Is my Social Security income taxable?

This article was updated for Tax Year 2023, last edited on December 21st, 2023.

Social Security income is generally taxable. However, paying taxes on this income is dependent on your income level and filing status.

Per the IRS: to find out if your social security benefits are taxable, take one half of the Social Security money you collected during the year and add it to your other income (things like pensions, wages, interest, dividends, or capital gains) to get your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (Modified AGI).

Guidelines Set By The IRS:

If you are filing Single, Married Filing Separate (not living together), Head of Household or Qualifying Widow:
- $0-$25,000 Modified AGI: No benefits are taxable
- $25,000 to $34,000 Modified AGI: 50% of the benefits may be taxable
- $34,000+ Modified AGI: Up to 85% of the benefits may be taxable
If you are Married Filing Jointly (MFJ):
- $0-$32,000 Modified AGI: No benefits are taxable
- $32,000 to $44,000 Modified AGI: 50% of the benefits may be taxable
- $44,000+: Modified AGI: Up to 85% of the benefits may be taxable
If you are Married Filing Separately but living together
- There is no income threshold, it will all be taxable.

If you have added all your income and find you are above the Modified AGI limits to be considered non-taxable income, please refer to the IRS’s Social Security Income page for more information.

Additional Resources:

IRS Resource: Social Security and Equivalent Retirement Benefits
IRS Resource: What Is My Filing Status?
IRS Resource: Social Security Income FAQs
IRS Resource: Are My Social Security or Railroad Retirement Tier I Benefits Taxable?

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