Tax Season — It’s About What You Know
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: March 17, 2016
Did you know that your Social Security benefits may be taxable?
This includes your monthly retirement, survivor, and disability benefits. About one-third of people receiving Social Security benefits must pay taxes on some of these benefits, depending on the amount of their taxable income. This may happen if you have other significant income in addition to your Social Security benefits.
To find out whether you must pay taxes on your benefits, you will need your Social Security Benefit Statement (Form SSA-1099/1042S). You should automatically receive it in the mail each January. It shows the total amount of benefits you received from Social Security in the previous year so you know how much Social Security income to report to the Internal Revenue Service on your tax return. The benefit statement is not available for people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as SSI payments are not taxable.
If you didn’t receive your Benefit Statement or misplaced it, you can get an instant replacement easily by using your secure my Social Security account. If you don’t already have an online account, you can create one in minutes. Go to the my Social Security page, and select “Sign In or Create an Account.” Once you are logged in, select the “Replacement Documents” tab to obtain your replacement 1099 or 1042S benefit statement. You can also use your personal my Social Security account to keep track of your earnings each year, manage your benefits, and more.
You can also obtain a replacement benefit statement by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or contacting your local Social Security Office. If you live outside of the United States, please contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Don’t wait. Be ready! Open your own personal my Social Security account today.
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About the Author
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
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Patricia S.
Can I add fed tax deductions online?
Ann C.
Hi, Patricia. In order to have taxes withheld from your Social Security benefit, you must start by printing, completing and submitting an IRS Voluntary Withholding Request Form (Form W-4V). On this form, you can choose to have 7, 10, 12, or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld. The Form W-4V (to withhold federal taxes from your Social Security benefits) can be returned to your local Social Security office by mail or in person. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this helps.
Judy G.
What is the amount in SSD benefits you can receive and not have to pay taxes?
Ann C.
Hi, Judy. Under current law, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers Social Security benefits taxable income for beneficiaries whose countable income exceeds certain limits. To learn more about those income thresholds, visit here. For any income tax questions, you will need to contact the IRS. Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040 or you can visit their website at http://www.irs.gov/. We hope this helps.
Dolores T.
Can not get into account
Ann C.
Hi, Dolores. We are sorry to hear you have had difficulty accessing your personal my Social Security account. If you are still unable to access an account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
jolene m.
can you have fed taxes taken out of your social security income
Ann C.
Hi, Jolene. Thanks for your question. In order to have taxes withheld from your Social Security benefit, you must start by printing, completing and submitting an IRS Voluntary Withholding Request Form (Form W-4V). On this form, you can choose to have 7, 10, 12, or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld. The Form W-4V (to withhold federal taxes from your Social Security benefits) can be returned to your local Social Security office by mail or in person. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this helps.
Nancy M.
Can I have state taxes withheld from my social secuity check
Sheila H.
Can I fill out a form W-4V online? If so, how and where do I go to do this online?
Ann C.
Hi, Sheila. In order to have taxes withheld from your Social Security benefit, you must start by printing, completing and submitting an IRS Voluntary Withholding Request Form (Form W-4V). On this form, you can choose to have 7, 10, 12, or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld. The Form W-4V (to withhold federal taxes from your Social Security benefits) can be returned to your local Social Security office by mail or in person. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this helps.
Ken
I have a question regarding earnings on EARLY SS….
Earnings are limits are AFTER beginning to draw SS, right. NOT based on 1040 income tax year……
In other words a person could earn 100K for the year Jan. – July, begin taking Reduced SS in Aug, and only be concerned about the 17K ish earnings limit for the period Aug – Dec? Or is it based on the “fiscal year” Aug – Aug?
Thanks?
Luis A.
Hi Ken. Thanks for your question. If you retire mid-year, we count your earnings for the entire calendar year, not the fiscal year. We have a special earnings test rule that we apply to annual earnings—usually the first year of retirement. For additional information on what you need to know when you are receiving benefits and continue to work, please see our “Getting benefits while working” internet page. We hope this helps.
Ann C.
Hi, Ken. Thanks for your questions. If you retire mid-year, we count your earnings for the entire year. We have a special earnings test rule that we apply to annual earnings—usually the first year of retirement. For more information on the Special Earnings Limit Rule, go here. We hope this helps!
Bobbie D.
how can I get ss taxes taken out of my ss benefits each month, so I dont have to pay it all at once?
Ann C.
Hi, Bobbie. In order to have taxes withheld from your Social Security benefit, you must start by printing, completing and submitting an IRS Voluntary Withholding Request Form (Form W-4V). On this form, you can choose to have 7, 10, 12, or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld. The Form W-4V (to withhold federal taxes from your Social Security benefits) can be returned to your local Social Security office by mail or in person. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this helps.
Pete A.
I want to withhold taxes on my SS benefits starting 01/2920. My daughter who is 14 years old is receiving SS benefits too, does she need to withhold taxes, too?
Ann C.
Hi, Pete. In order to have taxes withheld from your Social Security benefit, you must start by printing, completing and submitting an IRS Voluntary Withholding Request Form (Form W-4V). On this form, you can choose to have 7, 10, 12, or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld. The Form W-4V (to withhold federal taxes from your Social Security benefits) can be returned to your local Social Security office by mail or in person. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. Under current law, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers Social Security benefits taxable income for beneficiaries whose countable income exceeds certain limits. To learn more about those income thresholds, visit here. For any income tax questions, you will need to contact the IRS. Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040 or you can visit their website at http://www.irs.gov/. We hope this helps.
Brenda H.
I am retired. I would like to work part time
I cannot stand for very long. I would be interested in a job doing taxes. Would I need to be trained, and, would I have to pay for this class.