Social security taxed considerably higher this year?

[Cole424]

This year (2025) my social security was taxed at $557 compared to $10 last year, and my total income was only greater this year by $1300. Total difference owed this year is $832 more than last.  Can that be right?

[DoninGA]

You probably had more taxable income reported in 2024 then you had in 2023.

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

[Vanessa A · Accepted solution]

Yes, that can be right. Although your income was only $1,300 higher this year, it is possible that it was just enough higher that it bumped you from the 50% taxable to the 85% taxable. If you are single and had a combined income last year of $33,500 and this year it is $34,800, this would move you from having 50% taxed to having 85% taxed. 

If you fall into the following, 85% of your social security is taxable income

• Single with income above $34,000
• Married Filing Jointly with income above $44,000
• Married Filing Separate regardless of income

If you fall into the following, 50% of your social security is taxable income

• Single with combined income between $25,000-$34,000
• Married Filing Jointly with combined income between $32,000 and $44,000

Your combined income is calculated by adding your

• AGI plus
• Nontaxable Interest plus
• 1/2 of your social security Benefits

Social Security Benefits Taxes

[Cole424]

Thank you Vanessa, you are spot on that I was barely over the total income that bumped me into the 85%. Unfortunate, but that's what I needed to know.... thanks again.