Should my wife and i file taxes separately if my income was retirement and social security; and her income was pt-time self employment gig work?

[Bsch4477]

Married jointly is almost always the better choice. If you want you can try it both ways to see what the difference is. 

[Hal_Al]

Simple answer: No.  

But taxes aren't simple, so there are rare circumstances when you should.  Based on the limited info you replied the answer is still No, for you.  In particular, the threshold for social security becoming taxable is $0 for those filing separately.