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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Lynda W.
Want to change the withdraw of federal taxes out of my social security don’t want the $96.00 to be taken out of my social security check.
Md 20736
Vonda V.
Thank you for your question, Lynda. If you are already receiving benefits or if you want to change or stop your withholding, you’ll need a Form W-4V from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You can download the form or call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-3676 and ask for Form W-4V. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits for more information.
Judi A.
I want to have my taxes deducted from my social security disability but, I don’t know how to go about doing this. Could you please tell me. The AARP volunteer I had earlier this year was frustrating, and a bully. I couldn’t wait to get out of there when he finished my taxes, or I would have asked him. Thank you very much.
Ray F.
Generally, you use Form W-4V to withhold federal income tax when you receive a federal government payment.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further consultation on this matter. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!
Carolyn T.
How do I get my Federal and CO state taxes deducted from my SS payment?
Ray F.
Hello Carolyn, You can ask us to withhold federal taxes from your Social Security benefit payment when you first apply. If you are already receiving benefits or if you want to change or stop your withholding, you’ll need a Form W-4V from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
See more at our Benefits Planner—Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits. Thanks!
Diana Y.
I need to make sure they take taxes out of my social security check.
Vonda V.
Hi Diana. If you are already receiving benefits, you’ll need a Form W-4V from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You can download the form or call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-3676 and ask for Form W-4V. When you complete the form, you can choose to have 7, 10, 12, or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld for taxes. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits for more information.
Bruce S.
I currently have taxes taken out of my ss check, but I want to stop. What should I do?
Vonda V.
Thank you for your question, Bruce. To stop your withholding, you’ll need to complete Form W-4V. You can download the form or call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-3676 and ask for it. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits for more information.
Wilson E.
I’m 73 and am wondering how much I may earn working with out paying income tax while getting social security?
Ray F.
Hello Wilson. Under current law, everyone working in covered employment or self-employment regardless of age or eligibility for benefits must pay Social Security taxes. Some people have to pay federal income taxes on their Social Security benefits. This usually happens only if you have other substantial income (such as wages, self-employment, interest, dividends and other taxable income that must be reported on your tax return) in addition to your benefits. For further income tax questions, you will need to contact the IRS. Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040. Thanks!
Daniel I.
Can I use any part of my payment for medicare or medicaid as a federal tax deduction?
L. S.
Had to take early retirement at age 62 and still paying taxes… When do I stop paying taxes?
I turn 65 December 2018.
Ray F.
Thank you for your question. Under current law, everyone working in covered employment or self-employment, regardless of age or eligibility for benefits, must pay Social Security taxes.
Also, some people may have to pay federal income taxes on their Social Security benefits. This usually happens only if you have other substantial income (such as wages, self-employment, interest, dividends and other taxable income that must be reported on your tax return) in addition to your benefits. For further income tax questions, you will need to contact the IRS. Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040. Thanks!
k
Portion of ss benefit donated to 501 (c3) organization, will it be deducted from ss income total even if not itemizing?
Anne W.
The SS statement does not address if your benefits are taxable or not.
Ray F.
Hello Anne. Some people have to pay federal income taxes on their Social Security benefits. This usually happens only if you have other substantial income (such as wages, self-employment, interest, dividends and other taxable income that must be reported on your tax return) in addition to your benefits. For further income tax questions, you will need to contact the IRS. Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040. Thanks!