If I did not work at all last year do I file taxes?

[cmtcmtjr]

My wife files married but separate and usually has to wait for me to do my taxes to get her refund but I didn’t work last year do i still do taxes or no?

[DoninGA]

If you did receive any type of taxable income in 2024 then there is no need or reason to file a 2024 tax return.

[xmasbaby0]

You should be filing a joint return.    You can file a joint return even if one spouse had little or no income, and that way you get the married filing jointly standard deduction amount of $29,200 and more child-related credits, etc.  Married filing separately is usually the worst way to file.

If you were legally married at the end of 2024 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately.

Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $29,200 (+ $1550 for each spouse 65 or older)  for 2024. You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care credit, and a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit. 

If you choose to file married filing separately, both spouses have to file the same way—either you both itemize or you both use standard deduction. Your tax rate will be higher than on a joint return.

 Some of the special rules for filing separately include: you cannot get earned income credit, education credits, adoption credits, or deductions for student loan interest. A higher percent of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. Your limit for SALT (state and local taxes and sales tax) will be only $5000 per spouse. In many cases you will not be able to take the child and dependent care credit. The amount you can contribute to a retirement account will be affected. If you live in a community property state, you will be required to provide additional information regarding your spouse’s income. ( Community property states:  AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI)

 If  you are using online TurboTax to prepare your returns, you will need to prepare two separate returns and pay twice since with online, you get one return per fee.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-married-filing-jointly-vs-married-filing-separately

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901162-married-filing-separately-in-community-property-states

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-separ...

[Vanessa A]

It depends.  If you received Social Security and had a pension or unemployment income, then you still may need to file a return.  If your income is more than the standard deduction of $14,600 for the year, then you would need to file.

Since you are married filing separately 85% of social security is taxable.  You would add that to any of your other income to determine if you need to file.

If you have no income at all then no, you do not need to file.  

With no income, it could be advantageous for you and your wife to file a joint return this year. It would increase the standard deduction and lower her overall tax liability.  It would also allow you to claim certain tax deductions and credits that are not available to people who choose the married filing separately option.