How is The taxable part of my social security determined? Why is there a tax on it at all. My income is very small.

Forum|Forum|11 months ago
May 4, 2025
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My income is very small. Why is my Social Security taxed so high?

Bsch4477

Combined income under $25,000 (single) or $32,000 (couple): Benefits are not taxed.
Combined income of $25,000 to $34,000 (single) or $32,000 to $44,000 (couple): Up to 50 percent of benefits can be taxed.
Combined income above $34,000 (single) or $44,000 (couple): Up to 85 percent of benefits can be taxed.

Opus 17

@Bsch4477 wrote:

Combined income under $25,000 (single) or $32,000 (couple): Benefits are not taxed.

Combined income of $25,000 to $34,000 (single) or $32,000 to $44,000 (couple): Up to 50 percent of benefits can be taxed.

Combined income above $34,000 (single) or $44,000 (couple): Up to 85 percent of benefits can be taxed.

For this calculation, "combined income" means half your benefit plus all your other income.

So if you are single and your benefit is $2000 per month ($24,000 per year), you can earn up to $13,000 and not pay tax on the benefit. More than that, you will start paying tax on the other income and on the benefit.

Opus 17

If you are married filing separately, your social security is automatically taxed (85% of your benefit is subject to tax) without regard to the usual limits.

VolvoGirl

Up to 85% of Social Security becomes taxable when all your other income plus 1/2 your social security, reaches:

Married Filing Jointly: $32,000

Single or head of household: $25,000

Married Filing Separately: 0

To see the Social Security Benefits Calculation Worksheet in Turbo Tax Online version you would have to save your return with all the worksheets to your computer. Or if you are using the Desktop CD/Download Software you can switch to Forms Mode (click Forms in the upper right) and click on SS in the list on the right side. @olliedare

VolvoGirl

Here is the Turbo Tax SS Worksheet. I couldn't fit it all on one screen shot so it's 2 parts.