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.
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