Yes, Social Security Benefits can be Taxed

January 14, 2015 by Dave Du Val, EA
Pie Chart with 1/3 a 1040 tax form

Hey Dave,

I'm considering starting to collect my monthly Social Security benefit payments when I turn 67 in 2016, and then I will continue to work at my current job until I reach 68. Is this additional income from Social Security tax-free, or will it be added to my Gross Income for the year and be taxed as such?

Howard

 

Howard,

Good question, and the answer is a little of both. Currently, for folks who use the Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) status, if the combined income is $32,000 or greater, a portion of the social security benefits becomes taxable income.

The amount subject to income taxes ranges from between 50% of your benefits to up to 85% of your benefits. The 85% applies to folks earning more than $44,000 in combined incomes.

For example, if you filed jointly and your combined incomes were $45,000, then 15% of your benefits would be "tax free" and 85% of your benefits would be added to your taxable income. Most folks not using the Married Filing Separately (MFS) status may not earn more than $25,000, and the 85% mark kicks in at $37,000. The actual amount of taxable benefits is calculated on the "Social Security Benefits Worksheet," which is available in TurboTax.

Remember that the amount you receive as benefits increases all the way up to the age of 70. You may want to review your plans with your financial advisor or with the Social Security Administration to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits that are available to you.

Deductibly Yours,

Dave

SEARCH

 

David E. Du Val, EA
Chief Compliance Officer for TRI Holdco

 

Dave Du Val, EA, is Chief Compliance Officer for TRI Holdco. Inc., the parent company of TaxAudit, and Centenal Tax Group. A nationally recognized speaker and educator, Dave is well known for his high energy and dynamic presentation style. He is a frequent and popular guest speaker for the California Society of Tax Consultants, the California Society of Enrolled Agents and the National Association of Tax Professionals. Dave frequently contributes tax tips and information to news publications, including US News and World Report, USA Today, and CPA Practice Advisor. Dave is an Enrolled Agent who has prepared thousands of returns during his career and has trained and mentored hundreds of tax professionals. He is a member of the National Association of Tax Professionals, the National Association of Enrolled Agents and the California Society of Enrolled Agents. Dave also holds a Master of Arts in Education and has been educating people since 1972. 


 

Recent Articles

Couple Looking at Paperwork
When certain medical expenses aren’t covered by a health insurance plan or have a high deductible, the IRS allows a tax deduction on the individual tax return.
Man getting out of car wearing a business suit
Yes, you may be able to deduct mileage and gas on your taxes, but only if you meet certain conditions. Please allow me to explain.
Chalkboard with Debt written all over it being erased
What if your spouse filed a return and failed to report income or overstated deductions – and you had no idea? This is where Innocent Spouse Relief comes in.
Money dissolving in a person's hand
The amount of tax debt relief a person can receive depends on their financial situation. Many options are available to those who have outstanding tax debt.
This blog does not provide legal, financial, accounting, or tax advice. The content on this blog is “as is” and carries no warranties. TaxAudit does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the content of this blog. Content may become out of date as tax laws change. TaxAudit may, but has no obligation to monitor or respond to comments.