On Social Security: do I need to file?

Nothing you enter is saved or sent. Everything stays on this page.

How the test works

Add half of your Social Security benefits to all your other income, including tax-exempt interest. That is your combined income. If it's more than the base amount ($25,000 for single, head of household and qualifying surviving spouse, $32,000 married filing jointly, $0 married filing separately if you lived with your spouse at any time), part of your benefits may be taxable. Up to 85% can be taxable above $34,000 ($44,000 joint). Source: Publication 915 (tax year 2025).

Two extra deductions if you're 65 or older

Additional standard deduction: $2,050 if single or head of household ($1,650 for each married spouse) for tax year 2026 and $2,000 if single or head of household ($1,600 for each married spouse) for 2025. It's already built into the higher filing threshold for people 65 and older.

Senior deduction: up to $6,000 per person 65 or older for tax years 2025 through 2028, whether you itemize or not. It's reduced by 6% of modified AGI over $75,000 ($150,000 married filing jointly), needs a valid Social Security number, and married couples must file jointly to claim it. It lowers taxable income but doesn't change whether you have to file.