@DaveF1006 - can you please reconfirm your advice.
say my pension is $9,000 and my social security is $15,000. $9000 + $7500 exceeds $13,850 but why would someone file????? the social security is not taxable in this case. taxable social security doesn't kick in until the combined incomes exceeds $25,000 and it does not in this example.
Simply, if your income, excluding social security, is below $13,850, there is no need to file AS LONG AS there are no withholdings. the only way to get back withholdings is to file. also, state taxes may have a lower limit. (for example, there is no need to file in NC if your income, excluding SS is below $10,000 but you need to file if above that figure.
@Barryea0619 - yes, she can deduct the medical expenses for the nursing home on Schedule A as a itemized deduction. File the income tax( listing her social security and pensions and then fill out the itemized deductions. You can list all the nursing home expenses. Only the part that exceeds 7.5% of the income is deductible. But again, if her pensions are less than $13,850 (do not include social security) and there were no withholdings on the pension there is no need to file the federal return. Rules for the state return may be different. (for example, in NC, the math works at below $10,000 (excluding social security) ...over that and NC filing is required
