IRS incorrectly marked me as deceased - how to fix this mistake?? 🙏

This is actually more common than you'd think! The IRS death master file sometimes gets incorrect information, and it can create a real headache. Here's what you need to do: First, you'll need to gather documentation proving you're alive. This includes your photo ID (driver's license or passport), Social Security card, and a recent utility bill with your name and address. Then you need to complete Form 8822 (Change of Address) even if your address hasn't changed - this forces a review of your records. You should also visit your local Social Security Administration office in person. The death reporting often originates from their database, which then feeds to the IRS. Bring the same documentation. They can issue a letter confirming you're alive that you'll include with your IRS correspondence. For your tax filing, you'll likely need to paper file until this is resolved, as e-filing will continue to reject while you're marked deceased.

After reading your post, I had to share my experience with taxr.ai when I had a similar nightmare situation with the IRS. I was marked as a non-resident alien even though I've been a citizen my whole life, and couldn't get through to anyone at the IRS. I uploaded the confusing IRS letter to https://taxr.ai and they explained exactly what happened and the specific forms I needed. Their system identified that my SSN had been incorrectly flagged in the IRS database and gave me step-by-step instructions for fixing it. The best part was that they analyzed the specific IRS codes on my letter and translated the bureaucratic language into actual English. They explained which department handled these corrections and even provided a template letter to send.

Just came back to update - I tried taxr.ai after seeing the recommendation here, and wow, it was actually really helpful! I was skeptical at first about uploading my "death notice" from the IRS, but they immediately identified which specific IRS unit handles "erroneous death reporting" (something the IRS general line couldn't even tell me). They explained that my situation required both IRS Form 8822 AND a specific letter to the "Entity Control Unit" at the IRS. They even provided a template letter with all the right language to use. Apparently there's a special procedure for these cases that most IRS agents don't even know about. Most importantly, they gave me the direct fax number for expedited processing since I mentioned the upcoming mortgage closing in my situation details. Fingers crossed this gets resolved quickly now that I know exactly what to do!

If you're still struggling to reach someone at the IRS (which is likely with this type of issue), you might want to try https://claimyr.com - I used them when I was dealing with an identity theft issue with the IRS. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c Basically, they hold your place in the IRS phone queue and call you when an actual human agent is about to answer. I was skeptical at first, but I was desperate after trying to get through for weeks. They got me connected to an IRS representative in about 1.5 hours when I had been trying unsuccessfully for days. The IRS rep was able to put notes on my account about the death status issue while I was on the phone. For issues like being incorrectly marked as deceased, you really need to speak directly with an IRS representative who can access your account in real-time.

I'm back and I need to apologize because I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After posting my skeptical comment, I decided to try it because I was desperate (tax deadline approaching and the IRS still had me under an incorrect filing status). I tried calling the IRS myself one more time - waited 2.5 hours and got disconnected. Finally gave in and tried Claimyr. They called me back in about 45 minutes with an IRS agent on the line. The agent was actually really helpful and fixed my issue right away. For anyone dealing with this "deceased taxpayer" problem - getting through to a live person is absolutely critical. They put notes in my account right away marking me as "living" and told me exactly which forms to submit. Saved me weeks of back-and-forth mail correspondence. Definitely worth it when you're in a time crunch like I was.

My sister had this exact problem last year! The death flag on her account came from Social Security, not the IRS directly. She had to: 1. Go to the local Social Security office IN PERSON with her ID (they wouldn't handle it over the phone) 2. Get an official letter stating she was alive 3. Send that letter to the IRS with a cover letter explaining the situation 4. File her taxes by paper (not electronically) with a copy of the SS letter It took about 2 months to get completely fixed in all systems. The most annoying part was that her credit was frozen during this time because the credit bureaus also get death notifications from SSA. She had to visit each credit bureau website and go through their "deceased consumer correction" process too.

This happened to my husband! Turned out someone with the same name actually did die, and somehow their death certificate got linked to his SSN. Complete nightmare. The Taxpayer Advocate Service was super helpful with this. They're an independent organization within the IRS that helps when normal channels aren't working. Here's their info: https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/ You qualify for their help if this issue is causing you significant hardship (like your home purchase being at risk). They can issue an emergency taxpayer assistance order to expedite fixing your records.

I work for a tax resolution firm and see this "erroneous death marker" issue several times a year. Here's what I tell my clients: The fastest resolution path is actually through the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) that Sean mentioned, especially since you have a time-sensitive mortgage closing. Call 1-877-777-4778 and explain that the incorrect death status is creating financial hardship. They can issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order which essentially forces the IRS to prioritize your case. While waiting for TAS to act, simultaneously visit Social Security in person with multiple forms of ID - driver's license, passport, birth certificate if you have it. The SSA death file is often the original source of these errors. For your immediate tax filing needs, you'll have to paper file with a cover letter explaining the situation. Include copies (not originals) of your ID and any correspondence you've received about this issue. Pro tip: When dealing with the mortgage company, get a letter from your tax preparer or CPA confirming that you've filed returns in recent years. This can help demonstrate to underwriters that the death record is clearly erroneous while you're waiting for the government to fix their mistake. Good luck with your closing!

I went through something very similar about 8 months ago! The IRS had me marked as deceased due to what they called a "database synchronization error" with Social Security. Here's what worked for me: First, don't panic about your mortgage closing - I was in the exact same boat and it worked out fine. Contact your loan officer immediately and explain the situation. Most lenders have dealt with this before and can usually work with you as long as you show you're actively resolving it. The absolute fastest route is calling the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 1-877-777-4778 first thing in the morning. Tell them about your home closing timeline - they prioritize cases with financial hardship. I got a callback within 48 hours and they issued an expedited correction order. While waiting for TAS, visit Social Security in person (not online, not by phone - IN PERSON). Bring your driver's license, passport if you have one, and a recent bank statement. They can often update their records same-day, which then flows to the IRS within a few days. For your taxes, you'll need to paper file this year with a cover letter. I included copies of my ID, a letter from my employer, and even a utility bill to prove I was obviously alive and active. The whole mess took about 3 weeks to fully resolve, but the mortgage company was understanding once I showed them the documentation that I was actively fixing it. Hang in there!