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
Comments
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Herbert F.
I would like to know what steps we need to take to have withholding taken out of my check as well as my husband’s check.
Ann C.
Thank you for your question, Herbert. 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. 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.
Doris G.
Why haven’t they increased the amount of money you earn ($25,000.), so that you SSI is not taxed.
I have to work to pay for medications and when I went to file my taxes they told me I owed $1200.00 because I went over the allowed $25000. I was told I could earn as much as I wanted monthly but was never told there was a yearly cap on earnings. Isn’t the SSA a little behind in its guide line for income?
Vonda V.
Hi Doris, thank you for your question. It sounds like you’re referring to federal taxes that some have to pay on their Social Security benefits. The taxation limits are based on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules. Taxation inquiries should be addressed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at http://www.irs.gov or by calling their toll-free number at 1-800-829-1040.
Social Security has earnings limits for retirement (or survivor) beneficiaries receiving benefits prior to their full retirement age. Once you turn full retirement age, your earnings no longer reduce your benefits, no matter how much you earn.
Stephanie D.
Can I get social security to withhold applicable federal tax money from my monthly allotment? If yes, how do I set this up?
Vonda V.
Thank you for your question, Stephanie. You absolutely can sign up for Voluntary Tax Withholding. You will need to complete and submit Form W-4V. You can download the formor call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-3676 and ask request it. 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.
roberto e.
how do I request withholding of federal tax on my ss check? Please help..
John P.
I want to change the percentage of voluntary federal income tax withheld on my ss benefit. How do I do so
Vonda V.
Thank you for your question, John. To change your withholding, you’ll need to complete another 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. Sign the form and return it to your local Social Security office by mail or in person.
Betty N.
As of now, I am having 10 percent federal tax deducted each month from my social security benefit. I would like to stop that deduction when I start paying for Medicare in May. How do I do that?
Vonda V.
Hi Betty, thanks for reading our blog post. To 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. Sign the form and return it to your local Social Security office by mail or in person.
Timothy J.
Haven’t received my 2018 tax statement
Tried to open an account. I am not recognized. Can’t open account.
Called for help, 2 hour wait!!
How can I get my 2018 tax statement?
Vonda V.
Hi Timothy, thank you for your question. We are sorry to hear that you are having difficulties creating a my Social Security account and reaching someone by phone.
For assistance with creating your my Social Security account, you may call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk” or you can contact your local Social Security office.
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for the various options in obtaining a replacement SSA-1099.
Frank D.
I have to file taxes due to my wife getting health insurance assistants but I need to know: do I need a 1099 for my self (I did receive the SSA 1099 statement) but it says not to send to IRS.? Please let me know asap.
Thanks
ROBERT J.
how do i set up my ssi for you to take takes out each month
Ann C.
Hi, Robert. It sounds like you are referring to voluntary tax withholding. 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. 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. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is not taxable. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. Thanks!
Mark Y.
Been on phone 4 times, cut off 3 times, currently on the fourth call. I have simply a question about changing my withholding tax amount. Is it faster to mail form or deliver to local office? Really unbelievable trying to contact a government office. Phone 3304147354
Ann C.
Hi, Mark. We’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume. 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. If your request is time sensitive, you may wish to visit your local office. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. Thanks!