My employer requires minimum retirement age 50, I began to receive disability pension when I was 56. Is my disability pension non-taxable income?

[stevenjyuan]

I am confused about the disability pension as to whether or not it is taxable? After reading IRS Pub 575, I think this section shall apply to me. The City and County of San Francisco Charter stipulates that its minimum retirement age to be 50 years old. I became permanently disabled and retired on disability when I was 56. Does this mean that my pension income shall be tax exempt, or is it my misunderstanding? Please help me. Thanks

[dmertz · Accepted solution]

Your age determines only whether the payments are required to appear as pension and annuity income (Form 1040 line 16 or Form 1040A line 12) or as wages on (Form 1040 or 1040A line 7.  Since you are over the normal retirement age, it's reported as regular pension and annuity income.  It has nothing to do with determining the taxable amount of this income.  Box 2a of the Form 1099-R will normally show the taxable amount.