How to get a deceased parent's 1099-SSA form for tax filing?

I've helped several clients with this exact situation. When someone passes away, getting their tax documents can be tricky, but there are definitely options. First, if you have the Letters Testamentary or other documents proving you're the executor/administrator of the estate, you can visit a local Social Security office in person with your ID and those documents. Many people don't realize this is often faster than calling. Ask specifically for a "benefit verification letter" which will contain the same information as the 1099-SSA. Another option is to file Form 1722, which is a request for verification of benefits. You'll need to provide proof that you're authorized to receive the information (death certificate, executor documents). Lastly, the IRS might already have the information if you've received a CP2000 notice. If not, you can actually estimate the SSA benefits for tax purposes if you have bank statements showing the deposits, and then amend later if needed.

I went through something similar last year when my mom passed away. I was tearing my hair out trying to get all her tax documents together. I finally found this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that was a game-changer for me. You can upload any documents you do have - like bank statements showing the SSA deposits - and it will help you reconstruct the missing info and figure out what you need for the tax return. For me, I had my mom's bank statements showing her monthly Social Security deposits, and taxr.ai helped me calculate the total benefit amount to report. They even have expertise with handling deceased taxpayer situations. The system walks you through everything step by step and explains what forms and documentation you need.

I was skeptical at first about using taxr.ai for my father's estate taxes when I couldn't get his 1099-R, but I gave it a try and it really simplified the process. I uploaded his bank statements showing the retirement deposits and it helped me calculate the correct amounts to report. The guidance on handling deceased taxpayer situations was really clear - it walked me through which forms I needed and how to file as the executor. What surprised me most was how it flagged potential deductions I was missing for medical expenses paid before his passing. The documentation it generated actually came in handy when I got a notice from the IRS requesting more information - I just sent what taxr.ai had prepared and the issue was resolved. Definitely made a stressful situation much easier to manage.

When I was trying to get my deceased spouse's tax documents last year, I wasted WEEKS trying to get through to someone at SSA. Their phone system is absolutely terrible. After giving up hope, someone told me about Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and they have this service that gets you through to an actual human at the SSA without the crazy wait times. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was about ready to throw my phone through a window after being on hold for hours only to get disconnected repeatedly. Claimyr got me connected to an SSA representative in about 10 minutes. The rep was able to mail out a duplicate 1099-SSA once I explained the situation and provided the death certificate information. Saved me so much frustration!

I have to eat my words about Claimyr. After posting that skeptical comment, I was desperate enough to try it for getting my dad's missing 1099-SSA. I couldn't believe it actually worked! Got connected to an SSA rep in about 15 minutes when I had previously spent 3+ hours on hold over multiple days. The SSA representative was able to verify my identity as the executor and arrange to have a replacement 1099-SSA sent to my address. They also gave me the total benefit amount over the phone so I could go ahead with the tax filing while waiting for the document. The whole call took maybe 20 minutes once I got connected. Definitely worth it for the time saved and stress avoided!

One option nobody mentioned yet - if your dad used a tax preparer in previous years, they might be able to help. My mom's accountant was able to request her final 1099-SSA with the power of attorney they already had on file. Just needed to provide the death certificate.

Has anyone tried using the IRS Transcript service instead? You can request a Wage and Income Transcript as the executor which would show all info reported to the IRS including the SSA benefits. Might be easier than going through SSA directly.

I went through this exact situation with my grandmother's estate two years ago. The IRS Transcript route that Ana mentioned is actually one of the most reliable options - Form 4506-T as the executor will get you a Wage and Income Transcript that includes all the SSA benefit information reported to the IRS. But if you need something faster, I'd recommend the in-person SSA office visit that Victoria suggested. Call ahead to make an appointment and bring your death certificate, letters testamentary, and your ID. They can often print the benefit verification letter on the spot. One thing to keep in mind - if your father received both Social Security retirement benefits AND Medicare premium deductions, make sure whatever document you get shows the net amount actually received, not just the gross benefit amount. The Medicare premiums are deducted before the check is issued, so you want to make sure you're reporting the right taxable amount. Also, don't stress too much about getting the exact form. The IRS is generally understanding about estate situations where original documents aren't available, as long as you can document your efforts to obtain them and use reasonable estimates based on available records.