Dear Liz: I disagree with the tax advice you gave to the 85-year-old lady and her husband, age 87, who hadn’t filed a tax return in the last three to five years. Maybe their combined income is so low they don’t have to file. Did you consider that? If not, you should. Not everyone needs a tax adviser to add two Social Security income forms together and determine that, “No, hon, we don’t have to file.”
Answer: That was actually my first thought. But the fact that the writer said her spouse hadn’t “paid” their income tax in several years indicates they may have owed taxes prior to that point, and that filing tax returns had been routine.
Many people in their 80s don’t have to file federal tax returns because their income is too low. For the 2025 tax year, singles 65 and over with gross incomes under $15,750 don’t need to file. The limit is $31,500 if one member of a married couple is 65 or older and $34,700 if both spouses are 65 or older.
But it would be dangerous and irresponsible to assume that just because someone is older, they no longer owe taxes. The free Tax-Aide service mentioned in the previous column can assess the couple’s situation and provide reassurance if they don’t need to file or help if they do.
Today’s top story: What retirees need to know about the new Social Security deadline. Also in the news: States with no income tax, tax breaks for getting older, and why you need an “Armageddon Fund.” 