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
Comments
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John P.
Need my 2021 1099 form so i can file my taxes
Dan N.
I haven’t received my either and it’s very frustrating! I have checked online for weeks. I have called and can only get an automated reply to check online. I have been retired for 13 years and until this year have received my annual statement regularly on time by February 1st.
A.C.
Hi, Dan. 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.
A.C.
Hi, John. 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.
Guy B.
Can we receive a tax credit for a new roof on our home, the roof shingles being rated Energy Star?
My question is really, can we can the credit even if we have no taxable income?
Heye C.
This the comment section, not the ask questions section. You’ll have to call to get any info.
A.C.
Hi, Guy. Thanks for visiting our blog. 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.
Herman W.
Have not received our 1099’s? Need them to file taxes.
Marie J.
It looked like a letter. Easy to think it’s spam snail mail
A.C.
Hi, Herman. We are sorry to hear that. 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.
Dan T.
We have not received our SSA-1099 and cannot access it in Replacement Documents. We need to do our taxes, but this is holding us up. thanks
A.C.
Hi, Dan. 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.
Joyce W.
I am interested in having someone address my womens’ group on March 19th.
Please contact me.
Heye C.
Who are you talking to?
A.C.
Hi, Joyce. Under certain circumstances, Social Security can provide a speaker to discuss our programs, benefits, and services. We provide speakers free of charge, and they are generally available during business hours only. If you would like to request a speaker on behalf of your group, please visit our Request a Speaker page for more information. All requests require at least 30 days advance notice to allow for scheduling arrangements. Please note that we are not able to fulfill all requests. Thanks for your interest in a speaker.
Pam S.
I have not yet received my SSA-1099 for 2021. I am ready to file my taxes. When will I receive this form? It is not available on my SS online account.
JOAN F.
I did not receive the SSA-1099 for 2021. How can I get this?
A.C.
Hi, Joan. 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.
Susan R.
Can I download my 1099 form online? I am needing it for my accountant.
A.C.
Hi, Susan. 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.
Marty
I found it online. It was under Replacement Documents. Not the most intuitive location.
A.C.
Hi, Pam. 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.
Tammy G.
If all I receive is SS benefits with no other income, is the SS benefit taxable?
Thanks Tammy
A.C.
Hi, Tammy. You must pay taxes on your benefits if you file a federal tax return as an “individual” and your “combined income” exceeds $25,000. If you file a joint return, you must pay taxes if you and your spouse have “combined income” of more than $32,000. If you are married and file a separate return, you probably will have to pay taxes on your benefits. For more information, visit our Benefits Planner. 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.
Carol a.
I wrote a letter requesting my moms 1099 for her taxes I haven’t got a response she died in march of 2021 I’m the executor of her trust I don’t know what to do next
P B.
I need this also for my husband who passed away in 2021. Called Social Security directly–long time on hold–and talked to a lady who understood what I needed (1099) gave her SS# and full name and other info about husband and was sent the needed form within 10 days. Hope this helps you.
Judy C.
well, I can tell you this!!! My wifes aunt passes over on 9/20/2020. we filed her Final Income tax report. March of 2021. She was due a refund of approximately $2,800.00. I have a screen shot from the IRS that said it was processed and mailed. However, because the address on the 1040 was her home address, the CPA listed my wife’s address to mail the check. The USPS service WILL NOT FORWARD A RETURN. So it is now lost somewhere in the IRS. We have written six (6) letters with all of the required documents that IRS request we send. As of today 2/28/2022, we haven’t had any communication from the IRS. The letters we mailed went to four different state. Ohio, California, Tennesee, and Utah! Be prepared to wait a long time for an anwser. Probably you won’t get anything until the year 2023, if then!!!!!!!
Jerry
If you have a screen shot of the specific form issued and it contains the dollar amount, make a copy of it if you can and use the copy to file with the tax return. The IRS shouldn’t give you a problem with that as they can look into their own records to see the form was issued. My opinion, not the law. Good luck.
A.C.
Hi, Carol.We are sorry to hear about your loss. 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, you will need to contact your 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.
Rebecca B.
Is there a set amount of income that you receive before your medicare payments are not deducted from your SS payment
Carol a.
I’m not sure but i think so i think she was getting 402.80
A.C.
Hi, Rebecca. Medicare premiums are withheld from Social Security benefits automatically. If your Medicare costs exceed the amount of your Social Security benefit, Medicare will bill you for the remaining balance. If you have additional 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.
Julio L.
I ask, if I am receiving the Social Security for age 65.
When I work and receive wages and they deduct me for social security, is that discount not reimbursed to me?
Charles W.
No, the amount deducted for social security is not refunded/reimbursed to you.
Colleen W.
Hi Julio, we pay into the social security fund so when we retire we draw our retirement from that fund. Everybody who is retired and drawing SS at any given time gets their retirement money from the fund. We actually pay in much less $$ than we receive for our monthly retirement check. If you’re working after retiring, the SS $$ deducted from your work paycheck is put into the fund. You may accrue more points by working longer, so maybe you’ll get more in your SS check as your points increase, or when you reach age 70 you’ll get more in your SS benefit. Bottom line, you work, you pay in, and your only”reimbursement” is your benefit check.
A.C.
Hi, Julio. Thanks for your question. It sounds like you are referring to how work may affect your benefits. Each year we review the records for all working Social Security recipients. If your earnings for the prior year are higher than one of the years we used to compute your retirement benefit, we will recalculate your benefit amount. Check out our publication, How Work Affects Your Benefits, for more information. We hope this helps.