Is the allowable $32,000 if married filing jointly line 8 social security benefits worksheet or is it $44,000

[CherylW · Accepted solution]

There are actually TWO different limits that make up the $44k. 

The first is $32k, which means that ½ of your SS benefits PLUS certain income PLUS certain adjustments can't be more than $32k to be all non-taxable. 

The second in $12k, which is subtracted from the result and 85% of the remainder may be taxable. 

Walk through the worksheet below.