If I am on disability, have one dependent to claim this year, have a mortgage on my home, and do not have any other income should I file a return?

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
January 29, 2020
4 replies
33 views

My son also receives supplemental disability income. He is 10 years old.

TurboTax Online

Best answer by DawnC

If you don't have any earned income, it does not behoove you to file a tax return. Generally, all of the refundable credits, with or without a dependent, require some earned income to qualify.

Benefits such as Social Security Disability Insurance, SSI, or military disability pensions are not considered earned income and cannot be used to claim the EITC. You may qualify for the credit only if you, or your spouse if filing a joint return, have other earned income.

IRS considers disability retirement benefits as earned income until you reach minimum retirement age. The minimum retirement age is the earliest age you could have received a pension or annuity if you did not have a disability. If this is your disability situation, you would probably be eligible for credits with a dependent and should file.

You can disregard your son's income.

DawnC

Answer

Employee Tax Expert

If you don't have any earned income, it does not behoove you to file a tax return. Generally, all of the refundable credits, with or without a dependent, require some earned income to qualify.

You can disregard your son's income.

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b_hoopesAuthor

Level 2

I was a little confused at the last part of the answer. I am only 47 years old, so am not eligible for retirement yet. So does that mean I need to file taxes until I am old enough for my benefits to transfer to a retirement state instead of a disability payment?

b_hoopesAuthor

Level 2

I have family insisting that I should qualify for a homestead refund and want to put the question to rest. Thank you for any advise you can give me in this matter.