Do I need to file?

Leo, in most cases, no.

If Social Security is your only income and you have no other taxable income, you usually do not need to file a federal tax return. Social Security benefits are only taxable if you have other income that pushes you over certain limits.

For a single taxpayer, Social Security becomes taxable only if your total income plus half of your Social Security is over $25,000. If Social Security is truly your only income, you are below that level.

You may still want to file if any of the following apply:

• Federal tax was withheld from your Social Security and you want a refund.
• You received a 1095-A for health insurance through the Marketplace.
• Your state requires a return.
• You had other income not mentioned, such as pensions, interest, or withdrawals from retirement accounts.

If none of those apply, a return is not required.