My mother passed away in 2020, and this year when I tried to submit my stepfather's (single) the federal return was rejected with the message: "IND-901 - The SSN number refers to a deceased person. Help?

[JohnB5677]

If your stepfather is filing single, your mother's name and social security number should not be on the return.

Taxpayers who do not remarry in the year their spouse dies can file jointly with the deceased spouse, but unless they have children, that would be the last time.

[Joev4]

Her social security number is not listed on the return for 2021.  On the 2020 return, she was noted as passed away during 2020.  I tried calling IRS to see if my stepfather is noted ALSO as passing away.

[DMarkM1]

E-filed tax returns are checked against the social security administration database.  Your stepfather and/or his representative needs to contact the local social security office to check/update his records.  In the meantime printing and mailing the return is an option since the records may not be updated with the IRS in a short amount of time. 

An additional note:  There may not be a filing requirement unless his taxable income exceeds the standard deduction threshold (12,550 plus an additional $1700 if he is age 65 or older).  

Check line 9 of his form 1040 to see if it is above 12,550 or 14250 if applicable.  If it is not then likely there is no filing requirement.

The other reasons to file are:  If he had taxes withheld by someone and wants to get that amount refunded or has one of the situations listed on table three in Publication 501.

Bottom line:  He will want to check his social security records either way but he may not need to file a tax return.  

[VolvoGirl]

Did you set up a new account for him this year?  You should not transfer from 2020.  Some of her info might  be still in  the return.