Do I need a W2 if I am retired and have SSA-1099?

[maryis-contrary48]

Do I need a W-2 form to do my taxes if I am retired and only receive social security?

[MindyB]

No, if you do not have wages from a job, you do not need a W-2.  You can instead enter the information from the SSA-1099 in the area for Social Security.

In TurboTax Online, navigate to Federal > Wages & Income > Wages & Income Summary > Retirement Plans and Social Security > Social Security (SSA-1099, RRB-1099).

If you need extra time, filing an extension by April 15, 2026, moves your submission deadline to October 15. But remember any taxes owed are still due in full by the original April 15 date.

[xmasbaby0]

No, you do not need a W-2.   If you did not work for an employer you will not receive a W-2.   Tell the software you do not have a W-2.   If an old employer transferred over from last year you can delete them.

 Go to Federal> Wages & Income>>Retirement Plans and Social Security  (SSA1099 and 1099RRB) to enter your SSA1099.

And...be careful of this:

USER ERROR WITH SOCIAL SECURITY ENTRY

We have seen a lot of people who made a user error with the entry of their SSA1099.   The screen right after you enter the SSA1099 asks you if you lived in certain foreign countries in 2025.   If you skipped past that screen or answered incorrectly, your Social Security was not taxed correctly.   Look at your Form 1040 and see if line 6b was left blank due to that mistake.  The IRS is catching those mistakes and correcting them by reducing your refund or increasing your tax due.   It is really so important to read every screen slowly and carefully from top to bottom as you prepare your tax return to avoid errors.