General, Taxes

Tax Season: What To Know If You Get Social Security or Supplemental Security Income

February 8, 2022 • By

Reading Time: 4 Minutes

Last Updated: November 2, 2023

Tax seasonIt’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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About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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Comments

  1. James c.

    How can I have some money taken out of my monthly social security for federal taxes?

    • MLM

      Complete form W-4V
      (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4v.pdf)
      Send the completed Form W-4V to your local Social Security Administration office.

    • A.C.

      Hi, James. 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.

  2. Heather S.

    My father passed away in 2021. I’m administrator of his estate. How do I obtain his 2021 1099 to file his taxes?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Heather. We are sorry for 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.

  3. Steve W.

    Are my benefits taxable for 2021 tax year? I worked and earned income through the year as well. My spouse also worked, does not earn benefits yet. What is the total earnings threshold for married filing joint return before it is taxable ?

    • faith l.

      i retired at 63 and started collecting social security. my husband is retiring at 67 and earned more than me over the last 40 years. will this affect my social security earnings?

      • Jacana

        I have been paying 100% of my social security taxes for 9 years and just found out I only have to pay 85%. No where on the forms does it tell you this. (They keep bringing up Schedule A, B, 1, 2 etc. but nowhere does it tell what or where they are.) The whole system needs an overhaul. And, I just found out there is a 1040 SR for Seniors.

      • A.C.

        Hi, Faith. Thanks for your question. Benefits paid to your spouse will not decrease your retirement benefit. For more information, please visit our Retirement Planner. We hope this helps. 

    • A.C.

      Hi, Steve. Thanks for visiting our blog. 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 information is helpful.

  4. JUDI

    MY FATHER PASSED AWAY LAST YEAR & I AM EXECUTOR. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED HIS SSI-1099 & CPA NEEDS THIS TO COMPLETE HIS TAXES.
    I HAVE GONE ON LINE BUT SINCE IT IS NOT MY ACCOUNT THAT I NEED A DUPLICATE FORM I CANNOT ACCESS HIS AS IT WOULD BE ILLEGAL.
    PLEASE ADVISE ASAP

    • ROBERTA A.

      I need to print my mothers 1099. Roberta A. Penkalski ASAP I tried for 2 hrs.

      • A.C.

        Hi, Robert. We are sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, you can only create a my Social Security account using your own personal information and for your own exclusive use. You cannot create or use an account on behalf of another person, even if you have that person’s written permission. For additional information on how to request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2021, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. Your mother also may be able to request a replacement SSA-1099 by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. Our automated services are available 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that she’s requesting a replacement SSA-1099. We hope this helps.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Judi. 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.

  5. joan m.

    I get sick and I have no kids living with me can I still get a stimulus check

    • A.C.

      Hi, Joan. We are sorry to hear about your condition. 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!

  6. Gerry B.

    Do I need to file a tax return if all I have for income is my Social Security Check

    • Annette

      What was the answer? Do you need to file taxes if all you receive is you social security benefits and pension? My mother who is 94 does not think she needs to file. Please advise. Thank you
      Annette

      • Ria

        I get social security and a pension and do not file, so I would say your mother is correct.

      • A.C.

        Hi, Annette. Thanks for your question. Your mother must pay taxes on her benefits if she files a federal tax return as an “individual” and her “combined income” exceeds $25,000. If she files a joint return, she must pay taxes if she and her spouse have “combined income” of more than $32,000. If she is married and files a separate return, she probably will have to pay taxes on her benefits. For more information, visit our Benefits Planner.  For tax questions, she will need to contact the IRS. Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040 or she can visit their website. We hope this information is helpful.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Gerry. Thanks for your question. 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 information is helpful.

  7. Haley

    We have been waiting for social security card that should come with immigration permanent card since Sept13, 2021. We tried to call the local office, either busy or disconnected during steps to get to someone assist. We called mainline, they told us to call local office. Since we do not know our social security number, we cannot request another copy. What can we do to find out what happened to the card or even find what is the number?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Haley. We are sorry to hear that.  We are currently having problems with our phone lines. You may experience service issues, including poor call quality, dropped calls, and long wait times. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and we appreciate your patience. We encourage you to continue to work with your local office. Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter Wednesdays through Fridays or later in the day. We hope this is resolved soon. 

  8. SHANA L.

    Ty

  9. Ferdinand M.

    I filed for retirement benefits at full retirement age and I’m still working earning beyond $32,000 a year. Does my monthly retirement income or benefits will still be subjected for federal income tax?

    • Ria

      When I was still working and receiving social security a small percentage was calculated from my benefits subjected to tax. I was making approximately $60,000. It depends on your extra earning. I don’t remember how much the cut off was, but you can look that up.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Ferdinand. Thanks for your question. 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 information is helpful.

  10. Erica C.

    I’m receiving SSI and my spouse receives SSDI, I received a letter from Social Security to file a 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit. Do I still qualify even if I don’t have any minor children? And do I file single or can I file joint with my spouse? Sorry it’s been a long time since we filed tax. Need your help and advice

    • Robin g.

      I DRw social security and don’t file taxes but have guardian ship of 11 year old can I get thr extra money

    • A.C.

      Hi, Erica. 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. Thanks.

Comments are closed.