Handling Social Security lump sum payments for 2024

[TonyNegri]

I received a lump-sum WEP Social Security payment in 2025. I processed my 2025 Social Security income per the TurboTax instructions, resulting in a specific tax due. When I went to submit my federal tax form, the TT review form said that the amount entered for 2024 SS income couldn't be greater than $0. I think that is incorrect. But when I changed the value to $0, my taxes increased by $604. Unfortunately, I didn't notice that change and proceeded to submit the tax forms to the IRS.

I was unable to submit an amended tax return. Does TT have an issue with handling lump-sum SS payments? How can I correct this?

[DianeW777]

No, TurboTax has not had an issue with social security lump sum payments.  The steps for entry are posted here for you to review with your tax return (amended return). 

• Amend a tax return for the current tax year

You can use the Social Security  lump-sum action to reduce the amount of your taxable social security, even possibly to zero.

• What is a Lump-Sum Social Security Payment?

The lump-sum election has always worked correctly in TurboTax. Have all tax returns available for each year included in the lump sum payment (shown on your SSA-1099).

This can be handled on your tax return for 2024. The Form SSA-1099 should show a total amount in box 5, and then the amount that is designated for each year in box 3. Worksheet 4 is included after Worksheet 2 is completed for each year.

Be sure to select "lump-sum" method of reporting in this situation which is all done on the tax return for the year of receipt of the benefits.  Enter the appropriate amounts for each year when you start that section of your return.  Continue to add each year for all years listed in box 3. There is no amendment required if completed on your original return.

1. Open your TurboTax Return > Search (upper right or center) > type ssa1099 > Click the Go to SSA-1099.... Link or Click on FAQs on the right the on social security benefits in the FAQ
2. Select Yes you received benefits > Complete your SSA-1099 > Continue > Yes I received at least one lump sum payment for 2023 or earlier > Continue
3. Type a year from your SSA-1099 > Enter the amount received for that year > Continue
4. If you received a Form SSA-1099 for the earlier year enter the box 5 amount, if not enter zero or leave it blank > Continue
5. Enter the filing status for the earlier year > Continue > Select whether you lived with a spouse in the earlier year > Continue >
6. Enter the information from the earlier year return > Continue > Add another lump sum payment (another year from box 3) if applicable or Click Done
7. Continue to follow the screens until you are back at the Income Summary page

Also enter a zero if your Social Security benefits weren't taxable or there were none in the earlier year(s) (such as for a spouse). If you are using the TurboTax Desktop version review the Lump-Sum Social Security Worksheet in Forms.  You can also review 'Earlier Year Lump-Sum Worksheet' for each year.