Tax Season: What To Know If You Get Social Security or Supplemental Security Income
Reading Time: 4 MinutesLast Updated: November 2, 2023
It’s tax season once again. It’s important to read this blog even if your earnings or benefits don’t require you to file a federal tax return. You may be entitled to special tax credits that can mean extra cash to help you with expenses. These tax credits are available even if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and don’t normally file a tax return.
The Child Tax Credit
What is the Child Tax Credit (CTC)?
The CTC is a tax benefit, expanded in March 2021, that helps families who are raising children. You can claim the CTC for any qualifying child even if you don’t usually file a federal tax return. You can get up to $3,600 per qualifying child under age 6, and up to $3,000 for each qualifying child age 6 – 17. These ages are determined as of December 31, 2021.
Am I eligible for the CTC if I get Social Security or SSI?
Yes, if you meet the qualifying rules of the CTC. You can claim this credit from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) based on each of your qualifying children, even if you get Social Security or SSI and don’t normally file a tax return. You also may have received up to half of your credit through advance monthly CTC payments made by the IRS from July to December 2021. For more information about advance monthly CTC payments, you can visit ChildTaxCredit.gov and the IRS 2021 CTC and Advance CTC Payments Frequently Asked Questions.
Will advance monthly CTC payments, or any CTC I claim on my tax return, reduce my Social Security or SSI benefits?
Advance monthly CTC payments, as well as any CTC that you claim on your 2021 tax return, won’t reduce your Social Security benefits.
If you receive SSI, we won’t count the CTC (or any advance monthly payments you might have received during 2021) as income or resources for 12 months after you receive it when considering your eligibility for SSI and monthly SSI payment amount. If you received any advance monthly CTC payments, be aware of when you received them. You can get that information from the IRS Child Tax Credit Update Portal.
How do I claim the CTC?
You can claim the CTC when you file your federal tax return for 2021. You can visit ChildTaxCredit.gov for options to file a federal tax return for free.
What if I have questions about the CTC?
Please visit ChildTaxCredit.gov and read IRS Filing Season 2021 CTC Questions and Answers if you have questions. Social Security can’t answer CTC questions.
The Earned Income Tax Credit
What is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?
The EITC provides low- to moderate-income workers and families a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe – and maybe increase your refund. The EITC amount you might get generally depends on your earned income and the number of your qualifying children.
Am I eligible for the EITC if I get Social Security or SSI?
Yes, if you meet the qualifying rules of the EITC. Receiving Social Security or SSI doesn’t affect your eligibility for the EITC.
Do my Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or SSI payments count as earned income for the EITC?
Learn if your disability payments count as earned income for the EITC at the IRS’ Disability and the Earned Income Tax Credit webpage.
How do I claim the EITC?
To claim the EITC, you must qualify and file a federal tax return. You can visit ChildTaxCredit.gov for options to file a federal tax return for free.
What if I have questions about the EITC?
Learn more about the EITC, including basic qualifications, at the IRS’ Earned Income Tax Credit webpage. Social Security can’t answer EITC questions.
Your Annual Social Security Benefit Statement
What is the Benefit Statement and what do I do with it?
Your Benefit Statement is a tax form from Social Security that shows the total amount of Social Security benefits you received in the previous year. It’s also referred to as an SSA-1099. Noncitizens who live outside of the United States receive the SSA-1042S instead of the SSA-1099. You should report the amount of Social Security income you received to the IRS on your federal tax return.
The Benefit Statement isn’t available for people who only receive SSI payments because SSI payments aren’t taxed.
How do I get my annual benefit statement?
If you receive Social Security benefits, we mailed your Benefit Statement to your address on file with us. If you didn’t receive it, or if lost, you can get your SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S instantly online with a my Social Security account.
Remember to Check your Earnings History
If you don’t receive Social Security benefits, this is a great time to review your earnings history by looking at your Social Security Statement (Statement). It’s important because your future Social Security benefits will be based on your earnings history we received from the IRS. Underreported earnings will mean lower monthly benefit payments when you are ready to start receiving them.
Use your Statement to review your earnings history and to see personalized benefit estimates so you can plan for your future.
Tax season doesn’t have to be a stressful time of year. And for many people, it’s an opportunity to claim additional money. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, more Americans can claim larger Child Tax Credits and Earned Income Tax Credits for 2021.
Please share this blog with family and friends and remember that Social Security is here to help secure your today and tomorrow.
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Tags: General Information, my Social Security, my Social Security account, Social Security benefits
See CommentsAbout the Author
Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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LINDA M.
if you are retired and s.s. benefits,isthis money to be taxed?
A.C.
Hi, Linda. For tax questions, you will need to contact the IRS. Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040 or you can visit their website. We hope this helps.
Sandy
Why isn’t efiling available through the IRS website any longer for 1040-SR filers? I was directed to a portal to enter my zip code for local representatives. Since I haven’t called any of them yet? What is the charge for having them efile for us?
Karen S.
There are volunteer sites in many areas that prepare and e-file taxes for free. These sites are authorized by the IRS. Many are through AARP. I am currently working at a site in my town. Call and ask!
Martha S.
My parents have not received their w-2’s for their social security. Are they still being mailed out?
Elizabeth F.
Haven’t received W-2 for social security
A.C.
Hi, Elizabeth. Thanks for visiting our blog. For a copy of a W-2, you should contact your employer’s human resource or personnel office. If you are referring to the SSA-1099 showing the amount of benefits paid to SSA beneficiaries during last year, you can request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2021 by visiting your personal my Social Security account. For additional information on how to request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2021, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. You also may be able to request a replacement SSA-1099 by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. You can conduct the automated services 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a replacement SSA-1099. We hope this helps.
Linda J.
I haven’t received my either. Called after waiting 43 min to talk to a person
Said they will mail a copy takes 5 days on day 7 still not received. Also loging into Social security web site is impossible! Unbelievable! UNRELIABLE.
A.C.
Hi, Linda. We are sorry to hear that. For additional information on how to request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2021, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. You also may be able to request a replacement SSA-1099 by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. You can conduct the automated services 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a replacement SSA-1099. We hope this helps.
Linda D.
I have not received my SS 1099r. Was it sent?
A.C.
Hi, Linda. The SSA-1099 is mailed by January 31 each year. If for any reason you have not received your SSA-1099 in the mail, you can request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2021 by visiting your personal my Social Security account. For additional information on how to request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2021, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. You also may be able to request a replacement SSA-1099 by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. You can conduct the automated services 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a replacement SSA-1099. We hope this helps.
A.C.
Hi, Martha. Thanks for visiting our blog. For a copy of a W-2, your parents should contact their employer’s human resource or personnel office. If you are referring to the SSA-1099 showing the amount of benefits paid to SSA beneficiaries during last year, they can request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2021 by visiting their personal my Social Security account. For additional information on how to request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2021, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. They also may be able to request a replacement SSA-1099 by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. They can conduct the automated services 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that they’re requesting a replacement SSA-1099. We hope this helps.
Bruce M.
How do I have taxes taken out of my retirement checks from social security?
Judy B.
You need to fill out a W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request. I believe you can print them from the IRS website. Once completed, the instructions state to submit the form to your local Social Security office. Hope this helps.
A.C.
Hi, Bruce. 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. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this helps.
Karen R.
My mother died in July 2021. She lived with me and received SS benefits. I did not receive her 1099 this year to file our joint 2021 income taxes as I usually do. A SS rep at the general number said it should have been mailed to her address of record and that I have to contact her local SS office to make an appointment to request a duplicate if it was not received. The Lakes of 610 Office in Houston does not answer its number. What do I need to do?
A.C.
Hi, Karen. We are sorry to hear about your loss. Please be aware our call volume is higher than normal. The SSA-1099 is mailed to the last address in our records and is intended for the spouse or executor of the deceased. If you did not receive the benefit statement, the executor will need to contact their local Social Security office with proof of death and proof of executorship. An SSA-1099 can also be given to someone receiving benefits on the deceased beneficiary’s record such as a spouse, parent, or child of the deceased. If you need more information, call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask a representative for assistance. We hope this helps.
Shiping c.
My birthday is April 2nd 1952 so that I filed social security benefits in 3 months earlier ,I want to know which month the my 1st social security pay check will send to me. Thanks!
A.C.
Hi, Shiping. Benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if your want your benefits to begin with the month of April, you will receive your payment in May. The exact payment date is determined by your date of birth. You may find our Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments Calendar helpful. Thanks!
Phyllis H.
My husband didn’t receive a W-2 for 2021. How do we get it? The local SSA office is closed and the 800 number always gives a busy signal.
Maureen C.
I did not receive my 1099 statement for 2021.
A.C.
Hi, Maureen. You can request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2021 by visiting your personal my Social Security account. For additional information on how to request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2021, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. You also may be able to request a replacement SSA-1099 by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. You can conduct the automated services 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a replacement SSA-1099. We hope this helps.
Ron C.
I have been trying for two weeks to print out my SSA 1099-R form. You CAN NOT do it from the SSA website. Please quit telling citizens that they can.
A.C.
Hi, Ron. We are sorry to hear that. For additional information on how to request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2021, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. You also may be able to request a replacement SSA-1099 by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. You can conduct the automated services 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a replacement SSA-1099. We hope this helps.
Wanda F.
If you have an online account with social security, you can print it from there. If not, it is easy to set one up. All forms and letters are available there so you can skip trying to contact a local office.
A.C.
Hi, Phyllis. Thanks for visiting our blog. For a copy of a W-2, your husband should contact his employer’s human resource or personnel office. If you are referring to the SSA-1099 showing the amount of benefits paid to SSA beneficiaries during last year, he can request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2021 by visiting his personal my Social Security account. For additional information on how to request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2021, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. He also may be able to request a replacement SSA-1099 by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. He can conduct the automated services 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that he’s requesting a replacement SSA-1099. We hope this helps.
Thomas s.
We receive only ssi! Nothing more! But recently sold a piece of property and made a profit! Do we have to report and pay Capitol gains tax!
A.C.
Hi, Thomas. Thanks for visiting our blog. 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. We hope this helps.
Diane M.
If I take my spousal benefit now (age 64 and two months) and my husband, who is taking his SS payments, is 81, and is still working at his self-employed business, earns $50,000 with the business this year, will that affect the amount of my benefit? I do not work, but we file our taxes jointly. Would anything change if I filed separately?
A.C.
Hi, Diane. Unfortunately, your question is a bit more complex than we can answer in this forum. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Beth S.
The website is difficult to get to the place you need to go. I changed my password, and it keeps telling me it, that it belongs to somebody else. But when I changed it in the system, the system said it was a strong good password and accepted it. Very frustrating!!