Retirement at age 62

[DJCLARK10]

I know if you start your Social Security at age 62 you can only earn $19500 or there about. My question is what if I earn my $19500 and all additional earning I make I put into my 401k account by claiming 100% contributions for all my future earnings until I max out my 401k contribution for the year then stop working. Will this work out and I don’t get taxed passed the $19500 earnings for the year.

[KeithS01]

Hi, @DJCLARK10.

The Social Security Administration has a document titled How Work Affects Your Benefits. On the middle of page 4 it says: "We do count an employee’s contribution to a pension or retirement plan, however, if the contribution amount is included in the employee’s gross wages." I can't find anything specific, but I surmise they use Box 3 of your W2, which would include your retirement contributions.

In summary, no, contributing to your 401(k) will not decrease your earnings for purposes of the Social Security reduction for taking early benefits and continuing to work.