Is the money I receive from Social Security taxable?

[skskinner]

I receive form SSA-1099 Social Security benefit statement , but nothing else from the government. How can I use this for filing

[DoninGA]

Social Security Retirement/Disability/Survivors benefits are reported on a form SSA-1099 and the benefits received are to be entered on a federal tax return. The benefits may be taxable depending on the amount of other income you have entered on your tax return.
However, if the Social Security benefits are the Only income to be reported on the tax return, then there is no reason or need to file a tax return.

Unless you also received a Form 1095-A for your health insurance through one of the State Marketplace Exchanges or from healthcare.gov then you must file a tax return.

To enter Social Security benefits reported on form SSA-1099

Click on Federal Taxes (Personal using Home and Business)
Click on Wages and Income (Personal Income using Home and Business)
Click on I'll choose what I work on (if shown)
Scroll down to Retirement Plans and Social Security
On Social Security (SSA-1099, RRB-1099), click the start or update button

Or enter ssa-1099 in the Search box located in the upper right of the program screen. Click on Jump to ssa-1099

[Vanessa A · Accepted solution]

It depends.  If Social Security is your ONLY income, then no, it would not be taxable. If you have other income, like pension income or if you are married and your spouse has income, then yes, it could be taxable depending on how much other income you have. 

If you fall into the following, 85% of your social security is taxable income

• Single with income above $34,000
• Married Filing Jointly with income above $44,000
• Married Filing Separate regardless of income

If you fall into the following, 50% of your social security is taxable income

• Single with combined income between $25,000-$34,000
• Married Filing Jointly with combined income between $32,000 and $44,000

Your combined income is calculated by adding your

• AGI plus
• Nontaxable Interest plus
• 1/2 of your social security Benefits

Social Security Benefits Taxes