Do you need to file taxes when you only receive Social Security benefits

[Andreahpt]

I am asking this question on behalf of my mother because I do her taxes. My father passed away this year and unfortunately set it up that my mother would no longer receive his pension following his death.  She will now only be receiving his social security benefits. A friend of hers told her she would no longer need to file federal or state income taxes after this years filing. Is this correct?

[SweetieJean · Accepted solution]

Did he pass in 2020 or 2021? If she received any of his pension in 2020, yes she must file.  But if she gets only SS in 2021 (and does not remarry), no she doesn't need to file a 2021 return in early 2022.

[SweetieJean]

Also, whether he passed in 2020 or 2021, she should still file a Joint return for 2020.  If he passed in 2021, she should file a Joint return for 2021 as well.

[Andreahpt]

My dad passed on 9/2/2020, so I knew I needed to file there joint return and did so yesterday. When my mother informed me that her friend told her she didn't need to file taxes for 2021 and beyond because she would only be getting social security, I wanted to make sure that information was correct. Thank you for confirming that for me.