--- title: Do Retired Seniors Have to File Taxes? description: It is a common misconception that retirees don’t have to file taxes; this isn’t always the case. Determining if you should file taxes after retirement depends on several factors like what type of retirement income and investments you have. Learn more. image: https://www.realized1031.com/hubfs/Images/photo/abstract/seniors-graph-contact-IS-1141977907.jpg --- [![Realized 1031 Exchange Marketplace](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Brand/Logo/Realized/Realized-Logo-Black.png?width=240&height=80&name=Realized-Logo-Black.png "Realized 1031 Logo") ](https://www.realized1031.com/) - [Wealth Management Gap](https://www.realized1031.com/the-wealth-management-gap) - [Our Process](https://www.realized1031.com/how-realized-works) - [Financial Advisors](https://www.realized1031.com/advisor) - [Resources](https://www.realized1031.com/resources) - [The Company](https://www.realized1031.com/about-us) - [Articles](https://www.realized1031.com/blog) [Register](https://www.realized1031.com/marketplace) [Log In](https://www.realized1031.com/login) - Better Business Bureau Rating: **A+** - [FINRA BrokerCheck](https://brokercheck.finra.org/firm/summary/22333) - [Call](tel:1-877-797-1031) **(877) 797-1031** # Do Retired Seniors Have to File Taxes? Posted Dec 24, 2022 ![seniors-graph-contact-IS-1141977907](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/photo/abstract/seniors-graph-contact-IS-1141977907.jpg?width=749&height=501&name=seniors-graph-contact-IS-1141977907.jpg) Hitting retirement is a milestone, but it can create uncertainty about your finances. One of the major questions we hear is whether retired seniors have to file taxes. It is a common misconception that retirees don’t have to file taxes; this isn’t always the case. Determining if you should file taxes after retirement depends on several factors like what type of retirement income and investments you have.  ### The Basics  To determine if you should file federal income taxes when you retire and are 65 years old, the IRS looks at your [Adjusted Gross Income ](https://www.realized1031.com/glossary/adjusted-gross-income)(AGI) and [tax-exempt interest income](https://apps.irs.gov/app/understandingTaxes/hows/tax_tutorials/mod03/tt_mod03_glossary.jsp?backPage=tt_mod03_01.jsp).  If the amount you receive in taxable income is over a certain threshold, you will likely need to file a federal income tax return. In 2022, t[he IRS requires retirees filing](https://www.irs.gov/publications/p505) as a single individual to have a taxable income of $14,700 after [deductions](https://www.realized1031.com/blog/how-do-tax-deductions-work). If filing jointly with a spouse who is also over the age of 65 the amount is $28,700. If your partner is under 65, the total is $27,300. The amounts may differ if you file as the head of household or if you are married filing separately. If your taxable income is at or above these amounts, consult a tax advisor to look at your options. ### Taxable income, or AGI, can include:  - Wages from employment or self-employment  - [401(k)](https://www.realized1031.com/glossary/401k) and IRA distributions, not including Roth IRAs  - [Pension](https://www.realized1031.com/blog/is-retirement-pension-considered-income) payments  - Rental income, royalties, and passive business income  - Some interest, dividends, and capital gains, not including from [municipal bonds](https://www.realized1031.com/glossary/municipal-bonds).  - A portion of your Social Security income, depending on your household income.  Items generally not included in AGI are student loan interest, alimony payments, some contributions to retirement accounts, and other deductions.  If you qualify for a refundable credit like the earned income credit or American Opportunity credit, the IRS recommends filing a tax return even if you are below the taxable federal income threshold. This helps the IRS process your refund.  ### What If I Get Social Security Benefits?  As of June 2022,[ nine out of ten citizens over the age of 65](https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/factsheets/basicfact-alt.pdf) receive a social security benefit. Between 2015 and 2050 it is estimated that 56% of these individuals will pay taxes on some of their benefits, according to an [income modeling project](https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/issuepapers/ip2015-02.html) by the Social Security Administration. So, how do you know if you need to pay federal income taxes on your Social Security income?  First, the Social Security Administration will calculate your combined income. This is a total of your AGI, tax-exempt interest payments, and 50% of your social security payment.  [In 2022](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/taxes.html), if you file as an individual and have a combined income of between $25,000 and $34,000, you might have to pay taxes on 50% of your social security income. For an individual combined income of over $34,000, up to 85% of your social security might be taxed. For a joint return, 50% of your benefit can be taxed if your combined income is higher than $32,000. If the combined joint income is over $44,000, 85% will likely be taxed. If social security is your only household income, you are unlikely to have to pay taxes.  Taxes after retirement can sometimes be difficult to understand, and it is always best to consult with a tax professional to go over your finances to see if you need to file a federal tax return. The guidelines for state taxes for seniors vary, and a tax advisor can also help you determine if you need to file taxes in your state.    This material is for general information and educational purposes only. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions. Realized does not provide tax or legal advice. This material is not a substitute for seeking the advice of a qualified professional for your individual situation. Sources:  [https://apps.irs.gov/app/understandingTaxes/hows/tax_tutorials/mod03/tt_mod03_glossary.jsp?backPage=tt_mod03_01.jsp](https://apps.irs.gov/app/understandingTaxes/hows/tax_tutorials/mod03/tt_mod03_glossary.jsp?backPage=tt_mod03_01.jsp) [https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/factsheets/basicfact-alt.pdf](https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/factsheets/basicfact-alt.pdf) [https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/issuepapers/ip2015-02.html](https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/issuepapers/ip2015-02.html) [https://www.irs.gov/publications/p505](https://www.irs.gov/publications/p505) [https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-02471#:~:text=You%20must%20pay%20taxes%20on,income%E2%80%9D%20of%20more%20than%20%2432%2C000](https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-02471#:~:text=You%20must%20pay%20taxes%20on,income%E2%80%9D%20of%20more%20than%20%2432%2C000). Learn Ways to Help Reduce or Defer Taxes [![Learn Tax-Deferred Strategies](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/UI/graphics/composites/IPWM-Tax-ebook-250b.png?width=250&height=295&name=IPWM-Tax-ebook-250b.png "Discover ways to potentially ...") ](https://www.realized1031.com/blog/do-retired-seniors-have-to-file-taxes#blogform) Download eBook ---   --- ### Learn Tax-Deferred Strategies ![Learn Ways to Help Reduce or Defer Taxes](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/UI/graphics/composites/IPWM-Tax-ebook-550a.jpg?width=550&height=600&name=IPWM-Tax-ebook-550a.jpg) Discover ways to potentially grow wealth by managing taxes. By providing your email and phone number, you are opting to receive communications from Realized. If you receive a text message and choose to stop receiving further messages, reply STOP to immediately unsubscribe. Msg & Data rates may apply. To manage receiving emails from Realized visit the Manage Preferences link in any email received. Search ### [Why Realized](https://www.realized1031.com/why-realized) - [Wealth Management](https://www.realized1031.com/the-wealth-management-gap) - [Why Realized](https://www.realized1031.com/why-realized) - [Our Process](https://www.realized1031.com/how-realized-works) - [Scenarios](https://www.realized1031.com/scenarios) - [Private Client Program](https://www.realized1031.com/private-client) - [Realized Exchange Services](https://www.realized1031.com/realized-exchange-services) ### [The Company](https://www.realized1031.com/about-us) - [The Team](https://www.realized1031.com/about-us) - [FAQ](https://www.realized1031.com/frequently-asked-questions) - [Testimonials](https://www.realized1031.com/testimonials) - [Press](https://www.realized1031.com/press) - [Careers](https://www.realized1031.com/careers) ### [Partners](https://www.realized1031.com/partners) - [Financial Advisors](https://www.realized1031.com/advisor) - [Broker Dealers](https://www.realized1031.com/partners/broker-dealers) - [Real Estate Agents](https://www.realized1031.com/partners/real-estate-agents) - [Certified Public Accountants](https://www.realized1031.com/partners/certified-public-accountants) ### [Resources](https://www.realized1031.com/resources) - #### Learn - [Articles](https://www.realized1031.com/blog) - [Glossary of Terms](https://www.realized1031.com/glossary) - [Capital Gains Tax Rates](https://www.realized1031.com/capital-gains-tax-rate) - #### Watch - [Video Library](https://www.realized1031.com/videos) - [Webinar Archive](https://www.realized1031.com/webinars) - #### Read - [Delaware Statutory Trust](https://www.realized1031.com/delaware-statutory-trust) - [Tenants-In-Common](https://www.realized1031.com/tenants-in-common-tic) - [1031 Exchange](https://www.realized1031.com/1031-exchange) - [Qualified Intermediary](https://www.realized1031.com/qualified-intermediary) - [Qualified Opportunity Zones](https://www.realized1031.com/opportunity-zones) #### Realized - 500 W 13th Street Austin, TX 78701 - (877) 797-1031 ##### [Contact Us](https://www.realized1031.com/contact-us) - [![Realized on Facebook](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/UI/Social/Icons/Mix/social-facebook-whiterev.png?width=60&height=60&name=social-facebook-whiterev.png)](https://www.facebook.com/Realized/) - [![Realized on LinkedIn](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/UI/Social/Icons/Mix/social-linkedin-whiterev.png?width=60&height=60&name=social-linkedin-whiterev.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/realized/) - [![Realized on YouTube](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/UI/Social/Icons/Mix/social-youtube-whiterev.png?width=60&height=60&name=social-youtube-whiterev.png)](https://www.youtube.com/c/Realized1031?sub_confirmation=1) - [![Realized Holdings, Inc. BBB Business Review](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/professional-assoc/bbb/RZH2-bbb-seal.png?width=40&height=65&name=RZH2-bbb-seal.png)](http://www.bbb.org/central-texas/business-reviews/real-estate-investors/realized-holdings-llc-in-austin-tx-1000112948/#bbbonlineclick) - [![FEA Logo](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/professional-assoc/fea/RZH2-fea-logo.png?width=82&height=65&name=RZH2-fea-logo.png "FEA Logo")](https://www.1031.org) SECURITIES DISCLOSURE Realized1031.com is a website operated by Realized Technologies, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Realized Holdings, Inc. (“Realized Holdings”). Securities and/or Investment Advisory Services may be offered through Registered Representatives or Investment Advisor Representatives of Realized Financial, Inc. ("Realized"), a broker/dealer, member [FINRA](https://www.finra.org)/[SIPC](https://www.sipc.org/), and registered investment adviser. Realized is a subsidiary of Realized Holdings, Inc. ("Realized Holdings"). Check the background of this firm on [FINRA's BrokerCheck](https://brokercheck.finra.org/firm/summary/22333). Hypothetical example(s) are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to represent the past or future performance of any specific investment. Investing in alternative assets involves higher risks than traditional investments and is suitable only for sophisticated investors. Alternative investments are often sold by prospectus that discloses all risks, fees, and expenses. They are not tax efficient and an investor should consult with his/her tax advisor prior to investing. Alternative investments have higher fees than traditional investments and they may also be highly leveraged and engage in speculative investment techniques, which can magnify the potential for investment loss or gain and should not be deemed a complete investment program. The value of the investment may fall as well as rise and investors may get back less than they invested. This site is published for residents of the United States who are accredited investors only. Registered Representatives and Investment Advisor Representatives may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed until appropriate registration is obtained or exemption from registration is determined. Not all of services referenced on this site are available in every state and through every representative listed. For additional information, please contact the Realized Compliance department at 512-472-7171 or info@realized1031.com. - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.realized1031.com/terms-and-conditions) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.realized1031.com/privacy-policy) - [Form CRS](https://www.realized1031.com/hubfs/common-files/disclosures/FormCRS.pdf) - [ADV 2A](https://www.realized1031.com/hubfs/common-files/disclosures/ADV2A.pdf) - [Reg BI Disclosures](https://www.realized1031.com/hubfs/common-files/disclosures/RegBI.pdf) -   © 2026 Realized Holdings, Inc. ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org/", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleBody" : "Hitting retirement is a milestone, but it can create uncertainty about your finances. One of the major questions we hear is whether retired seniors have to file taxes. It is a common misconception that retirees don’t have to file taxes; this isn’t always the case. Determining if you should file taxes after retirement depends on several factors like what type of retirement income and investments you have. The Basics To determine if you should file federal income taxes when you retire and are 65 years old, the IRS looks at your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and tax-exempt interest income. If the amount you receive in taxable income is over a certain threshold, you will likely need to file a federal income tax return. In 2022, the IRS requires retirees filing as a single individual to have a taxable income of $14,700 after deductions. If filing jointly with a spouse who is also over the age of 65 the amount is $28,700. If your partner is under 65, the total is $27,300. The amounts may differ if you file as the head of household or if you are married filing separately. If your taxable income is at or above these amounts, consult a tax advisor to look at your options. Taxable income, or AGI, can include: Wages from employment or self-employment 401(k) and IRA distributions, not including Roth IRAs Pension payments Rental income, royalties, and passive business income Some interest, dividends, and capital gains, not including from municipal bonds. A portion of your Social Security income, depending on your household income. Items generally not included in AGI are student loan interest, alimony payments, some contributions to retirement accounts, and other deductions. If you qualify for a refundable credit like the earned income credit or American Opportunity credit, the IRS recommends filing a tax return even if you are below the taxable federal income threshold. This helps the IRS process your refund. What If I Get Social Security Benefits? As of June 2022, nine out of ten citizens over the age of 65 receive a social security benefit. Between 2015 and 2050 it is estimated that 56% of these individuals will pay taxes on some of their benefits, according to an income modeling project by the Social Security Administration. So, how do you know if you need to pay federal income taxes on your Social Security income? First, the Social Security Administration will calculate your combined income. This is a total of your AGI, tax-exempt interest payments, and 50% of your social security payment. In 2022, if you file as an individual and have a combined income of between $25,000 and $34,000, you might have to pay taxes on 50% of your social security income. For an individual combined income of over $34,000, up to 85% of your social security might be taxed. For a joint return, 50% of your benefit can be taxed if your combined income is higher than $32,000. If the combined joint income is over $44,000, 85% will likely be taxed. If social security is your only household income, you are unlikely to have to pay taxes. Taxes after retirement can sometimes be difficult to understand, and it is always best to consult with a tax professional to go over your finances to see if you need to file a federal tax return. The guidelines for state taxes for seniors vary, and a tax advisor can also help you determine if you need to file taxes in your state. This material is for general information and educational purposes only. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions. Realized does not provide tax or legal advice. This material is not a substitute for seeking the advice of a qualified professional for your individual situation. Sources: https://apps.irs.gov/app/understandingTaxes/hows/tax_tutorials/mod03/tt_mod03_glossary.jsp?backPage=tt_mod03_01.jsp https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/factsheets/basicfact-alt.pdf https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/issuepapers/ip2015-02.html https://www.irs.gov/publications/p505 https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-02471#:~:text=You%20must%20pay%20taxes%20on,income%E2%80%9D%20of%20more%20than%20%2432%2C000.", "articleSection" : [ "Tax" ], "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "email" : "marketing@realized1031.com", "image" : "", "name" : "The Realized Team", "url" : "https://www.realized1031.com/blog/author/the-realized-team" }, "dateModified" : "2022-12-24T13:00:00+0000", "datePublished" : "2022-12-24T13:00:00+0000", "description" : "It is a common misconception that retirees don’t have to file taxes; this isn’t always the case. Determining if you should file taxes after retirement depends on several factors like what type of retirement income and investments you have. Learn more.", "headline" : "Do Retired Seniors Have to File Taxes?", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 501, "url" : "https://733513.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/733513/Images/photo/abstract/seniors-graph-contact-IS-1141977907.jpg", "width" : 749 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://www.realized1031.com/blog/do-retired-seniors-have-to-file-taxes", "name" : "Do Retired Seniors Have to File Taxes?", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "USA", "addressLocality" : "Austin", "addressRegion" : "TX", "postalCode" : "78701", "streetAddress" : "500 W 13th Street " }, "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 60, "url" : "http://www.realized1031.com/hubfs/Images/Brand/Logo/Realized/Realized-Logo-Black-No-Margin-296x60-AMP.png", "width" : 296 }, "name" : "Realized" }, "thumbnailUrl" : "https://733513.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/733513/Images/photo/abstract/seniors-graph-contact-IS-1141977907.jpg" } ```