Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Tax Questions

My daughter was a live birth, but did not receive a social security card. I want to claim her on my taxes. Anyone know if federally I can? I know our oh, so humanistic federal government does not recognize stillborn children as "children" but, thanks to Joan Cacciatore, Az State does. Does the federal govt. recognize live births that were taken too soon? It's not about the money. It's about not wanting to fill out a legal form asking me about my children and not being able to include another one. It's so painful. Her life had changed mine more than my living children's have so far, but to so many in the world, she doesn't count. 

7 comments:

Annie said...

You CAN claim her! According to the instructions for Form 1040A pg 23 "If your dependent child was born and died in 2009 and you do not have an SSN for the child, enter "Died" in column 2 (where the SSN would go)and attach the child's birth certificate, death certificate, or hospital records. The document must show the child was born alive."

Claire does count! And it's nice to know that even the federal government recognizes that.

Kathleen said...

I'm so glad Annie was able to answer your question! Claire is and will always be your daughter. As will Jackson always be your son. And, personally, I think your twin girls will always be your daughters, too.

Danielson Family said...

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040a.pdf -- like Annie said page 23 --
Kelly - you are such a amazing person, I can't tell you how much your blog has touched me as a person and hope that maybe someday I will be able to help someone else due to your open thoughts. I have learned a lot about grief from you and hopefully I could be a better fried to someone due to your sharing. Thank you again!

Keri Stout said...

I asked at my tax office and you can claim her.

Jenn Comolli said...

Kelly, let me know if you run into any trouble and need help from a tax accountant. Charlie's stepdad is one and I'm sure would be more than happy to help you if there is a need.

Anonymous said...

I follow this blog now as I prepare to give birth to our son who has such severe heart defects he may or may not make it. I appreciate your honesty and feel like this really is making a diffence in my acceptance of what we may face. Thank you so much

Rachel Doyle said...

Absolutely, my baby was born alive at 20 weeks and we were able to claim him.