topic Should a tax return be filed for a person who is deceased when the only income is social security? Income from Jan-May was probably less than $10,000. in Retirement tax questions

Should a tax return be filed for a person who is deceased when the only income is social security? Income from Jan-May was probably less than $10,000.

tommcassell — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:58:00 GMT

My father passed away in May 2022. His only income was from social security. Do I need to file a tax return for him? His income for 2022 was probably less than $10,000.

Re: Should a tax return be filed for a person who is deceased when the only income is social security? Income from Jan-May was probably less than $10,000.

DoninGA — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 19:18:28 GMT

If that was his only income and did not have taxes withheld from the SS benefit then there is no reason to file a tax return for him.

Re: Should a tax return be filed for a person who is deceased when the only income is social security? Income from Jan-May was probably less than $10,000.

Critter-3 — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 23:13:24 GMT

If the Social Security benefits is your ( and your spouse’s if married) only income then there is no need for you to file a tax return UNLESS one or more of these apply :

You had federal/state taxes withheld that can be refunded
You received advance premium tax credit for health insurance from the ACA Marketplace (aka "Obamacare")
You took money out of Health Savings Account (HSA) or Medical Savings Account (MSA).
You are married filing a separate return from your spouse and you lived together during the tax year OR you are filing a joint return and the spouse has income other than SS benefits.