I don't understand the difference between social security benefits and taxable amount on 1040 and I want to verify the numbers entered, but I cannot get back in.

[BMcCalpin · Accepted solution]

Between 0% and 85% of your Social Security benefits are taxable.

The computation on how much is taxable depends on how much other income you have besides Social Security. For many retirees, this happens when they take a distribution from a retirement account.

To do the computation yourself (it is somewhat involved), please go to the IRS Instructions for the 1040 and look for "Figuring your taxable benefits" on page 83. This worksheet is valid for most taxpayers (see the instructions for Social Security starting on page 81).

Note: on form 1040, non-taxable SS benefits are shown on line 5a; taxable SS benefits are shown on line 5b.

There is a worksheet entitled "Social Security Benefits Worksheet" in your tax return output that shows how the computation was done. If you printed a copy (you should have), look for this worksheet.

[Edited 3/26/2020 9:11 am CDT - updated for 2019]