Social Security

[gruselleg]

I entered my w2 and my wife's SSA-1099. She had a voluntary amount withheld. We had a nice return going. I just started social security in 2025 and we are both over 65. When I put my SSA-1099 in the return was greatly reduced. I had understood that there was credit that would make it essentially tax free so I did not have anything withheld. It sure looks to me like I am paying taxes on that amount.

Can anyone help me understand what is happening?

Many Regards,

Gregg [last name removed]

[email address removed]

[JamesG1]

The 2025 tax bill did not actually change the computation of the taxability of Social Security funds.  The computation remained intact and the tax bill added a $6000 Enhanced Deduction for Seniors that will:

• offset all of the taxability of Social Security funds for some, and 
• offset only some of the taxability of the Social Security funds for others.

The $6000 Enhanced Deduction for Seniors is automatically included in your tax return when you complete the personal information section of TurboTax and enter your date of birth and filing status.

The $6000 Enhanced Deduction for Seniors had likely already been added to your tax return before you entered the two SSA-1099 forms.  So, as you added each form, the taxable Social Security reduced your refund.

The $6,000 Enhanced Deduction for Seniors is reported on IRS Schedule 1-A Part V lines 31 through 37.   There are other qualifications.

Deduction for Seniors

• New deduction: Effective for 2025 through 2028, individuals who are age 65 and older may claim an additional deduction of $6,000. This new deduction is in addition to the current additional standard deduction for seniors under existing law.
  • The $6,000 senior deduction is per eligible individual (i.e., $12,000 total for a married couple where both spouses qualify).
  • Deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers).
• Qualifying taxpayers: To qualify for the additional deduction, a taxpayer must attain age 65 on or before the last day of the taxable year.
• Taxpayer eligibility: Deduction is available for both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers.
  • Taxpayers must:
    • include the Social Security Number of the qualifying individual(s) on the return, and
    • file jointly if married, to claim the deduction.

The total of IRS Schedule 1-A may be found on line 13b of the IRS form 1040.

In TurboTax Online, you may view the IRS form 1040 by selecting Tax Tools, then Tools, then View Tax Summary down the left side of the screen.

You may also print or view your full tax returns prior to filing after you have paid for the software.

• View the entries down the left side of the screen at Tax Tools.
• Select Print Center.
• Select Print, save or preview this year's return.

In TurboTax Desktop, select FORMS in the upper right hand corner of the screen.