Should I file jointly even if my husband is on disability and does not have earned income?

[helenbache]

My husband is not required to file taxes on SSI and does not have an earned income.  Should I file separately or jointly?

[Mike9241]

yes. if married on 12/31/2020, you can file jointly even if your spouse has no income to report. in your situation the taxes MFS would be higher than those filing on a joint return.  

[VolvoGirl]

Does he get Social Security or SSDI or ssi?  ssi is not the same as social security.   Did he get a SSA-1099 for it?  Joint should be the best way to file.  You have to enter his SSA-1099.   If you file separately he would still have to file his own return and report the SSA-1099.  Even with no other income it might be taxable.  

Enter a SSA-1099, SSA-1099-SM or RRB-1099 under

Federal Taxes on the left side or top

Wages and Income

Then scroll down to Retirement Plans and Social Security

Then the second line - Social Security (SSA-1099. RRB-1099) - click the Start or Revisit button

Up to 85% of Social Security becomes taxable when all your other income plus 1/2 your social security, reaches:

Married Filing Jointly: $32,000

Single or head of household: $25,000

Married Filing Separately: 0