If total income is under $ 300, is social security income to be included to determine filing requirement?

[m1451]

Do I have to file a return if I have social security income, but other

income is only a few hundred dollars?

[AnnetteB · Accepted solution]

The answer depends on what filing status you would be using, and the total amount of your Social Security benefits.

You would include your Social Security income to determine whether you are required to file under either of the following circumstances:

1. You would be filing Married Filing Separate and you lived with your spouse at any time during 2016

2. One half of your Social Security benefits plus your other gross income and any tax-exempt interest is more than $25,000 ($32,000 for married filing joint)

If neither of the conditions apply to your situation, then you do not include your Social Security income to determine whether you are required to file a return.

Click on the picture below to see the income filing requirements for 2016.