topic How will receiving Social Security affect my tax return? in Retirement tax questions

How will receiving Social Security affect my tax return?

mjohnsonsr2002 — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:52:57 GMT

Re: How will receiving Social Security affect my tax return?

Katherine S 63 — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 16:11:08 GMT

Hello,

It all depends on what other income you are earning. If you are only receiving Social Security, then you will not have any tax on that income. In fact, taxpayers with only Social Security (based on their individual sitations) usually do not need to file a tax return if their taxable income is zero and they have no withholdings. If you earn other income, then your Social Security could be taxed up to 85%. This information below helps to explain how Social Security is taxed.

Do I pay Social Security tax or income tax on my Social Security benefit payments?

If you earn between $25,000 and $34,000 per year as a single filer (or $32,000 to $44,000 if you’re married filing jointly), you will pay income taxes on up to 50% of your Social Security benefits. If you earn more than $34,000 (or $44,000 if you’re married filing jointly), you’ll pay taxes on up to 85% of your benefits. You will never be taxed on more than 85% of your Social Security benefits.

I got the above information from this article: https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/irs-tax-return/a-guide-to-social-security-tax/L5QxGNcJL

I suggest that you click on this link or copy and paste it into a browser.

Please reach back if you have further questions that I have not addressed.

Happy Retirement!!

Re: How will receiving Social Security affect my tax return?

JandKit — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 16:13:18 GMT

Hi mjohnsonsr2002,

Thank you for this question! Social Security is means tested! That means that social security is usually not subjected to taxes until an income level is reached. The maximum amount of social security that can be taxed is 85%.

As in most cases, married filing separately and living in the same home as the spouse causes income to be taxed immediately.

If single, the social security income is taxed when 1/2 of the social security and other income exceeds $25,000.

If married filing jointly, sometimes called th married penalty, when 1/2 of the social security and other income exceeds $34,000, the social security becomes taxable.

Ido hope that this answers your questions!!!

Re: How will receiving Social Security affect my tax return?

mjohnsonsr2002 — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 16:17:33 GMT

Thank you so very kindly for your response!

Re: How will receiving Social Security affect my tax return?

evelynm — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 16:20:01 GMT

Here is a another great resource: https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/irs-tax-return/a-guide-to-social-security-tax/L5QxGNcJL

Re: How will receiving Social Security affect my tax return?

mjohnsonsr2002 — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 16:26:45 GMT

Thank you so very kindly!