When Social Security benefits were first introduced, they were exempt from taxation at all levels. But Congress eventually passed laws that make this form of income taxable under certain conditions. But many people are still able to receive their Social Security income without having to actually pay taxes on it. The determining factor is your level of income. Have questions about taxes? Click here. If you are single, then there are a couple of income thresholds that determine how much of your Social Security is taxable. If your income is at least $25,000 a year, then up to 50% of your benefits may be taxable. If your income is greater than $34,000 a year, then up to 85% of your income may be taxed. If you are married filing jointly and your income is at least $32,000, then up to 50% of your income may be taxable. If your income is greater than $44,000, then up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be taxed. Social Security benefits are taxed as ordinary income, which means that they are taxed at the taxpayer's top marginal tax rate. Furthermore, the IRS uses a number called your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) to determine your level of income for this calculation. MAGI equals your adjusted gross income plus any tax-free interest income you earned plus half of your Social Security benefit. Social Security is also taxed at the state level by some states. If you live in Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Rhode Island, North Dakota, Vermont, Utah or West Virginia, contact your state tax agency for details on how benefits are taxed (West Virginia is phasing out their taxation of the benefit for the 2021 tax year). It should also be noted that if you have a child who is receiving survivor or dependent Social Security benefits, then that money does not count toward your taxable income for the purpose of the tax calculation described above. That money is only taxable if the child has enough income (from Social Security and all other taxable sources) to require him or her to file their own tax return. If you do end up owing tax on your Social Security benefits, then you can either file quarterly estimated payments to cover this or ask the Social Security Administration to withhold taxes from your benefits each month (The vast majority of filers choose the second option). The majority of Social Security recipients are ultimately required to pay taxes on their Social Security benefits, because most retirees today also receive income from other sources, such as a part-time job or distributions from a pension or other retirement plan. But those for whom Social Security is the only source of income usually don't have to pay taxes on it. Consult your financial advisor for more information on the taxation of Social Security benefits and how this can affect you. Social Security Taxes
Individual Social Security Tax
Social Security Income Tax
Social Security Benefits With Children
Social Security Tax Requirements
How Social Security Is Taxed FAQs
Social Security taxes are calculated based on your income, which includes wages, salaries, bonuses, and other taxable income. The tax rate is 12.4% for most workers (6.2% paid by the worker and 6.2% paid by their employer).
Yes, in most cases, Social Security benefits are taxable at the state level and may be included as part of a taxpayer's gross income. Taxpayers should check with their state's tax authority for details on how this affects them.
Generally, you do not need to pay taxes on your Social Security benefits unless your income is above certain thresholds.
There is no maximum amount of Social Security tax that you must pay. However, the amount of Social Security taxes that can be withheld from your wages is capped at the Social Security wage base for the year, which is set each year by the IRS.
Yes, depending on your individual situation and income level, there may be ways to reduce how much Social Security tax you owe. For example, you may be able to take advantage of deductions or credits that can lower your overall taxable income and limit the amount of Social Security tax you are required to pay. Additionally, some types of retirement savings plans allow for pre-tax contributions which could reduce your taxable income and, therefore, your Social Security tax liability.
True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists.
True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), author of The Handy Financial Ratios Guide, a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University, where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics.
To learn more about True, visit his personal website or view his author profiles on Amazon, Nasdaq and Forbes.
