Here are some tips to help you determine if your benefits are taxable:
- If Social Security is your only 2018 income source, your benefits are probably not going to be taxable.
- Social Security tax liability is determined by your income and filing status.
- If you received “substantial” income from other sources, you may owe taxes on your Social Security benefits.
- Quick steps to determine whether Social Security benefits are taxable:
1. Add one-half of the Social Security benefits you received to your adjusted gross income,
including tax-exempt interest.
2. Compare this total to the base amount for your filing status. If your combined income is more
than your base amount, some Social Security benefits may be taxable.
Individuals:
If your combined income is $25,000 to $34,000, you may have to pay tax on up to 50% of your Social Security benefits.
Married, Filing Jointly:
If your combined income is $32,000 to $44,000, you may have to pay tax on up to 50% of your benefits.
For additional information, please consult with your personal tax professional. You can also visit the Social Security Administration website or the IRS website for more details
Source: www.ssa.gov; www.irs.gov ; IRS Publication 915