Submitted By: Helen
Answered: April 15, 2014 8:30 am

Is the $255 death benefit from Social Security that I received when my spouse died taxable?

No. This lump-sum death payment is tax free.

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Tax Glossary

Tax deferral

Shifting income to a later year, such as where you defer taxable interest to the following year by purchasing a T-bill or savings certificate maturing after the end of the current year. Investments in qualified retirement plans provide tax deferral.

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