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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Denise C.
I called your main number and was told to call the local office.
I am trying to contact the Union,NJ office by phone for the past 2 weeks. Made about 30 calls at all different times. Sometimes on hold for over an hour.
I sm the administrator for my mom who passed in August and looking for 1099.. I was also the POA and was not able to change her address from 2019. She was living in a memory care facility these past few years.
How do I proceed?
A.C.
Hi, Denise. 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. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office. We hope this is resolved soon.
Harold S.
I receive SSI and have not received any of the stimulus checks that were issued, what should I do and how?
A.C.
Hi, Harold. Please visit the IRS website for all your Economic Income Payment-related questions. If you are unable to find the answer, call the IRS hotline at 1-800-919-9835. Thanks!
Cory M.
I have filed my 2020 Income Taxes in May, 2021 and yet the statement does not show any earnings for the year 2020. I know this information comes from the IRS. Can anyone explain why the hold up? Do I need to do anything additional? When can I expect to see the 2020 earnings listed on the Statement?
A.C.
Hi, Cory. Thanks for your question. To correct your earnings record, you will need to provide us evidence of your earnings, such as W-2s, pay stubs, etc. If you don’t have the evidence that we require, call your employer to find out if they can help you. Once you’ve obtained your evidence, call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. You can also contact your local Social Security office for assistance. For more information, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Philip P.
How do I get my PIN Number for filing my taxes?
A.C.
Hi, Philip. 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.
A.C.
Hi, Philip. 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.
Jan J.
I will be turning 65, I am working full time and have company insurance. Do I have to file for Medicare or can I wait until I retire? Will there be any kind of penalty for waiting?
A.C.
Hi, Jan. Thanks for your questions. Individuals that are still working and are covered under an employee group health plan based on that current work qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Find more details on an SEP here. We hope this is helpful.
David A.
Very well job. When I call for a award letter.
michael
how would I go about having federal taxes taken out of my monthly benefit.
Jennifer J.
I have filled out the W-4V Voluntary Withholding Request form, but the website says our physical location in Walnut Creek, CA is still closed from the Pandemic. Where can I drop this form off?
A.C.
Hi, Jennifer. Thanks for visiting our blog. 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.
A.C.
Hi, Michael. 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.
Gerry
Where are the tax forms located or the date they will be mailed ?
A.C.
Hi, Gerry. If you are referring to the SSA-1099, a tax form Social Security mails each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits, check out our Frequently Asked Questions for information on how to request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S. 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.
Melvin L.
I have not received my 1099 form this year.
Please sent it.
Gary
Where are the tax form w-2 or 1099 I have not got it in the mail
Melvin L.
I have not received my 1099 form this year.
A.C.
Hi, Melvin. We are sorry to hear that. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions for information on how to request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S. 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, Gary. Thanks for your question. 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, a tax form Social Security mails each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits, check out our Frequently Asked Questions for information on how to request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S. 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.