Do you have to file if your income under 24k and on only social security?

If the Social Security benefits are the Only income to be reported on the tax return, then there is no reason or need to file a tax return.

If you only get Social Security or SSDI it is not taxable and you don't have to file a return.  If you are married and your spouse has income you do have to file the Social Security.  

If your income is ONLY $24,000 of Social Security, then no, you would not need to file.

 

If your income is $24,000 in addition to Social Security, then yes, you would need to file a return. 

 

Basically if your taxable income is more than your standard deduction below, you will need to file a tax return.

 

The 2023 Standard Deductions are as follows:

• Married Filing Joint (MFJ)              $27,700
• Married Filing Separate (MFS)      $13,850
• Head of Household (HOH)             $20,800 
• Single                                                     $13,850
• Both over 65 MFJ                           
• Over 65 Single                                 
• Over 65 HOH                                 

Blind and MFJ or MFS add $1,500

Single or HOH if blind add $1,850

 

If you fall into the following, 85% of your social security is taxable income

• Single with income above $34,000
• Married Filing Jointly with income above $44,000
• Married Filing Separate regardless of income

If you fall into the following, 50% of your social security is taxable income

• Single with combined income between $25,000-$34,000
• Married Filing Jointly with combined income between $32,000 and $44,000

Your combined income is calculated by adding your

• AGI plus
• Nontaxable Interest plus
• 1/2 of your social security Benefits

Social Security Benefits Taxes