If a social security payment from 2021 was included in Box 5 on the SSA1099 for 2023, do I need to fill out the lump sum payment portion of the form also?

[DianeW777]

It depends.  You can certainly complete the lump-sum election if part of your benefits paid in 2023 are for 2021. The following information will help you complete this election and it should provide a lower tax.

• 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 2023. 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.

1. Open your TurboTax Return > Search (upper right) > type ssa1099 > Click the Jump to.... Link
2. Select Yes you received benefits > Complete your SSA-1099 > Continue > Yes I received at least one lump sum payment for 2022 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 CD/Download version review the Lump-Sum Social Security Worksheet in Forms.  You can also review 'Earlier Year Lump-Sum Worksheet' for each year. 

For TurboTax Online review this link to look at your Form 1040 (line 6a): How to Preview My Online Return Before Filing