Tax Year 2026
Do I need to file taxes if Social Security is my only income?
Generally, no.
Benefits alone aren’t taxable and don’t trigger a filing requirement. Other income can change that.
When Benefits Alone = No Filing
Social Security only becomes partially taxable when your combined income (AGI + tax-exempt interest + ½ your benefits) tops $25,000 single or $32,000 married filing jointly. Benefits by themselves never reach that test.
With Other Income: 2026 Thresholds (65+)
Single$18,150
Head of Household$26,200
Married Filing Jointly (both 65+)$35,500
New for 2025–2028
Taxpayers 65+ get a bonus deduction of up to $6,000 each (income limits apply) — many seniors who owed a little now owe nothing. But note: whether you must file is based on gross income, not on whether you owe.
One Myth to Retire
There’s no age at which filing automatically stops. It’s income-based at 25 and at 95.