If one spouse gets Social Security Disability and the other one works do we have to file together?

File Taxes together?If one spouse gets Social Security Disability and the other one works do we have to file together?
SSI is different from social security. SSI doesn't have to be reported - social security does. SSI isn't taxable, social security might be partially taxable or not depending on other income.





No, you never have to file a joint return. But filing as married filing separately will very likely cost you MORE in taxes.If one spouse gets Social Security Disability and the other one works do we have to file together?
As a married couple, you have the option of filing as ';Married filing Jointly'; or as ';Married filing Separately';. However, if you file as ';Married filing Separately';, if one of you itemizes, the other must do so also.


As a general rule, filing as a married couple will result in a better tax break as opposed to filing separately.


Prepare your return(s) both ways and see which is better.
You're not REQUIRED to file together. You should consult a tax advisor, or run it both ways using your favorite tax preparation software.
Being married and together, your choices are to file MFJ or MFS. Generally it is more beneficial to file jointly, but you can always try it both ways. This is particulary true if you own a home and itemize, as if one itemizes, the other must also. If you don't itemize, and don't get EIC or education or child tax credits, MFS could be fine, but those credits aren't available on MFS returns.





You seem to be confusing SSI and SS Disability.
you can file married jointly or married speratly... depending on the figures, and other criteria, it is sometimes best to file jointly... go ahead and figure it out both ways and see which one is best first before filing
you don't have to file together
If one of you itemizes, the other spouse also has to itemize, that's true.





But also if you are receiving social security and file separate returns and live with your spouse, 85% of your social security will be taxable even if it is not when filing a joint return.


Here is the link. see pages 5 and 6





http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p915.pdf





I know the difference between SSI and SSDI. I assumed the questioner is talking about SSDI which could be taxable. SSDI is funded by our FICA taxes. SSI is not. Its funded by general tax revenues and is basically a federal welfare system.