My MIL decided to retire 2 yrs ago and quit her job, but hasn't been able to file for Social Security due to needing documents she does not have. She had to apply for a from from immigration, that was 28 months ago. She has been living off retirement savings for that entire time and today told me that she wasnt going to file her taxes this year because there is no need to. I told her that didnt sound right and she told me she has them taking taxes out when she gets her monthly distribution and they sent her a letter telling her she didnt need to file taxes this year. I am not sure they would even send her a letter like that. I suspect she is lying to shut down the conversation.
It depends upon what her income level is, not whether taxes are being withheld.
The last thing you want to rely on is the multiple opinions of a Forum of caregivers from around the world.
This is a simple call to a CPA regarding your mom's yearly income. You will be told whether or not you should file. In my book, if it's a question, then do it. Not something you can afford to be wrong about.
I would think that her immigration status would be the most important place to start since this is supposedly impacting her ability to collect SS. If I were in your shoes I'd consult with an immigration attorney, even if she refuses to go with you.
If your MIL just turned 65 she is now eligible for Medicare and needs to apply through the SSA website. If she doesn't have a SSN number, this could be a problem. Do you know if she has one?
You need to get Mom to a Social Security Office. If she has worked in the US for 40 qtrs she is entiltled to the SS she paid in and now Medicare. There is a timeline to file for Medicare A and B and she should have both. B has a premium that will be taken out of her SS payment.
Mom may be entitled to Medicaid health which includes, in my State, prescriptions, dental and vision. My Mom was on PADD which was State program for prescriptions.
If she is 65 she needs to sign up for Medicare now. If she doesn't there could be a big penalty later. Your and your husband's income has nothing to do with her being able to get Medicare or Medicaid. You also need to find out why immigration is taking so long. My MIL was from England and lived here almost 70 years. She hadvan English passport and a green card and she had no problem getting SS or Medicare here.
My DH and I are retired. He has funds withheld from his retirement income each month too, and yes, we file our taxes yearly.
I don't think she is being honest about anything, sadly.
Taxable Income is anything you get a 1099 on. Thats interest on bank accts, CDs, ect. After 72 1/2 you have to defer any IRAs you have. So, money is pulled from the IRA and you pay taxes on that. If Mom is pulling from an IRA or annuity, she pays taxes on the amt she pulls.
If she has a pension, yes that is income and will need to pay taxes on it.
So you need to get her 1099s and add them up to see what income she has brought in. Check to see if taxes have been taken out. If her income does not exceed the cap, no need to file taxes. I am sure a tax preparer can give you the info. But if her income has not changed from last year and she has a letter from the IRS, she does not need to file.
If your Mom has a green card and has 10 years (40 qtrs) of SS earnings I don't see why there is a problem getting SS. If she was married, and he worked in the US she is entitled to half of what he would be receiving. I can't imagine what paperwork is needed by SS if she has a greencard and has proof of earnings. I think 28 months is a long time to get records needed. There are mexicans that live near the border that work in the US and go home to Mexico every night. They are entitled to SS when they retire if they have paid in to it.
I guess she does not receive Medicare either?