i do my taxes each year for my 96 yr old mom. she is on a pretty limited fixed income comprised primarily of SS. Her gross income tops out at about $36k or so. About 80% of this is Soc Sec income, and OR doesn't tax Soc Sec income. She hasn't had to pay any tax for at least 10 yrs. Can any tax experts out there tell me - do I even need to bother to file a return for her? Would love to not have to.
One other potential consideration: there is a reasonable chance that this year, maybe next, i will need to sell her home to move her into a care facility. so i will need to file at that point due to the house transaction. With that likely ahead for me, would it make sense just to go ahead and file this year? Not sure if the IRS would find it unusual if I skipped a year. I kind of doubt it would raise a flag but thought i would pose the question.
thanks.
