If I file my tax return as married filing separately, and my wife's only income is from social security, can she skip filing?

[mplobel9]

My wife and I have always filed jointly.

General rules say someone with no taxable income may skip filing a return.

If my wife's only income is social security, can she skip filing, even if I file as married filing separately?

[Leonard · Accepted solution]

Generally, your Social Security Income is not taxable, however, there is an exception. If you are Married Filing Separately (MFS) and if you lived together at any point during the year then this exclusion does not apply. In this case, you must include all Social Security income if over $5 and you are required to file a return.

Generally, you will receive a larger tax benefit if you file married jointly and this may be true in your situation.

You may want to prepare your return both ways, without filing  to see which way gives you the best benefit.

[edited 3/11/19 | 9:15 PM EST]

[mplobel9]

The answer to my question arrived as "xxxx."  Sorry, but "xxxx" is not an answere.

[Leonard]

Answer was resent xxxx was not answer sorry for any confusion

[mplobel9]

I must be looking in the wrong place, TurboTaxLeonard. Your reply about "confusion" still doesn't answer my question.

[mplobel9]

Oops, I found the answer. Thanks.

[SweetieJean]

If your wife's only income is Social Security, she MUST claim it on Married Filing Separately return.

[SweetieJean]

The rules say you do not have to claim Social Security if that is your only JOINT income.

However, Soc Sec must be claimed on a Married Filing Separately return if you lived together at any point during 2018. See these:

https://faq.ssa.gov/en-US/Topic/article/KA-02471

https://www.thebalance.com/social-security-benefits-3193080

[SweetieJean]

Also expand the first question here and see the answer:
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/faqs/social-security-income">https://www.irs.gov/faqs/social-security-income</a>