Income tax questions..

[C.Ann]

So far I have received nothing from anyone.. Before my DH passed away last January he received one Social Security check.. The only other income I have had since then is a small veteran's widows pension check since the end of May..

Am I supposed to get statements from SS for that one check and a statement from the VA for the widows pension?

I have called the VA numerous times and quite frankly, the people they have working there couldn't possibly have more than a 3rd grade education.. They know NOTHING about anything.. I have had to quote them official information that I have been able to obtain via the internet and they still don't have a clue what I'm talking about..

Does anyone know if I need to file and what is taxable? If I recall correctly, I can still claim my DH as a dependent because he didn't pass until January 17th of 2005.. I'm just not sure if my income from the past year is taxable or not..

Any info would be greatly appreciated.. Thanks!

 

[BuckNaked]

If your DH died in 2004, you can't claim him on your 2005 taxes. As for the SS and VA benefits, I don't know, but you could probably find it on the IRS site.

 

[disneyfanforever]

If your husband passed away in January 2005, you would still file married filing jointly for 2005.

I am not sure but I would think you would be receiving a Social Security statement for what he received even if only one check. As far as the VA, I would think they also would be required by law to send you a 1099 stating what you received during the year.

To determine if you need to file or not, you need to determine whether or not your gross income is greater than $10,000 (married filing jointly standard deduction which is increased if either of you are over 65) plus $6400 (you and your DH personal exemptions).

To all of you tax professionals, please feel free to correct me if I am incorrect (this is only my 2nd year to do taxes).

 

[C.Ann]

If your DH died in 2004, you can't claim him on your 2005 taxes. As for the SS and VA benefits, I don't know, but you could probably find it on the IRS site.

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My mistake - he passed away just a year ago - in 2005..

 

[C.Ann]

If your husband passed away in January 2005, you would still file married filing jointly for 2005.

I am not sure but I would think you would be receiving a Social Security statement for what he received even if only one check. As far as the VA, I would think they also would be required by law to send you a 1099 stating what you received during the year.

To determine if you need to file or not, you need to determine whether or not your gross income is greater than $10,000 (married filing jointly standard deduction which is increased if either of you are over 65) plus $6400 (you and your DH personal exemptions).

To all of you tax professionals, please feel free to correct me if I am incorrect (this is only my 2nd year to do taxes).

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I'm under 65, he was over 65 - if that helps any with the info I need..

 

[disneyfanforever]

Since only one of you was over 65, that would increase the standard deduction to $11,000 bringing the total with the personal exemptions to $17,400. I hope this helps.