Alabama, do I need to file?

[Coffee49]

My return comes out as $0. Do I still need to file? If so can I print it and mail it instead of paying $40 to efile a $0 return? If so how do I do this? I don't owe and I am not getting a refund. I only want to pay to efile federal.

I read for Alabama if gross income is under $10,500 for married filing jointly you don't need to file. Where is the gross income found? I can't view return until I pay but I don't want to pay &40 to file a $0 return. We have retirement and social security but it says the social security is not counted/taxable. So do I have to count the social security in the gross income?

[LenaH]

No. Alabama fully exempts Social Security retirement benefits from income taxes. In addition, there are certain retirement plans that are exempt. 

For a list of exempt retirement plans, please see Income Exempt from Alabama Income Taxation

As per the State of Alabama, you must file a resident Alabama return if you are married filing joint and your gross income was above $10,500. I have attached a reference guide for additional guidance. 

Generally, gross income usually means money, goods, and property you received on which you must pay tax. It does not include nontaxable benefits, such as social security. It could possibly include your retirement income. 

If all of your gross wages is under $10,500, then you do not have to file. 

[Coffee49]

Thank you! Income is social security and United States Government Retirement Fund benefits.