Is social security income included in total income on the federal return?

Yes, social security is part of total income, but not necessarily taxable income.  You should enter your 1099-SSA in the retirement section (Retirement Plans and Social Security) and let TurboTax determine how much if any is taxable to you.  Image attached.

Social Security only becomes taxable when 1/2 of your Social Security plus your other income adds up to $32,000 if you're filing a joint return, or $25,000 if you're single.

TurboTax computes how much is taxable. Check your actual tax form. On Form 1040, your total Social Security should be shown on line 20a, and the taxable amount is on line 20b.  For Form 1040A, you'll see the total Social Security on line 14a and the taxable amount on line 14b.

To preview the information on your 1040/1040A form: 

• Sign in to your TurboTax account and click on 'Take Me to My Return'
• On the left, go to the black vertical menu and click on Tax Tools
• Select Tools 
• Then select View Tax Summary, first on the list under Helpful Links.  This will show basic information about the return
• On the right, on the black menu strip, click on Preview My 1040