How to Notify the IRS of a Death: Step-By-Step

Dealing with the passing of a loved one is never easy, and the last thing on your mind is notifying the IRS. However, it is an important step that needs to be taken care of. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of notifying the IRS of a death, step-by-step.

1. Gather Necessary Information

Before you begin the process of notifying the IRS, make sure you have all the necessary information at hand. This includes the deceased individual's full name, Social Security number, date of death, and your relationship to the deceased.

2. Contact the Social Security Administration

The first step in the process is to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to report the death. The SSA will then notify the IRS of the death.

2.1. Obtain a Death Certificate

When contacting the SSA, you will need to provide a copy of the death certificate as proof of the individual's passing.

3. Notify the IRS

After informing the SSA, you will need to directly notify the IRS of the death. This can be done by sending a letter to the IRS office that handles the decedent's taxes.

3.1. Include Necessary Information in the Letter

Make sure to include the deceased individual's full name, Social Security number, date of death, and your contact information in the letter to the IRS.

4. File the Final Tax Return

As the personal representative of the deceased individual, you are responsible for filing their final tax return. This includes reporting any income earned up to the date of death.

4.1. Consider Seeking Professional Help

If you are unsure about how to file the final tax return or have complex tax situations to deal with, consider seeking the help of a tax professional.

5. Close Any Open IRS Accounts

Make sure to close any open IRS accounts of the deceased individual to prevent any potential identity theft or fraud.

6. Update Beneficiary Information

If you were the beneficiary of the deceased individual's accounts, make sure to update the beneficiary information with the respective financial institutions.

Final Steps in Handling IRS Notifications

Dealing with the IRS after the death of a loved one can be a daunting task, but by following these steps, you can ensure that the necessary notifications are made and the final tax matters are taken care of properly.