Why do I have to enter a prior lump sum amount received from an SSA-1099 form in 2014 & why does my federal refund change from receiving $1201 to $701 federal refund?

[DoninGA]

The program is asking if you received a Social Security lump sum payment reported on the 2018 SSA-1099.  If you did Not receive a lump sum payment in 2018 then answer the question, NO.

If part of the SS benefits are taxable then that increases your taxable income thereby increasing your tax liability.

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