Do you have to pay taxes on your social security check?

Answer 1

There is a means test to determine your total annual income and if it exceeds that amount you will have to pay on the additional amount. You can find it in the tax booklet or on line by typing in the question do I have to pay taxes on social security income. Generally speaking, most people don't if social security is their only income. However you may still need to file a return.

Answer 2

If you are retired and Social Security benefits are your only source of income, you will need to file, but generally will not be taxed. If you received income from sources other than Social Security, your benefits will not be taxed unless your modified adjusted gross income is more than the base amount for your filing status.

• For a single taxpayer the base amount (cap) is $25,000.
• If your total AGI is $25-34,000, you will pay tax on 50% of your Social Security benefits
• If your total AGI is above $34,000, you will pay tax on 85% of your benefits

• For married couples filing jointly, the base amount is $32,000
• If your total AGI is $32-$44,000, you will pay tax on 50% of your Social Security benefits
• If your total AGI is above $44,000, you will pay tax on 85% of your benefits

Answer 3

Possibly. Whether or not your Social Security benefits are included in your taxable income for federal income tax depends on your filing status and how much other income you have. The rule for state income tax varies by state.

See the link below for the IRS answer.

Answer 4

You will have to pay federal taxes on your Social Security benefits if you file a federal tax return as an individual and your total income is more than $25,000.