Even if the deceased didn’t meet the income requirements to file, you would still need to file a return to collect any refund that is owed. It’s also a good idea to file a final return to notify the IRS that the person has died and their taxpayer account should be settled, Brickel says.
This removes the deceased’s name from the records of the department of motor vehicles and prevents identity theft. Contact the agency for specific instructions, but you’ll need a copy of the death certificate. Keep a copy of the canceled driver’s license in your records. You may need it to close or access accounts that belonged to the ...
- Your kids may be able to get survivor benefits too. The children of deceased workers may be able to collect survivor benefits of up to 75 percent of what their late parent was getting (or would have been entitled to get) from Social Security. About 2.1 million children were doing so as of February 2025.
Can I Collect a Deceased Spouse's Social Security and My Own? - AARP
Generally, children can collect benefits when a stepparent dies if the deceased had been married to the child’s natural or adoptive parent for at least nine months and was providing at least half of the child’s support.
Dependent children may also qualify for DIC payments, and some parents of deceased veterans can receive benefits if their income is low. After a surviving spouse or child submits the DIC application form, called VA Form 21P-534EZ, the VA will also determine eligibility for the Survivors Pension and for accrued benefits (see below).