If have only ssa 1099 and married do we have to file a return?

Duplicate

No, if your ONLY income is the $57,000 from social security, and you are filing as married filing jointly, you would not need to file a return. 

Although half of your social security is over the base to make 50% of it taxable, it would still be under your Standard Deduction which is $29,200 for married filing jointly and $32,300 if you are both over 65. 

If you fall into the following, 85% of your social security is taxable income

• Single with income above $34,000
• Married Filing Jointly with income above $44,000
• Married Filing Separate regardless of income

If you fall into the following, 50% of your social security is taxable income

• Single with combined income between $25,000-$34,000
• Married Filing Jointly with combined income between $32,000 and $44,000

Your combined income is calculated by adding your

• AGI plus
• Nontaxable Interest plus
• 1/2 of your social security Benefits

Social Security Benefits Taxes