SALEM, Ohio - For the third time, a Salem woman is being declared dead when she isn't.

79-year-old Cynthia Buckman found the mistake after her taxes were rejected for the second year in a row.

“We're not getting a refund again because I'm declared dead for the third darn time,” said Buckman. “I just think this is wrong. I mean, anyone can make a mistake once, but this is the third time.”

“So obviously someone, or both agencies are incompetent because they don't fully correct the mistake,” said Buckman. "You should have checks and balances. How can you declare someone dead if they do not have a death certificate?”

An IRS spokesperson told 21 News the problem typically stems from Social Security, which needs to be fixed first. Once fixed, the spokesperson says to go to a nearby tax assistance center to get everything straightened out, which you can find at IRS.gov.

Buckman also reached out to the IRS, who pointed her to social security. Buckman said she thought all the past problems with social security were solved.

“I thought everything was fixed. I mean, I got my insurance back, all my dental vision, everything there seems fixed, but obviously something isn't fixed,” said Buckman.

Buckman is now waiting to hear back from social security. In the meantime, she is refiling her taxes in the mail, with hopes that she won't get rejected again.

“Maybe they'll finally realize I am alive, and let's hope they can get it right,” said Buckman.

After years of stress, Buckman said she's had enough.

“I'm a retired nurse. If I made that many mistakes, I would have been sued by now and lost my license,” said Buckman.