Hi all, my only child was born 10/4/25 and passed away 11/10/25 when I file taxes so I need to put him on there? I have his social and such but I’m just not sure how to navigate this. I’m not sure if I qualify for the tax credit since I only had him five weeks and two days. I didn’t go back to work by the time I planned due to him passing so I could use the help. One thing that was very kind was his cremation didn’t cost anything since the place I chose doesn’t charge for child which is dark so I got to get him a very nice custom urn
Tax question, child passed away
byu/Tasha_j inpersonalfinance
Posted by Tasha_j
9 Comments
Just FYI there may be specific state tax exemptions as well that you may be entitled to.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Yes, you can claim the federal child related credits this year. A child that is born or passed in the year does not have to live with you over X amount of time to be claimed.
Which state are you in?
You can still claim the child as a dependent and for the child tax credit and earned income tax credit if otherwise eligible. I’m sorry for your loss.
https://www.irs.gov/faqs/earned-income-tax-credit/qualifying-child-rules/qualifying-child-rules-1
I have no advice but just want to say I’m sorry for your loss and what you are going through.
Yes, you are legally allowed to claim the childcare credits and exemptions for your child, regardless of how long the child was with you. A child could be born at 11:59 on December 31 and that child can be claimed for the full year.
Also, I’m terribly sorry about your child. Our first son was stillborn, and it’s not something you ever truly get over, although the edges of that jagged hole in your hurt do eventually become softer over time.
Sorry to hear of your loss. My child only survived 7 days in 2024 so I went through something similar. Yes your child qualifies you for child tax credits.
Also, if you have dependent life coverage, your child may have been eligible if you added him. I think the child needs to survive at least 2 weeks (yours did, mine didn’t).
Sorry for your loss. This is actually horrible, and I hope you’re doing okay.
But yes, the mother carried this precious baby for 9 months, so the parents will qualify this year for tax purposes.
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your child.
So terribly sorry for your loss ❤️