note to IRS

[JudyAl]

I will need to submit a note to the IRS regarding an 1099 received in my deceased husband's social sec #.   Am I able to attach a note?

[xmasbaby0]

So sorry for your loss.

No.   Sorry----there is not a way to include a note with an e-filed return; and including a note even with a mailed return is no guarantee that it would be read.   Send in your return, and if the IRS needs more information from you, they will request it by sending you a letter.

Did your spouse pass away in 2022?

 For the year that your spouse died, you can still file a joint return.  That way, you will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $25,900 (+ $1400 for each spouse 65 or older) which will lower the amount of income you are taxed on.

In My Info, you will need to indicate that your spouse died. When his name is in My Info,  there is a screen early in the interview that asks "Do any of these apply to [name] ?’” where you will do that, and then a drop down will appear where you can enter the date he passed.

If you have qualifying dependent children you will be able to file as a qualifying surviving spouse  (QSS) for the next two years after this tax return.  Post back if you need further help

[JudyAl]

Thanks, my spouse died in year 2022 and I will mark him deceased.   However, during my tax prep journey, I realized that Vanguard did not change his SSN to mine, therefore, for year 2023, I will receive another 1099 in his SSN.   I did call the IRS for advice and they said to get Vanguard to correct it, otherwise include a note to explain.   Vanguard will not correct it.    You think for year 2023, I can just include the 1099 with his social in my tax return and it will be ok?  Thanks!

[BettieG]

Hi @JudyAl !

That's a great question!  Thank  you for asking it.  If you are planning to e-file your tax return, there is, unfortunately, no way to upload any documents that will transmit with your tax return.  In other words, there is no way to upload personal documents to transmit with the e-file.

Having said that, if you feel it's necessary to include a note with your filed tax return, you can attach the note to your tax return and print and file your tax return by mail, including the note which you can attach.  If you choose to file by mail, I recommend that you send your return by certified mail, return receipt requested, to be sure it's received.

I hope this helps!