Hello,

I hope someone could provide me with a definitive answer since I’ve had multiple tax preparers provide conflicting information.

I am over 59 ½ and had my Roth IRA for 5+ years, so all dividends/capital gains (distributions) are qualified.

Because I only receive Social Security Benefits and limited earned interest from savings accounts, in addition to the Roth IRA, I haven’t had to file a tax return in years since my gross income has been below the tax filing requirements.

However, for the 2024 tax year, I received larger dividends/capital gains from my Vanguard Roth IRA account. If my Roth IRA dividends/capital gains (qualified distributions) are included in the gross income, that will bring my gross income over the minimum filing requirement. If Roth IRA dividends/capital gains (qualified distributions) are not included in my gross income, I would not have to file a tax return. I did receive Form 1099-R.

For the sole purpose of figuring out the minimum filing requirements to file a tax return — would the Roth IRA dividends/capital gains (qualified distributions) count towards gross income — or I totally exclude the qualified distributions when figuring out gross income?

Your assistance would be so helpful and greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!