DEAR SUN SPOTS: Love, love, love your column. Thank you for all you do for us and all the time you take to get answers to our questions. Now I have a federal taxes question.

I am having a disagreement with friends. I say your Social Security does not count for income unless you go over $21,000 for income, then you need to add it in. Also no need to file taxes if income under that amount for a married couple. Appreciate your answer. — No Name via email

ANSWER: As with many disagreements, you are kind of right. Social Security benefits are usually not taxable if that is your only income, but if you have other income, there is no one magic number. It depends on your personal situation.

For a detailed answer to any federal tax question, Sun Spots always turns first to www.irs.gov. Many people may hate the tax man, but you’ve got to love their website. It is informational and easy to use.

Here is what it says in IRS Tax Tip 2011-26 (dated Feb. 7, 2011; the actual numbers in No. 6 may change from year to year) in response to the query: “Are your Social Security benefits taxable?”

The Social Security benefits you received in 2010 may be taxable. You should receive a Form SSA-1099 which will show the total amount of your benefits. The information provided on this statement along with the following seven facts from the IRS will help you determine whether or not your benefits are taxable.

1. How much — if any — of your Social Security benefits are taxable depends on your total income and marital status.

2. Generally, if Social Security benefits were your only income for 2010, your benefits are not taxable and you probably do not need to file a federal income tax return.

3. If you received income from other sources, your benefits will not be taxed unless your modified adjusted gross income is more than the base amount for your filing status.

4. Your taxable benefits and modified adjusted gross income are figured on a worksheet in the Form 1040A or Form 1040 Instruction booklet.

5. You can do the following quick computation to determine whether some of your benefits may be taxable:

* First, add one-half of the total Social Security benefits you received to all your other income, including any tax exempt interest and other exclusions from income.

* Then, compare this total to the base amount for your filing status. If the total is more than your base amount, some of your benefits may be taxable.

6. The 2010 base amounts are: 

* $32,000 for married couples filing jointly.

* $25,000 for single, head of household, qualifying widow/widower with a dependent child, or married individuals filing separately who did not live with their spouses at any time during the year.

* $0 for married persons filing separately who lived together during the year.

7. For additional information on the taxability of Social Security benefits, see IRS Publication 915, Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits. Publication 915 is available on this website or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there anywhere around Lewiston-Auburn where I can bring old canvas paintings and lithographs I am looking to sell? I really enjoy your column. It’s wonderful! Keep up the great work. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots never feels too wonderful when she fails to answer this particularly question. She knows of no way to sell art other than online.

However, tonight, Friday, July 26, there is an Art Walk on Lisbon Street from 5 to 9 p.m. If you attend, perhaps you will garner some tips you can share with Sun Spots.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: How do we find an obituary that was published in June or the first of July? Thank you. — David via email

ANSWER: If the obituary appeared in the Sun Journal, it will also be at sunjournal.com. Just put the person’s name in the search box and hit enter.

If you can’t find it, send Sun Spots the name and she’ll look. Keep in mind that not every family chooses to run an obituary.

And while addressing this question, Sun Spots must tip her hat to the Sun Journal’s longtime obituary clerk, who is retiring after 43 years with the paper. John began in the olden days when many workers were required to “set type.” When the computer age brought that to an end, John moved to the newsroom. Happy trails, JWoo!

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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