When determining if I must file taxes should I consider my social security as part of my total gross income?

[lodierno]

Have 9k in pension and only other income is Social security  Do I  add this in to determine  total gross income  to see if I have to file a return

[LinaJ2018 · Accepted solution]

It depends.  

• If you are married but file a separate tax return and live with your spouse at any time during the year, then all of your Social Security benefits are considered gross income which may require you to file a tax return. 

• In addition, a portion of your Social Security benefits are included in gross income, regardless of your filing status, in any year the sum of half your Social Security plus all other income, including tax-exempt interest, exceeds $25,000 or $32,000 if you are married filing jointly.