How can executor get parent's Social Security 1099 statement for taxes after death?

Yes, as the executor you can definitely get your mother's SSA-1099. You have a few options:1. Visit your local Social Security office in person with your executor documents and your ID. They can print it on the spot.2. Send a written request with proof of your executor status to your local SSA office.3. If your mother had a my Social Security account online, you might be able to access it with her credentials (though this isn't officially recommended).The SSA typically mails 1099s in January for the previous year's benefits, so you won't see one for 2024 benefits until January 2025. For a mid-year death, you'll need to request it specifically.

Thank you for this information! Do I need her death certificate when I go to the local office? And do you know if they'll give me a statement just for those 4 months, or do I have to wait until January?

when my dad died last year we had the same problem! i went to the SS office with the death certificate but they made me come back with the letters testamentary to prove i was executor it was a huge pain

This is why I HATE dealing with the SSA!! They make everything so complicated and act like they're doing us a favor when WE paid into the system our whole lives!!! My husband and I went through something similar when his father passed and they kept sending us to different departments. RIDICULOUS!

As the executor, you have a legal right to this information. Here's the proper procedure:1. Bring your Letters Testamentary or other court documents appointing you as executor2. Bring the death certificate3. Bring your own photo ID4. Request form SSA-1099 for the partial yearFor a death in April 2024, you'll need what's called a \

This is exactly what I needed to know! I'll gather these documents and head to our local office. Hopefully they can help me without another 3-hour wait...

The same thing happened when my aunt died in February. I tried calling and calling but never got through. When I finally went to the office, they said I should have come in sooner! So frustrating!

I've found a service called Claimyr that can help you get through to SSA without the ridiculous wait times. I was skeptical but it actually worked when I needed to contact them about my disability review. They basically wait on hold for you then call you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration. Check out their video demo at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU or visit claimyr.com - it was absolutely worth it for me after spending days trying to get through on my own.

just so you know, the amount of SS income will also be on the payment stubs or direct deposit records if you have access to your moms bank account. you might not need to wait for the official form if you just need the numbers for planning purposes

That's a good point! I do have access to her accounts as executor. I'll check her statements to at least get a ballpark figure while I work on getting the official document. Thanks!

did ur mom have Medicare too? cuz that complicates things, they take Medicare premiums out of SS checks and you have to account for that on taxes

Yes, she did have Medicare. I hadn't even thought about the premium deductions. This is getting more complicated than I expected...

One additional note: if you're handling her final tax return, remember that Social Security benefits are only taxable if her combined income exceeds certain thresholds. For a single filer, if her combined income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of Social Security benefits) was between $25,000 and $34,000, up to 50% of benefits are taxable. Above $34,000, up to 85% may be taxable.Since she only received 4 months of benefits, this might not reach taxable levels depending on her other income. The worksheet in the 1040 instructions will walk you through this calculation.

That's really helpful information. Her income was fairly modest, so it's possible none of the SS benefits will be taxable. I'll definitely use that worksheet once I have all the numbers. Thank you!

The EXACT same thing happened to me last year and I ended up having to FILE AN EXTENSION because social security couldn't get me the form in time!!! Then they had the nerve to tell me I should have requested it sooner. HOW WOULD I KNOW THAT?? Nobody tells you these things until it's too late!

I know right? They expect us to be mind readers! My tax guy said this happens all the time and the IRS actually understands even if SSA doesn't.

I was in a similar situation and found that reaching a Social Security agent is almost impossible with their main line. Have you considered trying the service I mentioned earlier? Several people in my executor support group have used it to get through for estate matters. It saved me from taking a day off work to visit the office in person. Just another option if the office visit doesn't work out.

I'll keep that service in mind if I run into more roadblocks. Right now I'm planning to try the local office first with all my documents, but it's good to know there are options for getting through by phone if needed. Thanks!

One more tip - if you do go to the local SSA office, try to be there 30 minutes before they open. Most offices now have a

this is super important advice!! my local office starts lining up at like 7:30am even tho they dont open till 9. its crazy

Wow, I had no idea it was that bad. I'll definitely plan to get there early. Thanks for the heads up!