Are Social Security Benefits Taxable on Your 1040?

Are Social Security Benefits Taxable on Your 1040?
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Some Social Security income is taxable depending upon your filing status and other income. If Social Security is the only income that you receive during the tax year, then there is a good chance that the income is not taxable. If you receive other income, then you must determine whether your adjusted gross income exceeds the Internal Revenue Service limits. If you make enough income above and beyond your Social Security benefits, you may be taxed on a portion of it ​up to 85 percent​.

Social Security Income Only

If the only income that you received during the fiscal year was Social Security income, then you do not file a federal tax return. Your Social Security income is below the baseline standard established by the IRS, and the entire income amount is not taxable. If you are married filing jointly and the only income that you or your spouse received was from Social Security, then the income is not taxable.

Modified Adjusted Gross Income

If you or your spouse received income from other sources in addition to your Social Security benefits, then Form 1040 can be used to determine your taxable income. According to IRS quick-step guidelines, you can add half of your Social Security income to your other income for the year, excluding tax-exempt interest, and compare that amount to the limits set by the IRS.

If your total modified adjusted gross income exceeds the thresholds, you must pay tax on the amount of income that is above the established limits. This is true whether your Social Security benefits are retirement benefits or disability benefits. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is distinct from Social Security income; SSI is never taxable.

In 2020, single income tax filers who have an adjusted income between ​$25,000​ and ​$34,000​ may have to pay income tax on ​up to 50 percent​ of their Social Security benefits. For those who are married filing jointly and have an adjusted gross income between ​$32,000​ and ​$44,000​, they may be required to pay income tax on ​up to 50 percent​ of their benefits. If you're single and your AGI is more than ​$34,000​ or married filing jointly with ​more than $44,000​ in AGI, you can be taxed on ​up to 85 percent​ of your Social Security income. Visit IRS.gov to compare your income with the income limit tables.

Married Filing Separate Return

If you are married and file a separate return from your spouse, you are required to pay tax on your Social Security income. If you lived with your spouse for any portion of the year, then your Social Security benefits are taxable on your 1040 tax return. If you can prove that you did not live with your spouse any portion of the year, then your Social Security income is probably not taxable. In that case, consult a tax accountant to verify your filing status and taxable income.

Don't Include Child's Benefits

According to the IRS, Social Security pays benefits to children who are the natural, adopted or stepchild of a retired, disabled or deceased wage earner under Social Security Disability Insurance or Survivor’s Benefits. If the Social Security benefit check was made out in your name on behalf of your child, use only your portion to determine your taxable income.

Half of your child's Social Security income must be added to their other income to determine if their adjusted gross income is taxable. Their Social Security benefits should not be added to your income.