I started receiving soc sec checks in may. how do I determine the taxable amount/

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

Up to 85% of Social Security Retirement/Disability/Survivors benefits becomes taxable when all your other income plus 1/2 your social security reaches:

• Married Filing Jointly - $32,000
• Single or Head of Household - $25,000
• Married Filing Separately - 0

Use the following calculator to get an estimate of a tax refund or taxes owed - https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/calculators/taxcaster/

[SweetieJean]

Some States tax Social Security benefits, but many do not.

[xmasbaby0]

In January, you will receive a SSA1099 from Social Security.  When you do your 2017 tax return, you will need to enter your SSA1099 into the Wages & Income section of TurboTax exactly as it appears and let the software do the calculations for you.  The worksheet on the back of the SSA1099 is tricky--no real need to bother with it.  Just enter everything into the program and let the program calculate your taxable income (if any.)  

Do not try to enter your SSA1099 as a W-2.  Go to Federal> Wages & Income>>Retirement Plans and Social Security to enter your SSA1099.