NLIC.org

Jerome Said:

taxes on elderly Mothers social security income?

We Answered:

Taxes and your Social Security benefits

Some people have to pay federal income taxes on their Social Security benefits. This usually happens only if you have other substantial income (such as wages, self-employment, interest, dividends and other taxable income that must be reported on your tax return) in addition to your benefits.

No one pays federal income tax on more than 85 percent of his or her Social Security benefits based on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules.

If you:
* file a federal tax return as an "individual" and your combined income* is

between $25,000 and $34,000, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50 percent of your benefits.

more than $34,000, up to 85 percent of your benefits may be taxable.

This site has more detailed information.

Russell Said:

tax on 93 year old seniors income?

We Answered:

No, but not for the reasons that you mention.

Not counting the SS benefits, her income is only $4257. Therefore, her SS benefits are not taxed. Therefore, her total taxable income is only $4257. That, not her age or dementia, is why she does not have to file.

Hypothetically, if she had enough income to be required to file, then filing would be required in spite of her age and dementia. If she personally could not comprehend it, then someone else would fill out the forms for her and just have her sign. If she could not even sign, then someone would be appointed as her guardian or given a power of attorney to do it all for her.