I went here https://itap1.for.irs.gov/owda/0/investigate/WhoMustFile_ITA/en-US/ScreenOrder~Main~qs%24summary%24global%24global and plugged in her data. This time I put 24,500 SS and 6250 IRA distri...
See more...
I went here https://itap1.for.irs.gov/owda/0/investigate/WhoMustFile_ITA/en-US/ScreenOrder~Main~qs%24summary%24global%24global and plugged in her data. This time I put 24,500 SS and 6250 IRA distribution. Then 1/2 of SS (=$1250) + 6250 = 1850 total gross income. Answered all the questions and it put this out. --- You are required to file a tax return for 2025. Your return's gross income is equal to, or exceeds, $17,750.00 (Edit add me, now that 17,750 is the standard deduction filing single for 2025, end Edit add me) What tax year are you asking about? 2025 What is your filing status for 2025? Single Did you receive SS benefits in 2025? Yes What total of SS benefits from box 5 of Form SSA-1099? $24,500 What total amount of wages, interest and other taxable income? $6,200 Did you have any tax-exempt interest in 2025? No Can you be claimed as dependent on other taxpayer's return? No Were you age 65 or older as of January 1, 2026? Yes What was your gross income in 2025? $18,500 --- But yet if you look here, https://itap1.for.irs.gov/owda/0/resource/WhoMustFile_ITA/en-US/help/grinc2021.html It says --- Include part of your SS benefits on total gross income IF: 1. Married, filing separate and lived with spouse during year; OR 2. Half of SS benefits plus other gross income IS MORE than $25,000. --- So again one scenario says you must file IF you exceed the Standard Deduction of 17,750 total gross income. And then yet another says Only if Half of SS benefits plus other gross income IS MORE than $25,000. So go figure, seems like the IRS and the Tax consultants have a money making scheme going that others are not privy to.