How much money can a 70 year old make without paying taxes?

Asked by: Addison Kuphal  |  Last update: June 26, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (27 votes)

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.

How much can I earn at age 70 without paying taxes?

If you are at least 65, unmarried, and receive $16,550 or more in nonexempt income in addition to your Social Security benefits, you typically need to file a federal income tax return (tax year 2024).

Do seniors have to file taxes if 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.

At what age is Social Security income no longer taxed?

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.

Do you get a tax break when you turn 70?

There is no elderly tax exemption. You pay income tax if your taxable income is more than your standard deductions. Also, you always pay self-employment tax (15%, social security and medicare) on money earned from working (performing a service or providing goods), even if you are also collecting social security.

Six Exclusive Tax Benefits to Seniors Aged 65 Plus

34 related questions found

Do people over 70 have to pay federal income tax?

Some seniors must pay federal income taxes on their Social Security benefits, depending on their income and filing status. If you have a source of income that is substantially more than what you receive from your Social Security benefits, you will pay federal income taxes on up to 85% of your benefits.

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.

How much can a 70 year old earn without affecting Social Security?

Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, you can get your benefits with no limit on your earnings.

Do you have to pay capital gains after age 70?

The short and simple answer: Age doesn't exempt anyone from capital gains tax.

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.

Do you have to file income tax after the age of 70?

At What Age Can You Stop Filing Taxes? Taxes aren't determined by age, so you will never age out of paying taxes.

At what age can you earn unlimited income on Social Security?

How much can you earn and still get benefits? later, then your full retirement age for retirement insurance benefits is 67. If you work, and are at full retirement age or older, you may keep all of your benefits, no matter how much you earn.

How much money can you make after you turn 70?

Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, there is no limit on how much you can earn and still receive your benefits.

Can I work full time at 70 and collect Social Security?

You can receive benefits even if you still work. Waiting beyond age 70 will not increase your benefits. You can claim your retirement benefits now. Because you are age 70 or older, you will receive no additional benefit increases if you continue to delay claiming them.

What is the income limit for IRS free file?

Getting started with IRS Free File

The IRS Free File income limit for tax year 2022 is $73,000 for families and individuals. Each provider sets their own eligibility requirements, based on age, state residency and income, and offers are available in both English and Spanish.

What income is not taxable?

Unemployment compensation generally is taxable. Inheritances, gifts, cash rebates, alimony payments (for divorce decrees finalized after 2018), child support payments, most healthcare benefits, welfare payments, and money that is reimbursed from qualifying adoptions are deemed nontaxable by the IRS.

When can a person stop 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.

At what age is Social Security no longer taxable?

At what age is Social Security no longer taxed? Social Security income can be subject to federal income tax no matter how old you are. The IRS determines if your Social Security benefits are taxable based on income, not age.

What is the average Social Security check at age 70?

Lastly, about 3.01 million retired workers who were 70 years old in December 2023 collected an average Social Security check totaling $2,037.54. In short, retired workers at age 70 received 57% more per month than the earliest filers. Image source: Getty Images.

What are the three ways you can lose your Social Security?

Indeed, here are three ways you can lose at least part of your Social Security benefit.
  • No. 1: Keep working while taking benefits early. ...
  • No. 2: Be a substantially lower-earning spouse. ...
  • No. 3: Be alive in 2034. ...
  • Social Security still provides an important foundation for retirement.

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.

What type of income reduces Social Security benefits?

Only earned income is taken into consideration when it comes to your Social Security benefits. This means income earned from wages, salaries, and tips from a full-time, part-time, contract, freelance, or self-employed job.

Does selling a house count as income for Social Security?

Income limitations: Selling your home does not directly impact your eligibility for Social Security benefits. However, if you earn income from the sale, it could potentially affect the taxation of your benefits or eligibility for certain assistance programs.