Isn't W2:for jobs?? I have 1099s.

[teri360]

Sorry if my questions are stupid. My late husband always did our taxes. But why would I get W2s (for jobs) when I've been retired since 2018?? I have 1099s for our Social Security income. We had no other income for 2024.

[xmasbaby0]

Do you only have SSA1099?   If Social Security was your only income for 2024, you are not required to file a tax return unless you have a 1095A for marketplace health insurance.   If you have Medicare you do not have marketplace health insurance.

Who has to file?

http://www.irs.gov/uac/Do-I-Need-to-File-a-Tax-Return%3F

[Vanessa A]

Yes, a W-2 is for a job.  Do you recognize the employers name on the W-2?  Did they come from your previous employer?  Are they dated for 2024?

If you do not recognize these W-2's 1) contact the employer that sent them to see if this was an error and 2) contact the IRS at 800-908-4490.

If you ONLY have social security income, you do not need to file a return, however, you should still investigate why you received the W-2 to be sure it is not a case of ID theft. 

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

@teri360 I replied to your earlier post which was in another thread.   You said you lost your spouse in December and that he always took care of the tax returns.  You should not feel one bit stupid.   Tax returns are hard; in many marriages one spouse takes care of the tax returns, and the other spouse is not involved--until, sadly, now you are.   (I have already instructed my own spouse that he will just have to go to a paid preparer because I know he will not be able to do it if he outlives me.)

But, again, if you have no W-2's, and only have the SSA1099 documents for Social Security for 2024, you do not even have to file a tax return.    If you have any OTHER 1099's like a 1099R from an IRA or a 401k or a pension, that is different so post back if you need more help.

[teri360]

Really? That's good news. Correct, the only income we had for 2024:was Social Security. And a VERY small amount of interest from a small bank acct (about $2). But I thought everyone was supposed to file. I just don't want to get in trouble.

[teri360]

You didn't understand my question. Or maybe I didn't word it properly. I DON'T have any W2s. I don't think I am supposed to have any? Because I retired in 2018 and my late husband retired a few years later. Another person on this forum also said I shouldn't even have to file. So that's good news.

[xmasbaby0]

No----since neither one of you worked for an employer in 2024 you will not have any W-2's.

[teri360]

I have Medicare Advantage from Humana. Is that considered 'marketplace health insurance'? If so, does that mean I DO have to file?? I don't remember seeing a 1095A form from Humana. But will double check.

[DoninGA]

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@teri360 wrote:

I have Medicare Advantage from Humana. Is that considered 'marketplace health insurance'? If so, does that mean I DO have to file?? I don't remember seeing a 1095A form from Humana. But will double check.

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You are on Medicare, that is NOT Marketplace insurance, so you will not be receiving a Form 1095-A.

If the Social Security benefits is the Only income to be reported on the tax return and there is no federal income taxes being withheld, then there is no reason or need to file a tax return..

[teri360]

Thank you for clarifying re my health insurance!!