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Level 2
February 27, 2022
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I am a retired US citizen residing in Germany. By Tax Treaty, my US Social Security benefits are not taxable in the US. How should I enter my SS payments into TurboTax?

  • February 27, 2022
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According to the US - German Totalization Agreement, Social Security benefit payments are taxable in the country in which you reside. I am a retired US citizen who is residing in Germany. Therefore, my US Social Security benefits are taxable in Germany, They are not taxable in the USA. Should I enter the SSA-1099 info I received into TurboTax? If so, should I enter the "Social security benefits" number in the Form 1040, line 6a field and override the "Taxable amount" number to be "0" the Form 1040, line 6b field? Shouldn't TurboTax automatically enter the  Form 1040, 6b "Taxable amount" number as "0" for German residents who are not subject to US taxation?
Best answer by DMarkM1

Your SSA benefits are exempt under US treaty.  Do not report the benefits on your tax return.  Do not enter your 1099-SSA information in TurboTax.  Exempt is different from a non-taxable/taxable determination.  

1 reply

DMarkM1
DMarkM1Answer
Level 15
February 27, 2022

Your SSA benefits are exempt under US treaty.  Do not report the benefits on your tax return.  Do not enter your 1099-SSA information in TurboTax.  Exempt is different from a non-taxable/taxable determination.  

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