Do I have to pay tax on social security benefits?

[mpoole1947]

If social security is my only income, do I have to pay tax on it?

[VolvoGirl]

No it is not taxable and don't need to file a return unless you are married are your spouse has income.  Then it might make part of your Social Security taxable.

[mjhatten]

Yes, but not all of it.  The amount taxed varies from 0% to 85% depending on a formula the IRS uses based on total income.  I never understood the formula so I left to TurboTax to figure it out.  This year I paid Federal taxes on 55% of my Social Security.