Received a lump sum payment from social security in 2017 for 2016. It is included in net benefits for 2017. What should I enter for taxable amount in 2016?

[jmillsp]

The total payment I received from SS is shown in box 5. I have entered that amount. Now, Turbotax wants to know the adjusted gross income, tax exempt interest and Taxable SS benefits from 2016. If I now include the taxable amount received in 2017 for 2016 on that line, I will end up paying on that amount twice, it appears. Should I enter 0 on for taxable SS benefits from 2016 then?

[rjs · Accepted solution]

You enter the taxable amount of Social Security benefits that was shown on your 2016 tax return, on Form 1040 line 20b or Form 1040A line 14b. If that line on your 2016 tax return is blank or zero, then you enter zero. That will be the case if you did not receive any Social Security benefits in 2016.