Do I have to file a tax return if my only income is Social Security?
Asked by: Miss Kelly Hyatt | Last update: January 8, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (66 votes)
Do I need to file income tax if I only get Social Security?
In this case, if this is the only income you receive, then your gross income for taxes equals zero, and you usually don't need to file a federal income tax return. But if you do earn other income including certain tax-exempt income, then each year you need to determine whether the total exceeds the filing threshold.
Who does not have to file a tax return?
At a glance
The minimum income amount depends on your filing status and age. In 2023, for example, the minimum for Single filing status if under age 65 is $13,850. If your income is below that threshold, you generally do not need to file a federal tax return.
How much can seniors make and not file taxes?
Taxes aren't determined by age, so you will never age out of paying taxes. People who are 65 or older at the end of 2024 have to file a return for tax year 2024 (which is due in 2025) if their gross income is $16,550 or higher. If you're married filing jointly and both 65 or older, that amount is $32,300.
How much can you earn on Social Security without paying taxes?
If you file your income tax return as an individual with a total income that's less than $25,000, you won't have to pay taxes on your Social Security benefits. Single filers with a combined income of $25,000 to $34,000 must pay income taxes on up to 50% of their Social Security benefits.
Do I have to file a tax return if I only receive Social Security?
Can you get a refund if your only income is Social Security?
You would not be required to file a tax return. But you might want to file a return, because even though you are not required to pay taxes on your Social Security, you may be able to get a refund of any money withheld from your paycheck for taxes.
Who is exempt to senior citizens from filing tax returns?
If Social Security is your sole source of income, then you don't need to file a tax return. However, if you have other income, you may be required to file a tax return depending on the amount of other income. Here are the guidelines.
Who is exempt from filing taxes?
If you earn less than the Standard Deduction for your filing status, you likely don't need to file a tax return. Even if you don't meet the filing threshold, you may still have to file taxes if you have other types of income.
Does Social Security count as income?
Your benefits may be taxable if the total of (1) one-half of your benefits, plus (2) all of your other income, including tax-exempt interest, is greater than the base amount for your filing status.
What is the standard tax deduction for seniors over 65?
For single filers and heads of households age 65 and over, the additional standard deduction will increase slightly — from $1,950 in 2024 (returns you'll file soon in early 2025) to $2,000 in 2025 (returns you'll file in early 2026).
What age do you stop paying taxes on social security?
Social Security income can be taxable no matter how old you are. It all depends on whether your total combined income exceeds a certain level set for your filing status. You may have heard that Social Security income is not taxed after age 70; this is false.
What is the minimum income to not file a tax return?
Not everyone is required to file a tax return, although most Americans must do so, per Internal Revenue Service income requirements. Anyone under the age of 65 by the end of last year must file a return or else they may face penalties. Those filing single should file if their income is above $14,600.
Do seniors still get an extra tax deduction?
Taxpayers 65 and older qualify for an additional standard deduction, reducing their taxable income. The extra deduction amount differs based on filing status and whether the taxpayer or spouse is blind. The IRS updates the deduction amounts annually for inflation, impacting tax filings.
How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?
Specifically, a rumored $16,728 bonus that had people wondering if it was true or not in 2024? Sadly, there's no real “bonus” that retirees who receive Social Security can collect.
When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?
You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement.
Who was the first president to dip into Social Security?
Roosevelt signed the Social Security Bill into law on August 14, 1935, only 14 months after sending a special message to Congress on June 8, 1934, that promised a plan for social insurance as a safeguard "against the hazards and vicissitudes of life." The 32-page Act was the culmination of work begun by the Committee ...
Do I have to pay taxes if my only income is Social Security?
Generally, if Social Security benefits were your only income, your benefits are not taxable and you probably do not need to file a federal income tax return.
Can I get a tax refund if my only income is SSI?
Yes, receiving SSI doesn't prevent you from getting a tax refund, though you're not likely to get a refund unless you qualify for one of the credits discussed above. Read more about tax refunds for disability recipients.
How much money can a retired person make without paying taxes on it?
Standard Deductions for Retirees
The standard deductions for 2024 are $14,600 for single taxpayers and married taxpayers filing separately, $29,200 for married taxpayers filing jointly, and $21,900 for heads of household. You won't owe any taxes if your taxable total income falls below these amounts.
Who gets a tax exempt form?
Examples of potentially exempt organizations are schools, churches, non-profit hospitals, charitable organizations, and PTAs. Note that the renewal period of exemption certificates varies by state and by type of exemption. Some states' exemption certificates do not expire.
What happens if you don't file your taxes but don't owe anything?
Regardless of how much you owe or if you owe anything at all, failure to file entirely could be construed as tax evasion. Tax evasion is a felony which carries a maximum sentence of up to five years and $250,000 in penalties. For this reason, it is always better to be on time when it comes to tax filings.
What tax form do I use if my only income is Social Security?
Download a copy of your 1099 or 1042S tax form so you can report your Social Security income on your tax return. Your 2024 tax form will be available online on February 1, 2025. Most people get a copy in the mail.
Is Social Security considered earned income?
Unearned Income is all income that is not earned such as Social Security benefits, pensions, State disability payments, unemployment benefits, interest income, dividends, and cash from friends and relatives.