Generally, if their only income is from Social Security benefits, a tax return for the deceased individual would not have to be filed. However, if the deceased person received other income as well, a portion of the Social Security income may be taxable.
For tax year 2020, a return will have to be filed if:
- they are unmarried,
- they are at least 65 years of age, and
- their gross income is $14,050 or more.
However, if they lived on Social Security benefits alone, you don't include this in gross income. If this was the only income they received, then their gross income equals zero, and you don't have to file a federal income tax return for them.
If the individual was married, the surviving spouse can elect to file a joint return and report both the deceased’s and surviving spouse’s income, deductions and credits.
You can read more information on the IRS page Decedent Tax Guide.
Please also go to the IRS link How Do I File a Deceased Person's Tax Return? to help determine how to file their return and who should file on their behalf.
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