filing after a death

[kare2k13]

My son died early in March of this year.  He lived on SSI with no supplemental income other than my assistance.  Do I need to file a tax return for him in order to make it a record for the government to possibly avoid identity theft?

[DoninGA]

So very sorry for your loss.

If his only income was from Social Security benefits reported on a Form SSA-1099 there is no need for you to file a tax return for him.

The IRS receives information from the Social Security Administration when the death is reported to SSA.  So the IRS knows that the Social Security number is associated with a deceased individual.

[Critter-3 · Accepted solution]

There is no reason to  file a final tax return since he had no taxable income it would not even be accepted by the IRS.  Once SS was notified of the death the IRS was also notified so his SS# was blocked to further filings.

[kare2k13]

Thank you.  Take care.

[kare2k13]

Thank you.  You've been a great help.  Take care.