https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/taxes.html
About 40% of people who get Social Security must pay federal income taxes on their benefits. This usually happens if you have other substantial income in addition to your benefits. Substantial income includes wages, earnings from self-employment, interest, dividends, and other taxable income that must be reported on your tax return.
You will pay tax on your Social Security benefits based on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules if you:
- File a federal tax return as an "individual" and your combined income*is
- Between $25,000 and $34,000, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50% of your benefits.
- More than $34,000, up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable.
- File a joint return, and you and your spouse have a combined income*that is
- Between $32,000 and $44,000, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50% of your benefits.
- More than $44,000, up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable.
