Whether your child was born alive depends on state or local law. There must be proof of a live birth shown by an official document, such as a birth certificate. If you do not have a social security number (SSN) for your child, here are steps to report your child as a dependent in the TaxAct program (if you need help accessing the Dependent section of the Q&A, go to our Dependents - Adding in Program FAQ):

1. From within your TaxAct return (Online or Desktop), click Federal (on smaller devices, click in the top left corner of your screen, then click Federal).
2. Click the Basic Information dropdown, then click Dependents Deceased
3. Click Edit
4. On the next screen enter the date of death.
   
   
   

   If you e-file your return, you will need to attach a PDF of the birth certificate, death certificate, or hospital records for documentation.  If you need help with attachments, go to our Including Attachments With Return FAQ.  If you choose to mail your return to the IRS, you can include printed records when you mail it.