Survivors benefits

[cherrikad0920]

How do I file them for my children and not myself?

[Marketstar · Accepted solution]

If you are referring to Social Security survivors benefits:

You should not enter a dependent's Social Security benefits reported on a SSA-1099 on your tax return.  

If the dependent earned no other income during the tax year, the Social Security benefit is not taxable or reportable and thus a tax return is not required.

If the child has enough other income to be required to file, then he/she should report the Social Security on his/her return.

[sweetpea7456]

I think I misunderstood what I need to do and I filed my daughters SSA (Survivor benefits) on my taxes last year. Do I need to do this? If not, do I need to worry about my taxes last year?

[JulieS]

No, you do not need to add your children's income to your tax return in any year. 

If you think you added it to your return in 2018, you can amend the 2018 return. Even if you did add it to your return, it may not have increased your taxes. You can check line 5b on your 2018 1040. If there is a number there, you may have reported too much income. 

Click here for instructions on how to do that.