Must I pay taxes on Social Security benefits?

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You must pay taxes on up to 85% of your Social Security benefits if you file a:

  • Federal tax return as an "individual" and your "combined income" exceeds $25,000.
  • Joint return, and you and your spouse have "combined income" of more than $32,000.

If you are married and file a separate return, you probably will have to pay taxes on your benefits.

For more information go to the Income Taxes and Your Social Security Benefits page.

NOTE: "Combined income" includes your adjusted gross income, tax-exempt interest income and half of your Social Security benefits.