt was for $6000.  Please help.  Thank you.

[AmyC · Accepted solution]

No, you do not need to file his credit card debt that is completely in his name.  Since he has passed, the estate should really be handling this. Since there is no estate, the debt was uncollectible. Those 1099-C forms are for the credit card companies to write off the debt on their tax returns.

in California, if there is no estate left by a deceased person, their credit card debt typically cannot be collected, and family members are not personally liable for that debt unless they were co-signers or otherwise legally responsible.

[DeafSheltieMom]

Thank you!  That is what I thought, but helps with my peace of mind (and legality).  I was told California allows one year to collect these debts, and that time has long past.  I didn't know I'd get a tax form.  Makes sense that CC companies want to write off these debts, but it adds stress to those of us still dealing with loss.