Do I need to file a PA Income Tax Return if I only receive Social Security Benefits and SS is not taxable?

[Heather14 · Accepted solution]

No, if your only income if from Social Security Benefits, you would not be required to file a Pennsylvania state tax return based on their requirements to file.  

If you are a Pennsylvania(PA) resident, nonresident or a part-year PA resident, you must file a  PA tax return if:

• You received total PA gross taxable income in excess of $33, even if no tax is due with your PA return; and/or
• You incurred a loss from any transaction as an individual, sole proprietor, partner in a partnership or PA S corporation shareholder.

Commonly recognized retirement benefits are not taxable for Pennsylvania purposes if you retired and met the requirements for retirement under your employer’s plan. Income from a retirement annuity not sponsored by an employer or not part of an employer’s plan is not considered retirement income. The taxable amount reported for federal income tax purposes is reportable as interest for this type of annuity. 

PA law does not exempt a minor from the above requirements to file a PA tax return even if claimed as a dependent on a federal return.

Please see the following link for more information: Pennsylvania State Tax filing requirements