Why is my SS income being taxed?

[1024wtf]

My wife and I took the minimum required from our respective Ira. acct's. and had 25% taken for the IRS.  My wife receives a pension which has the taxis taken out.

Why is it that when I add in our social security cks, we go from a substantial refund to a big deficit?

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

Up to 85% of Social Security 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