Does the SSA look at W-2 Gross Income or Tax Form AGI to determine if you are under the income earnings yearly cap when receiving SSA Benefit payments?

[davet410]

I am a Retired Federal Employee receiving Office of Personnel Management Benefit (OPM) as well as Social Security (SSA) Benefit payments. The rules for "Partial" Retirement Age state I cannot earn more than 18, 960.00/year to keep my current level of OPM and SSA Retirement Payments.

I start work as a Pastor on7/1/21 with the United Methodist Church, compensation equal to $36,000 /year.  To remain in compliance with the 18,960 income cap, what legal options do I have for the W2 to report income of 18,960 or less if SSA looks at the W-2?  If possible, a response from a tax attorney is appreciated.

[Critter-3]

To keep under the max earning limit  allowed for early SS distributions  you need to earn less than the max amount for the year.  If you don't then for every 2 dollars you earn they will reduce the SS by 1 dollar.  Talk to the SS administration for the rules.