Should I claim a child that died the same year they were born?

[slyzod]

Our son was born live but died five days later, what is the proper way to handle this on our taxes?

[Critter-3 · Accepted solution]

Sorry for your loss but YES you should claim the child ... they are worth up to  $2000 for the child tax credit and possibly other credits as well.  Note you must have a SS# for the child and indicte that they lived with you ALL YEAR when asked so you get the credits. 

[Opus 17]

If you didn't apply for a social security number, you can still claim the child as a dependent.  You can't e-file in this situation.  You must print your return and file by mail.  You may need to use a fake SSN to get through the interview in Turbotax (I don't know if the program allows for a deceased dependent with no SSN).  Print the return, write "Died" in the place for their SSN on the printed tax return, and attach a copy of the birth certificate, death certificate, or medical records showing the child was born alive.  Sign your return and mail it to the IRS. 

https://www.irs.gov/publications/p501#en_US_2022_publink1000236375