What Papers Will I Need If a Family Member Dies?
When a family member passes away, you’ll need several important documents. Here’s a list to help you:
Certified Copies of the Death Certificate: Obtain at least 10 copies through the funeral director or directly from the County Health Department.
Insurance Policies: Gather copies of all insurance policies, which may be in the deceased’s safe deposit box or personal belongings.
Social Security Numbers: Collect the Social Security numbers of the deceased, the spouse, and any dependent children.
Military Discharge Papers: If the deceased was a veteran, you’ll need their military discharge papers. If you can’t find a copy, write to The Department of Defense, National Personnel Record Center, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138.
Marriage Certificate: If the spouse of the deceased will be applying for benefits, obtain a copy of the marriage certificate from the Office of the County Clerk where the marriage license was issued.
Birth Certificates of Dependent Children: Obtain copies from the State or County Public Health offices where the child was born.
The Will: Locate the will, which may be with the deceased’s lawyer.
List of All Property: Compile a complete list of all property, including real estate, stocks, bonds, savings accounts, and personal property.
What Social Security Benefits Are Surviving Family Members Entitled To?
If the deceased paid into Social Security for at least 40 quarters, they are considered covered. Check with your local Social Security office or call 800-772-1213 to determine eligibility. There are two types of possible benefits:
One-Time Death Benefit: Social Security pays a death benefit toward burial expenses. Complete the necessary form at your local Social Security office, or ask the funeral director to complete the application and apply the payment directly to the funeral bill. This payment is made only to eligible spouses or to a child entitled to survivors benefits.
Survivors Benefits for a Spouse or Children:
Spouses aged 60 or older are eligible for benefits. Disabled widows aged 50 or older are also eligible.
Spouses under 60 who care for dependent children under 16 or disabled children may be eligible.
Children under 18 or disabled may also be entitled to benefits.
What Taxes Are Due Upon the Death of a Family Member?
Here is a summary of the various taxes that may have to be paid:
Federal Estate Tax: Amounts passing to a surviving spouse and charity are generally exempt from estate tax. Estate tax is due on estates exceeding the unified credit exemption equivalent. For 2024, the lifetime gift and estate tax exemption is $13.06 million for individuals and $26.12 million for married couples filing jointly. Contact the IRS for Form 706 if you need to file an estate tax return. A federal estate tax return must be filed and taxes paid within nine months of the date of death, unless an extension is granted.
State Death Taxes: State laws vary. Many states impose estate taxes in addition to federal estate taxes, or even when federal estate taxes don’t apply. Some states impose inheritance taxes on individuals who receive inheritances, rather than on the estate.
Income Taxes: The federal and state income taxes of the deceased are due for the year of death. Taxes are due on the normal filing date of the following year unless an extension is requested. The spouse of the deceased may file a joint federal income tax return for the year of death. A spouse with a dependent child may file jointly for two additional years. The IRS’s Publication 559, “Survivors, Executors, and Administrators,” will be helpful.
It’s important to consult with a tax professional or an estate planning attorney to understand your obligations and ensure that the estate is properly administered.