Claiming my deceased child, I were told by the hospital to claim my baby. She was born deceased and didn't receive a social security number

[5SS5]

The hospital kept notifying me to claim my daughter on my taxes, but she never received a social security number and she was also born deceased. Is it possible?

[Bsch4477 · Accepted solution]

So sorry about your loss. If the child was born alive—even for a minute—you can claim a dependency.  But if stillborn, you cannot. Do you know based on death certificate or hospital records what the circumstance was?

[JohnB5677 · Accepted solution]

No, you may not claim a stillborn child as a dependent. However, if your child was born and died in 2021 you may.

If the child didn't have an SSN you may enter "DIED" in column 2 of the Dependents section and attach a copy of the child's birth certificate, death certificate, or a hospital record showing a live birth.

You will have to mail your return if you wish to do this.

IRS - Frequently asked Questions

I'm very sorry for your loss