The question is coming up if I received a lump-sum payment in 2022 for 2021 or earlier. My lump sum was in 2017, should I include?

[2007blueoval]

Do I need to include a lump-sum that was 5 years ago?

[MichaelG81]

Yes, even if in 2017. Then it will ask you a series of question of how much the lump sum was for, your AGI or adjusted gross income in 2017, and taxable SSA benefits from 2017. You may need to do some digging for paperwork. 

@2007blueoval

[fanfare]

Enter all your total benefits as a 2022 benefit and don't mention prior years.

This is the lump sum election.

It may not be the most favorable but to do the other calculation you need your tax returns from those years.

Often it makes no difference.

@2007blueoval 

[Hal_Al]

Since you received the (2017) benefits in 2022, that money is taxable in 2022.  But, since it is added on top of your other income, it could push you into a higher tax bracket.  For that reason, you are allowed to calculate the tax as if that 2017 lump sum has been received (and taxed) in 2017.  When you identify it as a prior year lump sum, TurboTax (TT) will do that calculation for you.  But, you have to enter information from your 2017 tax return for that to happen.  It may or may not make a difference. TT will make that choice if you are able to retrieve the 2017 info.

[Nancjnsn]

A lump sum of what exactly? What do they want?

[DawnC]

A lump-sum payment is a one-time Social Security payment that you received for prior-year benefits. For example, when someone is granted disability benefits, they'll receive a lump sum to cover the entire time since they first applied for disability. This period could cover months or years.   @Nancjnsn