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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Julie
I live in Philly. Will I get 2 checks in April 2022
A.C.
Hi, Julie. 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.
Linda i.
I need the form to have fed tax taken out of my social security check.
Tim B.
That is form W-4V
Gary R.
Log into My Social Security and select forms.
A.C.
Hi, Linda. 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. Please see our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this helps.
Ken R.
I started getting my ss in September of 21. I was overpaid and had to pay in a lot to federal income tax . Will my earnings be adjusted automatically in 2022 so I won’t need to pay in so much?
A.C.
Hi, Ken. Thanks for visiting our blog. 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.
Gustavo a.
Como pueyo ayuds amomama esy no le esta yegando la pension dei papa
A.C.
Hi, Gustavo. For information in Spanish, please visit us at http://www.segurosocial.gov, http://www.facebook.com/segurosocial, or http://www.twitter/segurosocial. For Social Security information in other languages, please visit us at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/multilanguage. Thanks!
Tom M.
My mother in law is retired with her only source of income being social security. Her SSA-1099 showed roughly $34K of income. She also received a letter stating she got $1,400 of stimulus money which is not taxable. Do I need to file a federal or state (Michigan) return for her?
A.C.
Hi, Tom. Thanks for visiting our blog. Your mother in law 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 specific federal tax questions, you will need to contact the IRS. Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040 or you can visit their website. For state tax questions, you will need to contact her State Tax Commission or Department of Revenue. We hope this information is helpful.
Jane M.
Who do I contact to have taxes taken out of my Social security payment?
MONTY D.
I want a form to take income tax out of my check S.
monty d.
I want form to take tax’s out of my s.s. check
Carla T.
I need a form to have taxes taken out of my social security benefits.
A.C.
Hi, Carla. 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. Please see our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this helps.
A.C.
Hi, Monty. 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.
Dock N.
I been trying to get taxes take out social security check. I fill out the form for taxes to be take and took it to my local social security office and they still haven’t taken out taxes.so I keep own the irs
A.C.
Hi, Dock. We are sorry to hear that. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office. You can ask to speak to a supervisor on your next call. We hope this helps.
Gary R.
Log in to My Socia Security account and select forms.
A.C.
Hi, Jane. 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.
DML
I only received social security payments in 2021 (No working income).
I have not received a 1099 SSA for my IRS income tax, is this correct?
Diane W.
I didn’t get one for 2021 either!
A.C.
Hi, Diane. 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. Our automated services are available 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a replacement SSA-1099. We hope this helps.
Lashonda E.
I have a question I received ssi I went to college online but I didn’t finish I almost graduate the program but I drop out so I was wondering if I need to file taxes and I was wondering if the college sent the remaining funds back to the IRS because I don’t think I was paid right two hundred and something dollars because I never signed for that amount and I had fininacl aid and the amount of everything what I supposed had gotten so who do I need to talk with someone please tell me something.
A.C.
Hi, Lashonda. 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.
A.C.
Hi, DML. Thanks for your question. The SSA-1099 is a tax form Social Security mails each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits. 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. Our automated services are available 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a replacement SSA-1099. We hope this helps.
Ashley M.
For some reason I cannot make a my SS account… I need help
Azzizi s.
I need help on filing my SSA 1099 form and my stimulus for my child tax credit can someone help
A.C.
Hi, Azzizi. Thanks for visiting our blog. For federal tax questions, you will need to contact the IRS. Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040 or you can visit their website. 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.We hope this helps.
A.C.
Hi, Ashley. We are sorry to hear that. If you created a personal my Social Security account before September 18, 2021 and you are still are unable to access your account, please our dedicated my Social Security Hotline at 1-800-772-1213, and say “helpdesk” at the voice prompt. The help desk is available to callers between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
The Login.gov contact center will assist you through the Login.gov proofing flow only i.e. to help create, sign in and manage your login.gov account. This is done only through their online web support page (https://login.gov/contact/) where you can submit your questions/concerns. Though you can submit your questions at any time, login.gov’s customer support operating hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) and it could take up to two business days for their customer support agents to respond to inquiries.
For ID.me registration and/or authentication process, you should contact ID.me through their customer support page on https://help.id.me/hc/en-us/categories/360005564453-Verifying-for-the-Social-Security-Administration. The page also allows you to submit your requests for any inquiries https://help.id.me/hc/en-us/requests/new. We hope this helps.
Terry D.
I wanted to know how long do I have to be married for my future spouse to collect my social security check? And how old does she have to be to collect my check. She receives SSI. Her disability started at birth. She was deemed a liability, due to a severe sleeping disorder. A Doctor for SSI said she couldn’t hold down a job because she would fall out from exhaustion anytime anywhere and therefore a danger. 841.00 isn’t enough for her to live on. I want her to file for disability. Would you advise this?
William M.
Yes right away
Heather H.
I agree!! She should’ve qualified at age 18, or at least I’d think so.
Good luck!
A.C.
Hi, Terry. Thanks for your questions. For your wife to qualify for spouses benefits, you and your spouse would have to be married for at least one continuous year, your spouse has to be at least 62 years of age, and you must be receiving retirement or disability benefits. Keep in mind if she qualifies for her own benefits and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay her own benefits first. If her benefits as a spouse are higher than her own benefits, she will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. For more information about spouses benefits, please visit our Retirement Benefits Planner. Finally, if she receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your marriage may affect her benefit. To learn more about how marriage affects benefits, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Janet
I had my address change in 2021, just like identity theft. I wasn’t receiving SS yet & making quarterly payments. I found out late in 2021 & Since I’ve never received SS or made payments before, I was called by a SS agent stating I owe SS money & therefore will not continue to have Medicare until July 2022. Does SS call & ask for money?
Mattie J.
SS said my Autism son could not get benefits be cause isSGA is 1,350 and he has to pay back k 4,000.he is getting extra help at work and he has job coaches.I sent in A 20% SUBSTIDY REQUEST AND IT HAS BEEN IGNORED. THEY SAID HE HAS TO REAPPLY TO GET PAYMENTS
A.C.
Hi, Mattie. We are sorry to hear that. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office. You can ask to speak to a supervisor on your next call. We hope this helps.
Diane
Social Security I do not think call. Should you be receiving Social Security benefits because you’ve requested them? By your note, it sounds like someone got into your account and changed your address. I have my checks deposited into my bank for safety.
A.C.
Hi, Janet. Thanks for checking in with us. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.
If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.