Where do I declare any taxable Social Security benefits within TurboTax? Does TurboTax ask for this information in the Income section, or is it determined somewhere else?

[kso808]

I've received Form SSA-1099 for the Social Security Administration.  Do I declare this benefits income in the Income section within TurboTax, or does TurboTax calculate the taxable amount of this income elsewhere in TurboTax?

[DianeW777 · Accepted solution]

Yes, TurboTax asks about this in the income section.  TurboTax will calculate the taxable amount if any,

• Is my Social Security income taxable?

There are two key components for social security.  

1. It  could become taxable up to a maximum of 85% depending on your other taxable income.
   • if half of your social security, combined with your other taxable income is below $25,000 for single ($32,000 for married, or $0 for married filing separate), then none of your social security would count as taxable income.  

• IRS FAQ for Social Security Income

All SSA-1099 forms get entered in the same place:

1. Open (continue) your return in TurboTax.
2. In the search bar, search for the term Social Security benefits and then select the Jump to link at the top of your search results.
3. On the screen Did you receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits in 20XX? answer Yes and select Continue.
4. On the next screen, check the box beside Social Security benefits (Form SSA-1099), then enter the amounts from your form(s) in the boxes provided.
   • If you received multiple SSA-1099s, add up the amounts for each box and enter them together.
   • Don't include SSA-1099s for dependents. Those should be reported on the dependent's return, but only if they are required to file a return (this is uncommon).
5. Select Continue and follow the on-screen instructions.

[DoninGA]

TurboTax will calculate the taxable amount of the Social Security benefits, if any, and enter the taxable amount on the Form 1040 Line 6b.

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

Up to 85% of Social Security Retirement/Disability/Survivors benefits 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