Does the ssa earnings limit apply to wages earned before filing for benefits

[Cindy-s]

Where to I put that the SSA benefits began after wages were earned during the first year

[ToddL · Accepted solution]

No, the SSA earnings limit does not apply to wages earned before filing for benefits.

There is a special rule that applies to earnings for one year, usually the first year of retirement. 

Under this rule, you can get a full Social Security benefit for any whole month you are retired, regardless of your yearly earnings.

[Cindy-s]

How do I make sure am not penalized as my yearly income was over the limit?

[ToddL]

You won't be, however, you can call the SSA,
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://faq.ssa.gov/link/portal/34011/34019/Article/3740/What-is-the-special-rule-about-earnings-in-...>

<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/">https://www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/</a>

[ToddL]

Both of above are SSA webpages; the second is the "Contact Us"

[jbruceweeks]

Where does this go on the forms? I know the rule, but TT is using the previously earned income to offset subsequent Social Security payments. How do I show the timing of the payments so it doesn't do that?

[VolvoGirl]

It doesn't go on your tax return.  It isn't needed for that.  Only SS needs to know that so if they have to reduce your monthly check.  

Turbo Tax doesn't get involved with how much benefits you can get or how much income you can earn.  That isn't part of your tax return.  That is just with SS sending you the benefit checks.  Your SS benefits can still be taxable.

The income part about making too much income is separate from paying taxes on SS.  There are 2 different things to know about social security. People get them mixed up all the time.

On your tax return Up to 85% of Social Security 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

[jbruceweeks]

So, if I read your answer right, if I earned income ANYTIME during the year, my SS is taxed? Even though both were received in completely separate timeframes?

[VolvoGirl]

Yes.   Every year you can pay tax on your SS depending on all your other incom.

[jbruceweeks]

Thanks, VolvoGirl